Southern Utah at Boise State

Recap

The Big Storyline: It was Boise State’s much-anticipated 2022 debut, as well as the Broncos’ home opener. The meet was far from great for either team, as both ended up scoring in the high 194s. Neither team broke 49 on any event; Southern Utah particularly had issues on floor and Boise State struggled to find its groove on bars.

Implications: Southern Utah’s lackluster performance coupled with strong performances by BYU and Utah State means it drops to No. 3 in the conference and to No. 24 nationally. Boise State debuts at No. 35 nationally and fourth in the conference. Considering its COVID issues, Boise State’s struggles aren’t completely uncalled for. However, the Broncos will want to improve on that number in future weeks. With two not-great road scores, Southern Utah will need to fare better in future away meets if it wants to improve its eventual NQS.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 19 Southern Utah at Boise State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: Boise State still hasn’t competed in a meet this season thanks to a first week bye combined with COVID protocols the past two attempts. A Broncos team at full strength can easily contend with the top teams in the conference and has the potential to top the MRGC. Southern Utah is also a team with lots of talent and currently holds the top ranking in the conference. Bars should be a highlight for both teams while beam should be the equalizer—especially with two teams who have struggled with consistency on the event in recent years. 

Need More Proof? Emily Muhlenhaupt’s bars are gorgeous, as is Southern Utah’s Shylen Murakami’s routine. Karley McClain looked like her old self on floor last week; look for her to eventually add more events and ease back into the all-around. Boise will also look to debut several freshmen; Alyssa Vulaj should be a top contributor in that class, though it will be interesting to see what lineups each freshman ends up making.