Last weekend, there was a lot of fun and exciting meets! We now know the NCAA Championship qualifiers, and there were some fun, tight races to get there! I've broken down the meets and what each qualifier should do in the next two weeks.
Ann Arbor Regional
Qualifiers
Auburn University
Stanford University
This was quite possibly the most exciting regional! Between Michigan falling apart on beam, and coming back and scoring a 49.675, scoring .05 lower than they needed to tie Stanford (they would've the tie breaker either way), and Eastern Michigan coming out stronger than they have in program history. It was so exciting, and Eastern Michigan was a stellar beam rotation away from Nationals. It is important to note that this was EMU's first trip to Nationals ever, and they should have a fun few years ahead of them. Stanford and Auburn looked okay, they did just as much as they needed to to make it to Nationals.
Looking ahead, Stanford and Auburn will need to have better days than they had today to make it to the Super Six. Auburn knows what they need to do, having made the Super Six a year ago, and Stanford has a storied history of turning it on when they need to and making it farther than people thought they would. Stanford's approach, which payed off today, is to do their job and watch other people make mistakes. However, I don't see either of these teams making Super Six.
Athens Regional
Qualifiers
LSU
University of Georgia
As I predicted last weekend, this was a cut and dry meet. The key for Georgia was starting on beam and hitting, which they've had their demons on earlier this year. If Georgia can keep the damage on beam to a minimum in Fort Worth, than they have a good shot in cracking into the top six teams in the country. They scored a respectable 196.85, but will have to do better in two weeks. Look to see if the Gymdawgs can have one fall or less on beam, it will be a big indicator of how their day will go.
LSU looked good, and ready to make amends for last year's semifinal disappointment. Much like Georgia, they've had some beam trouble this year, but are looking stronger than they have. If all goes according to plan, they should have no problem moving onto the final. However, the same was true last year, and they completely fell apart on beam. Look for the tigers to correct themselves this year, as I don't see them making the same mistakes twice.
Iowa City Regional
Qualifiers
University of Oklahoma
University of Nebraska
While I predicted these two team would be punching their tickets to Texas, I didn't expect it to be this big of a gap between Nebraska and Arkansas. It was really sad to watch the Hogs completely fall apart in the way that they did. Look for them to come back strong next year ready to make amends. Nebraska, who made the Super Six two years ago, does not look anything like that team, and are lucky they were sent to Iowa City, because if they went to a different regional, they would not have made it to Nationals.
Oklahoma looks more ready to win a National title than ever before. After coming so close in 2014- sharing the title with Florida- and this meet shows where they are at. They have some minor things to clean up before Texas, but are looking strong and are in perfect position to make a run for the title.
Minneapolis Regional
Qualifiers
University of Florida
University of Minnesota
This was a fun fight for the second qualifying spot, much like I expected it to be. Florida did not look as invincible as they have in the past, but should easily qualify to the Super Six. The Gators did not have a tight, clean meet, but hit all of their routines. It was a bit of a shock for them to receive the scores, but that's what happens when you move away from the SEC.
It was set up to be fun to watch Minnesota and Denver fight for the second spot, until Denver completely fell apart. It was heartbreaking to watch Denver lose it on the last two events, recording sub-par scores on bars and beam. It was fun to watch the emergence of Missouri, who have had a great season. Mizzou is a fun team to watch, and will be on an upswing over the next few year.s
Salt Lake City Regional
Qualifiers
University of Utah
UCLA
This meet was one of the more boring ones out there. Combine it with a clear cut winners from the beginning, the late start time, and lack of excitement, I will have to admit I fell asleep halfway through the meet. However, Utah looked strong, although scoring at the Huntsman Center is always a little suspicious.
UCLA did not look as strong as I expected them to, and I expected it to be a lot closer than it was. UCLA will need to be better and limit the damage when something is not going their way. If they continue on this pace, they will not make the Super Six, which would be devastating for a team of with that much talent. I hope in the next two week, UCLA will clean it up and rise to the occasion at Nationals. If they were at a different regional, they would not have made it to Nationals, and that's just sad.
Tuscaloosa Regional
Qualifiers
University of Alabama
University of California, Berkeley
Tuscaloosa was home to the most exciting regional. What was expected to be cut and dry, was very much not. You got the rare fourth place finisher was not very far off of qualifying a team to Nationals. Boise State had a great meet to finish off a record breaking season. Kentucky had a much better meet than people expected them to, and they finished off the meet with a really strong beam rotation. It was heartbreaking to watch both of these super talented teams come so close, but they both should be back even stronger next year.
Alabama looked very strong, but as they were on their home floor, it is understandable that they competed as well as they did. If they competed any worse it would be a disappointment. Cal, Berkeley on the other hand, competed as well as they have all season, and booked their first trip to Nationals in decades. They are now in a difficult position, as their star Toni-Ann Williams will not compete at Nationals as she will be competing at the Olympic Test Event. However, they have broken a lot of records this year. But even if they have the meet of their lives in the National Semifinal, I don't see them breaking into the Super Six just yet.
Showing posts with label Utah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Utah. Show all posts
Regionals Preview
Tomorrow, the six NCAA Regional Competitions will take place in Ann Arbor, Michigan (University of Michigan), Athens, Georgia (University of Georgia), Iowa City, Iowa (University of Iowa), Minneapolis, Minnesota (University of Minnesota), Salt Lake City, Utah (University of Utah), and Tuscaloosa, Alabama (University of Alabama). I'm going to look at each competition and hi-light some routines and what to watch!
Ann Arbor Regional
Teams Competing
1. Auburn University
2. University of Michigan
3. Stanford University
4. Eastern Michigan University
5. Penn State University
6. University of New Hampshire
Fans have taken to calling the Ann Arbor Regional the "Death Regional" because it will be a fight to the death between Auburn, Michigan, and Stanford.
While Stanford is the number three seed, it would be foolish to count them out. They have a history of looking messy during the year, but turning it on in April. Michigan has had an impressive start to the season, but fizzled out ever so slightly, but still managed to pull out a win two weeks ago at the B1G 10 Championships. They are also competing at home, and the home field advantage in NCAA is always a significant factor. They have a very young team, with a freshman standout in Olivia Karas. The main storyline with the Wolverines is if they can over come their youth and hit when the pressure is on. The senior class at Auburn, which was awarded their first number one seed in school history, is responsible for breaking more records than one can count at Auburn. Auburn made the super-6 a year ago and it is hard to imagine a scenario that they do not make it to Fort Worth, however their ticket is not yet punched.
For all of these teams, they need to hit if they want to make it to Fort Worth.
Athens Regional
Teams Competing
1. LSU
2. University of Georgia
3. Oregon State University
4. University of Arizona
5. George Washington University
6. Michigan State University
This regional will be an intense three team race. Like most of the regionals, it is clear to see which teams have a legitimate chance at punching a ticket to Fort Worth, and you also know it will be very heartbreakingly close. LSU has the mathematical advantage, however they have already lost to Georgia in Athens this year. Oregon State is always a strong team, yet can never close it out in the post season. If they are able to hit in Athens this weekend, they will make it a very interesting meet. However, I am predicting that the top two seeds will advance.
Iowa City Regional
Teams Competing
1. University of Oklahoma
2. University of Nebraska
3. University of Arkansas
4. University of Iowa
5. Kent State University
6. Central Michigan University
This is one of the only regionals that look cut and dry. If everyone hits, Oklahoma and Nebraska will advanced. Obviously, that is easier said than done, but that is how I expect it to go down in Iowa.
Oklahoma looks stronger than ever, and will be using this meet as practice. The 2014 Co-Champions should have no problem qualifying to Nationals, even if they count a fall, which is something they have not done this year. Nebraska has had some rough meets this year, but have turned it around and secured a second seed here. Contrary to that, Arkansas started off strong, beating Alabama this year. However, the long season has taken it's toll on Arkansas and have slowed down considerably. They would need to have a great meet and Nebraska would have to falter for Arkansas to qualify.
Minneapolis Regional
Teams Competing
1. University of Florida
2. University of Denver
3. University of Minnesota
4. University of Missouri
5. Ohio State University
6. Brigham-Young University
This regional is looking to be a close match between two teams for the second qualifying spot. The overall two seed and three-time national championships Florida Gators are looking strong off of their SEC Championship win and will easily qualify to nationals. Their focus is turned to nationals, and can have an "okay" day and still qualify to nationals. The other two teams in contention do not have that luxury. The University of Denver is ranked the highest they have ever been, and the Gophers have had a great season as well, beating powerhouses such as Michigan and Nebraska en route to a B1G 10 Regular Season title. Both teams need to be on top of their games to qualify, but if both schools come out of the gates swinging, I predict the second spot will go to Denver.
Salt Lake City Regional
Teams Competing
1. University of Utah
2. University of California, Los Angeles
3. University of Washington
4. Southern Utah University
5. University of Illinois
6. Utah State University
Half of the teams that will be competing at the Huntsman Center this year hail from Utah, and it is expected that half of the teams moving on call the mountains their home. This is a relatively cut and dry meet, much like Iowa City. Utah and UCLA are in a league of their own among the other teams competing in Salt Lake City. The two teams met just two weeks ago at the Pac 12 Championships, which saw the Bruins come out on top. The real story here is not who will advance, but in what ranking. If both teams hit, I expect that the Utes will beat UCLA this weekend.
Tuscaloosa Regional
Teams Competing
1. University of Alabama
2. California, Berkeley
3. Boise State
4. University of Kentucky
5. University of West Virginia
6. Bowling Green State University
The front runner in this regional is clearly the University of Alabama. UA will be competing in front of a home crowd, in a familiar arena, and is currently the third best team in the country. It will take a complete meltdown as well as for two teams to have the meet of their life in order to miss a berth to nationals.
That realistically leaves three teams fighting for one spot. Cal, Berkeley will have to fight off an surging, undefeated Boise State team, who has had the season of their lives. This Boise State team is currently ranked 15th, which is their highest in school history. In comparison, Cal is ranked 10th, so an upset would not be a big stretch. Cal will also have to contend with Kentucky, who has underperformed all season. They are ranked lower than they are capable, and could give Cal a run for their money with a great meet, but they will have to perform better than they have all season.
Ann Arbor Regional
Teams Competing
1. Auburn University
2. University of Michigan
3. Stanford University
4. Eastern Michigan University
5. Penn State University
6. University of New Hampshire
Fans have taken to calling the Ann Arbor Regional the "Death Regional" because it will be a fight to the death between Auburn, Michigan, and Stanford.
While Stanford is the number three seed, it would be foolish to count them out. They have a history of looking messy during the year, but turning it on in April. Michigan has had an impressive start to the season, but fizzled out ever so slightly, but still managed to pull out a win two weeks ago at the B1G 10 Championships. They are also competing at home, and the home field advantage in NCAA is always a significant factor. They have a very young team, with a freshman standout in Olivia Karas. The main storyline with the Wolverines is if they can over come their youth and hit when the pressure is on. The senior class at Auburn, which was awarded their first number one seed in school history, is responsible for breaking more records than one can count at Auburn. Auburn made the super-6 a year ago and it is hard to imagine a scenario that they do not make it to Fort Worth, however their ticket is not yet punched.
For all of these teams, they need to hit if they want to make it to Fort Worth.
Athens Regional
Teams Competing
1. LSU
2. University of Georgia
3. Oregon State University
4. University of Arizona
5. George Washington University
6. Michigan State University
This regional will be an intense three team race. Like most of the regionals, it is clear to see which teams have a legitimate chance at punching a ticket to Fort Worth, and you also know it will be very heartbreakingly close. LSU has the mathematical advantage, however they have already lost to Georgia in Athens this year. Oregon State is always a strong team, yet can never close it out in the post season. If they are able to hit in Athens this weekend, they will make it a very interesting meet. However, I am predicting that the top two seeds will advance.
Iowa City Regional
Teams Competing
1. University of Oklahoma
2. University of Nebraska
3. University of Arkansas
4. University of Iowa
5. Kent State University
6. Central Michigan University
This is one of the only regionals that look cut and dry. If everyone hits, Oklahoma and Nebraska will advanced. Obviously, that is easier said than done, but that is how I expect it to go down in Iowa.
Oklahoma looks stronger than ever, and will be using this meet as practice. The 2014 Co-Champions should have no problem qualifying to Nationals, even if they count a fall, which is something they have not done this year. Nebraska has had some rough meets this year, but have turned it around and secured a second seed here. Contrary to that, Arkansas started off strong, beating Alabama this year. However, the long season has taken it's toll on Arkansas and have slowed down considerably. They would need to have a great meet and Nebraska would have to falter for Arkansas to qualify.
Minneapolis Regional
Teams Competing
1. University of Florida
2. University of Denver
3. University of Minnesota
4. University of Missouri
5. Ohio State University
6. Brigham-Young University
This regional is looking to be a close match between two teams for the second qualifying spot. The overall two seed and three-time national championships Florida Gators are looking strong off of their SEC Championship win and will easily qualify to nationals. Their focus is turned to nationals, and can have an "okay" day and still qualify to nationals. The other two teams in contention do not have that luxury. The University of Denver is ranked the highest they have ever been, and the Gophers have had a great season as well, beating powerhouses such as Michigan and Nebraska en route to a B1G 10 Regular Season title. Both teams need to be on top of their games to qualify, but if both schools come out of the gates swinging, I predict the second spot will go to Denver.
Salt Lake City Regional
Teams Competing
1. University of Utah
2. University of California, Los Angeles
3. University of Washington
4. Southern Utah University
5. University of Illinois
6. Utah State University
Half of the teams that will be competing at the Huntsman Center this year hail from Utah, and it is expected that half of the teams moving on call the mountains their home. This is a relatively cut and dry meet, much like Iowa City. Utah and UCLA are in a league of their own among the other teams competing in Salt Lake City. The two teams met just two weeks ago at the Pac 12 Championships, which saw the Bruins come out on top. The real story here is not who will advance, but in what ranking. If both teams hit, I expect that the Utes will beat UCLA this weekend.
Tuscaloosa Regional
Teams Competing
1. University of Alabama
2. California, Berkeley
3. Boise State
4. University of Kentucky
5. University of West Virginia
6. Bowling Green State University
The front runner in this regional is clearly the University of Alabama. UA will be competing in front of a home crowd, in a familiar arena, and is currently the third best team in the country. It will take a complete meltdown as well as for two teams to have the meet of their life in order to miss a berth to nationals.
That realistically leaves three teams fighting for one spot. Cal, Berkeley will have to fight off an surging, undefeated Boise State team, who has had the season of their lives. This Boise State team is currently ranked 15th, which is their highest in school history. In comparison, Cal is ranked 10th, so an upset would not be a big stretch. Cal will also have to contend with Kentucky, who has underperformed all season. They are ranked lower than they are capable, and could give Cal a run for their money with a great meet, but they will have to perform better than they have all season.
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