Missouri gymnastics opened their SEC play by losing to Alabama, but have since found their groove by defeating Georgia and upsetting LSU. They have also put up multiple strong scores including a 197.400, 197.325 and 197.150 The Tigers now have four remaining SEC meets and with the conference having stiffer competition than ever, let’s asses how Missouri will stack up:

Kentucky

Out of the remaining SEC teams Missouri has to face, Kentucky will be the team’s biggest challenge on Feb 9. Kentucky has been on the rise this season, mostly because of fifth year Raena Worley racking up multiple massive scores including two perfect 10.000 on floor exercise. Kentucky’s highest team score of 197.950 is nearly half a point higher than Missouri’s high of 197.400. 

However, their lower scores of 197.475 and 196.775  are more in line with scores Missouri has received. Nonetheless, Missouri will once again enter a conference meet as underdogs, and the Tigers will have to continue their rise in order to challenge Kentucky. 

Florida

A team known for recruiting some of the most accomplished gymnasts in the history of NCAA has shown signs of weakness this season. After losing world championship medalist Kayla DiCello to elite gymnastics as well as having NCAA all-around champion Trinity Thomas graduate and world champion Riley McCusker out due to injury, the Gators have struggled to regain their usual scores. 

Despite their losses, the team has retained world champion Leanne Wong, who has already produced multiple big scores for the Gators this season. Florida comes off a second place finish at the 2023 nationals, but they have had trouble adjusting to their new lineups. Florida is a team that would typically score in the high 197s last year however, this year their scoring potentially is lower. The Gators have an extremely similar scoring range to Missouri, earning a 197.100, 197.425 and 197.475. 

The Gator versus Tiger battle should be closer than most would have expected during the preseason. The meet could come down to every tenth. Florida faces Missouri on Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Zou to the Lou meet. 

Auburn

While Kentucky may be the team to give Missouri the most trouble, Auburn should be Missouri’s easiest victory. Auburn has seen more of the limelight recently, thanks to Olympic all-around champion Sunisa Lee joining the team back in 2022. However, since Lee’s exit, the team has seen a significant drop in scores with their scores being around a 197. 

With Lee, they typically scored around 197.5. If Missouri can stay calm and consistent, they should win easily, as Auburn’s scores are lower than what Missouri has been scoring this season. The one challenge in Missouri’s way is having to compete against Auburn in the Neville Arena, an arena known for its extra rowdy gymnastics fans. The Tigers will make their way to Auburn on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. 

Arkansas

The Tigers will complete their conference meets with a return to the Hearnes Center for the first time in over a month. Arkansas has been on a similar climb as Missouri. The team has Olympic champions Jordyn Wieber and Kyla Ross on their coaching staff, but has struggled to find its footing in recent years. 

This year, Arkansas has seen a significant increase in their consistency and their scores. Their season high of 197.525 set Arkansas up for a successful second half of the season. Their performance has been very similar to the Tiger’s and prepares the team for another close meet. The Tigers will make their anticipated return to the Hearnes Center March 3 at 5 p.m. 

SEC gymnastics has seen a huge shift in power this year, as teams are more well-matched than they ever have been. Missouri may come into some of these meets as underdogs, but the Tigers have yet to showcase their full potential. There is a possibility they could leave this season only losing one or two SEC matchups. They have a lot of momentum building and are ready to capitalize on the opportunities that await. 

Edited by Grace Ainger | gainger@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Emma Short and Grace Knight | gknight@themaneater.com

Edited by Scout Hudson | shudson@themaneater.com