The LSU gymnastics team jumped to No. 2 in the nation after scoring its highest total of the season, while then-No. 1 Florida suffered its lowest score and first loss of the season.
LSU (4-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) defeated Missouri, 197.350-192.725 last Friday night, while Florida (2-1, 1-1 SEC) lost to then-No. 7 Alabama.
The last remaining team between LSU and the nation’s top ranking is No. 1 Oklahoma.
LSU and Oklahoma are the only teams in the nation averaging more than 197 per meet, but Oklahoma increased its sizeable lead this past weekend with a nation-high score of 197.850.
“On our teams, there are a lot of likenesses, but I think perhaps Oklahoma is in a little bit better groove right now as far as hitting all of their routines,” said LSU coach D-D Breaux. “We are probably on a little bit slower pace trying to not get our kids too ready too soon. It is a very long season.”
Coincidentally, LSU and Oklahoma will face off Saturday night at the Metroplex Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, in what will likely be a precursor to the Super Six Championships in April at the same venue.
You can reach Jacob Hamilton on Twitter @jhamilton_TDR.