Week 3: Power Rankings
OU Returns to the #1 Spot
Photo: Ty Russell
Every week we’ll be releasing a “Power Rankings” that aims to provide a fluid picture of how each team across the NCAA is doing at the moment and where we see them heading. The (+) or (-) next to each team relates to how far they rose or fell from the week before.
This year’s Power Rankings are the top 18 teams in the country based on the average individual rankings of four individuals:
Bailey Perez (former Stanford gymnast)
Ben Cooperman (former Penn State gymnast)
Jess Frankl (photographer/CGA Social Media Director)
Max Soifer (former Washington gymnast)
1. OU (+1)
After three weeks of scoring 413+, OU has finally surpassed Stanford in the rankings to reclaim the #1 overall spot. This week, the stars for OU were Vitaly Guimaraes and Spencer Goodell who both put up 80+ all around performances. The Sooners have solidified themselves as the team to beat this year. Coming up, Oklahoma has their first week off this season and will return to action next when they face Ohio State in a virtual matchup on February 20th.
2. Stanford (-1)
Stanford did not compete this week and slides one spot after an impressive start to the season from the Sooners.
3. Michigan (-)
Michigan is still in their pandemic induced pause and remains in the number 3 spot. It is safe to say that they are the B1G team to beat.
4. Illinois (+1)
Illinois came out on the wrong side of a nail biter against Penn State this weekend by a tenth and a half in what was probably the closest NCAA contest in this code of points. Led by the all around performance of Hamish Carter (80.25), the Illini managed to move up one spot in the power rankings this week to #4. Illinois will head to Iowa on February 13th to take on the Hawkeyes in another highly anticipated B1G battle.
5. Penn State (+2)
After a rough debut, Penn State seems to be back on track following their razor thin victory over Illinois. The difference maker? Matt Cormier and the rest of this talented freshman class entered the lineups. As this young team continues to gain more competition experience, expect them to emerge as one of the top teams in the Big Ten.
This weekend: Nebraska @ Penn State Sunday, Feb 7 at 1:00PMEST
How to watch: BTN+
6. Nebraska (-2)
Nebraska drops two spots after Penn State and Illinois both displayed their ability to score around a 400. The Huskers have their first competition of the season this weekend and the opportunity to prove where they truly stand in the NCAA..
This weekend: Nebraska @ Penn State Sunday, Feb 7 at 1:00PMEST
How to watch: BTN+
7. Ohio State (-1)
The Buckeyes move down one spot in the rankings this week to #7 after their convincing victory over the Naval Academy. Their 397.2 team score was not enough to maintain the #6 slot. Jesse Tyndall and Kameron Nelson kept the Buckeyes afloat this week, but they will need big performances from other key players on their team if they wish to climb the rankings as the season moves forward. Ohio State will take on the Golden Gophers at home this Saturday, February 6th.
This weekend: Minnesota @ Ohio State Saturday, Feb 6 at 7:00PMEST
How to watch: BTN+
8. Iowa (+2)
Iowa returned to competition for the first time since the news broke that their program would be discontinued after this season. The Hawkeyes performed extremely well, serving as a reminder that the Big Ten will be losing a formidable opponent. Both Evan Davis and Bennet Huang should continue to lead this team to great results in 2021.
9. Minnesota (-1)
Minnesota drops one spot to no. 9 after being defeated by Iowa. The Golden Gophers will have the chance to reestablish a higher ranking if they are able to put on a successful performance in their Saturday dual meet against Ohio State.
This weekend: Minnesota @ Ohio State Saturday, Feb 6 at 7:00PMEST
How to watch: BTN+
10. Navy (-1)
The debut of the 2021 Midshipmen was a solid showing of a team with lots of potential, but nonetheless resulted in a drop in the CGA power rankings to 10th. The Naval academy team had strong performances from both upperclassmen and underclassmen. This diversity in production is a good sign for Navy, this year and years to come. The Midshipmen head to West Point for their next contest as they take on the two other academies at the All-Academy Championships on Saturday, February 13th.
11. California (-)
Cal jumped out to an impressive start after taking down Arizona State this past weekend. While they remain in the number eleven spot, more performances like this could propel them up a few places in the rankings.
This weekend: Army, California (Virtual) Saturday, Feb 6 at 5:00PMEST
How to watch: Video (Free Video/Stats)
12. Arizona State (+1)
The Sun Devils jumped a spot to no. 12 after their 380.90 performance against Cal. They showed significant improvements from their week 1 competition, a good sign that even more progress is to come.
13. Air Force (-1)
After a rough performance in week two and another dull showing this past weekend, the Falcons drop one spot in the CGA power rankings to 13th. Air Force will head to West Point on February 13th to take on Army and Navy at the All-Academy Championships.
14. Army (-)
The return of Mathew Davis paid dividends for Army as they got back on track after a tough outing against Penn State a week earlier. The Black Knights should be in contention for a spot just outside of the top ten as the season rolls on.
This weekend: Army, California (Virtual) Saturday, Feb 6 at 5:00PMEST
How to watch: Video (Free Video/Stats)
15. Springfield (-)
Springfield remains in the no. 15 spot after not competing this past weekend. They still have a few more weeks of training before facing off against Cal in a virtual competition on February 17th.
16. W&M (-)
The Tribe maintains their 16th spot in the power rankings this week. Their first showing will be against Stanford in a virtual contest on Wednesday, February 10th.
17. Washington (-)
Washington has yet to compete this year and remains at number 17 for the time being.
18. UIC (-)
UIC stays at number 18 as they prepare to take on Northern Illinois in a virtual competition this Saturday.
This weekend: Northern Illinois, UIC (Virtual) Saturday, Feb 6 at TBD
How to watch: GymACT Live