Week 8 Power Rankings & Schedule
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. Stanford (+2)
After facing arguably the most difficult pandemic challenges of any team, which ended up spilling over into the season, Stanford finally has their full roster back on campus. Two competitions in week eight showcased the fact that this team is really in a league of their own. The Cardinal will only continue to gain distance on the rest of the field as they build up to full strength as we approach the postseason.
This weekend: Stanford @ Oklahoma Saturday, March 13 at 2:00PMEST
How to watch: FoxSports Southwest & FS Southeast
2. Michigan (-1)
Michigan drops to the number two spot after Stanford posted the highest team score of the week. The Wolverines’ 402.65 was lower than normal, however, they were missing several routines from Paul Juda. Once he is back on the competition floor, their team score should significantly improve. They have the chance to make a case for the number one spot again this Sunday when they face off against Minnesota.
This weekend: Minnesota @ Michigan Sunday, March 14 at 1:00PMEST
How to watch: BTN+
3. OU (-1)
A mediocre weekend for the Sooners (403.70) and a weekend of strong performances from Stanford pushes Oklahoma down one spot to third in the rankings. A mix of pommel horse woes and the absence of Gage Dyer explains the less than stellar weekend for OU. Mark Williams’ Sooners will be back in action at home on Saturday, March 13th in a battle of top teams as the Stanford Cardinal make their way to Norman.
This weekend: Stanford @ Oklahoma Saturday, March 13 at 2:00PMEST
How to watch: FoxSports Southwest & FS Southeast
4. Nebraska (+2)
A statement win over Ohio State lifted Nebraska two spots in the rankings. Taylor Christopulos has been a nice addition to this experienced roster and could have a shot at Big Ten Freshman of the year. The Cornhuskers are now ranked number one in the country on pommel horse, a nice event to have over the rest of the field in the competitions that count.
5. Ohio State (-1)
Ohio State had a strong 406.70 performance this past weekend, but it wasn’t enough to beat Nebraska in their dual meet. The Buckeyes lose one spot in the rankings to the Huskers, but they are proving to be a top team to compete against.
This weekend: Iowa @ Ohio State Saturday, March 13 at 1:00PMEST
How to watch: BTN+
6. Illinois (-1)
After a week off and some big performances from teams around the country, Illinois suffers a drop in the rankings to sixth. The Illini have another week off before they head to Minnesota on Monday, March 22nd to take on a revived Golden Gopher squad.
7. Iowa (+1)
Iowa came up just shy of a win over Michigan this past weekend as they continue to show they are a threat to every team in the Big Ten. Bennet Huang and Evan Davis have been excellent this season and are now ranked sixth and eighth in the all around respectively.
This weekend: Iowa @ Ohio State Saturday, March 13 at 1:00PMEST
How to watch: BTN+
8. Minnesota (+2)
With Shane Wiskus back in the lineup for Minnesota, they were able to have their best performance of the season, scoring a 404.30. This helped the jump two spots in this week’s rankings. The Gophers will look to carry this momentum into their competition this weekend where they will face off against Michigan, the top ranked team in the B1G.
This weekend: Minnesota @ Michigan Sunday, March 14 at 1:00PMEST
How to watch: BTN+
9. Penn State (-2)
A disappointing loss to Minnesota after a crushing defeat at Iowa drops Randy Jepson’s Nittany Lions to ninth in the rankings. The strong start from Penn State’s superstar freshmen seems to have tapered a bit. Once some of those rookie challenges get sorted out, Penn State will be able to compete with the best of the Big Ten. For now, they sit as a massive underdog and will next make their case on Saturday, March 20th when Michigan heads to State College.
10. Navy (-1)
COVID-19 related issues have put Navy’s season on hold after putting together a string of solid outings. We are still waiting to hear when they will return to competition.
11. Cal (-)
Cal remains in the number eleven spot after their 386.10 performance this past weekend. They showed improvement in their competition against Stanford, but still have a lot of growing to do before catching up to Navy and Penn State, the two teams ranked above them.
This weekend: Air Force, California (Virtual) Saturday, March 13 at 6:00PMEST
How to watch: Virti.us
12. W&M (-)
Mike Powell’s Tribe holds steady this week after an encouraging performance at home against Oklahoma. William & Mary and Cal seem to be in a battle for the 11th spot, and so far, the Golden Bears have been winning out.
13. Arizona State (-)
ASU was off in week eight and did not move in the rankings. While they currently do not have any more competitions scheduled this season, this may change as pandemic conditions fluctuate.
14. Air Force (-)
Air Force remains in the same ranking after not competing this past weekend. The Falcons have an important competition this weekend as they will face off against Cal. They have the opportunity to take down the number eleven ranked team which could help their case in next week's rankings.
This weekend: Air Force, California (Virtual) Saturday, March 13 at 6:00PMEST
How to watch: Virti.us
15. Army (-)
Army looks to be in a comfortable 15th spot at this point in the season; a week off had no impact on their ranking. Army will take on Air Force in a virtual matchup on Friday, March 19th.
16. Springfield (-)
The five up, five count format is not very forgiving, something that Springfield found out in their latest showing as a few disastrous routines hurt the Pride’s overall performance. If they can eliminate the big mistakes, Matt Davis’ team could see a big increase in score.
17. Washington (-)
The Huskies remain in the same spot after having the week off. Their next competition is March 15th where they will take on ASU.
18. UIC (-)
UIC holds on to their 18th spot in the rankings after defeating NIU 348.70 - 331.50. This was UIC’s first showing in nearly two months. The Flames next contest is against Temple on Saturday, April 24th as they gear up for the GymACT championships in May.