With only two meets left in the regular season, we've seen a majority of what our teams have to show. I'm still holding out for some surprises, both in my rankings and from RTN, and some stellar individual performances this week are making it less obvious who will come out on top at SECs. Let's break it down.
(All photos c/o the respective schools' Athletic Department)
1. Auburn (W, 197.050-196.150 vs Georgia)
Call it the comeback of the season. Auburn was true to their navy blue this week with intricate stoning in orange and white. They shone beautifully on camera and were exactly what the team needed to boost them in my rankings and to beat the Dawgs.
2. Kentucky (L, 196.875-197.500 at Florida)
The above picture does not do these justice, with black side panels that reflected blue under the lights in Gainesville. Whereas last week Kentucky had almost too much going on, this week there was only one logo and it was just enough. Back-to-back departures from Kentucky blue are fun to see, but I hope they'll return with only a few regular season meets left.
3. LSU (L, 197.325-197.725 at Alabama)
Similar to the diamond leotards from Week 3 and the panels from Week 2, these are super blingy and show off LSU's color combo. I was not a fan at first - the front panel has never been my favorite style - but as the meet went on the sparkle and shine grew on me. Last season LSU teased four brand new leotards, and with that season cut short I'm holding out to see them soon.
4. Arkansas (W, 197.350-196.850 vs Missouri)
Back to simplicity for the Razorbacks. These translated so well on TV with the stripes, and the open back with just two bedazzled stripes was right up my alley. However, the giant script Arkansas along the lower back was not it; I understand the need for branding but a more simplistic font would have done the job.
5. Georgia (L, 196.150-197.050 at Auburn)
I haven't watched a ton of club gymnastics in my day, but enough to know what makes the leotards different from the collegiate level. Going all neutral is something the Dawgs could have executed really well, but these were just too abstract and didn't show off any of what makes this program special. I would like to see more of the black and white look, but in a much different direction.
6. Alabama (W, 197.725-197.325 vs LSU)
Six Bama leos down, five to go. Their breast cancer awareness leotard had the right message, but with a lot going on. Three total pink ribbons with plenty on the sleeves and an unflattering top panel landed these pretty low on my list. With the removal of one of the pink ribbons I could have really liked these. Don't let me down with these next five, Alabama.
7. Missouri (L, 196.850-197.350 at Arkansas)
We've seen these already this season from Missouri, and most of what I said Week 3 holds up. The geometric stoning on the lower sleeve is really interesting, and I actually like the placement of the Tiger logo. Missouri is having such a strong season in the rankings and still has a few weeks to do something interesting with the black and gold.
8. Florida (W, 197.500-196.875 vs Kentucky)
Despite a stellar win, the Gators let me down this week. These cancer awareness leotards were basic, and looked like any pink leo for sale. The only individual element was their signature crown and ribbon on the sleeve, and individuality aside they weren't very flattering. This week was a huge departure from what Florida has been doing.