Huskers to Start Season at Penn State

The Nebraska men’s gymnastics team is set to start the 2021 season this Sunday, Feb. 7 at 12:00 p.m. CT at Rec Hall in State College, PA. The preseason No.4 Huskers take on the No. 6 Nittany Lions. The Big Ten matchup this Sunday will count towards the Big Ten regular season championship standings. 

Last Time Out

NU returns to competition for the first time in 344 days after the 2020 season ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nebraska’s last meet was against Penn State where they battled back to close a 7-point deficit and win 406.950-403.200. Nebraska finished the season 7-2 and 2-1 in Big Ten competition. The Huskers return 17 gymnasts from the 2020 season and introduce three newcomers on the roster for 2021. 

The Huskers were set to return to competition Jan. 24 against Michigan. This meet was postponed due to Michigan’s pause on all athletic activities. 

Scouting the Competition

Penn State is coming off of a narrow win against Illinois where they came back from a 2.35-point deficit in the final two rotations to win 399.300-399.150. This marks PSU’s second win of the season and first in Big Ten competition. 

The Nittany Lions are led by many new faces in 2021 including eight freshmen. Leading the pack is freshman Matt Cormier who earned Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Week and CGA Rookie-of-the-Week honors the week of Feb. 1 for his performance against Illinois. Cormier earned the vault title after notching a 14.60 score. In his first collegiate performance, Cormier earned the floor title with a score of 14.35.  

Randy Jespen leads the Nittany Lions in his 30th year as head coach. Jespen has won three national championships and four Big Ten titles during his tenure. 

Follow the Huskers

Fans can follow @NebraskaMensGym on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for live updates during the meet. The meet will also be live-streamed on BTN+ starting at 12:00 p.m. CT.