For the next edition of the Gymnastics McLaughlin Group, Blythe Lawrence proposed this question: 
Which NCAA school is really going to shock everyone this season?

At the present moment, one month into the season, here's a look at the top 25 women's teams:
1 Florida, 2 Stanford, 3 Utah, 4 Georgia, 5 Oklahoma, 6 Alabama, 7 Oregon State, 8 UCLA, 9 Michigan, 10 Nebraska, 11 Arkansas, 12 Kent State, 13 Minnesota, 14 Washington, 15 Boise State, 16 Ohio State, 17 Iowa State 194.594, 18 North Carolina State, T19 Illinois-Champaign, Southern Utah, 21 Penn State, 22 Auburn, 23 Iowa 24 L.S.U., 25 Denver

Here was my answer as submitted about 3 weeks ago:
"Southern Utah. Elise Wheeler put them on the map the past few years and though she's now graduated they've been looking great in the preseason. They have a young, energetic coaching staff and they compete some unique routines.
Currently in the top 10: Stanford. They came out firing in week one with some big routines!
A total dark horse: New Hampshire. Kristin Maloney is already making an impact in her first season with the Wildcats."

Southern Utah of course went on to upset UCLA while the defending NCAA Champions were stuck in their early season slump which they seem to have shaken last weekend with a win at Oregon State and a big season high of 196.675. Southern Utah now sits at #19 Nationally with a season high of 195.750. 

Stanford is already proving they're 2011 NCAA title contenders. Kyle Khou covered them for gymnastike last weekend as they defeated Utah in Salt Lake and he was convinced there was something special about this team. Check out those videos. 
They're led by 5th year senior all arounder Allyse Ishino who consistently delivers routines like this. Fun fact: her younger brother is the #1 ranked NCAA men's All Arounder, Glen Ishino of Cal.



I'll also throw in that I was very impressed with Alabama last weekend. They're an extremely young team who seems to be getting over its learning curve. They posted a season high 196.825 during our coverage of the Metroplex Challenge with a few silly mistakes. When they put it all together they'll hit 197+ easily. And, once Alabama gets on fire they're known for nailing landings, much like this stick from senior Kayla Hoffman who made our Stick of the Week:


Click links below to view videos of any of my predicted surprise teams. 
- Stanford home meet video | Stanford at Utah meet video
- SUU meet video | SUU preseason videos
- UNH meet video
- Alabama's win at the Metroplex Challenge

Click here to view what a few other members of the Gymnastics McLaughlin Group had to say. No one called Kent State who is the biggest shock of the top 25 rankings at #12. Should the Flashes qualify to the 2011 NCAA Championships in Cleveland they would be the "home" team, competing just 40 miles from their campus. 

Who do YOU think is/will be the biggest surprise of this 2011 NCAA Season and why?