Red Rocks trying to find energy away from home

Utah's gymnastics team is back on the road Friday — this time at No. 21 Michigan. The top-ranked Red Rocks are still looking for a strong road outing that equals their home performances.

"We have been in a bubble at home, and need to quit depending on having 14-15,000 people for energy and enthusiasm," said Utah co-head coach Greg Marsden. "We need to create that same energy within our group when we are on the road."

The Utes haven't been bad away from the Huntsman Center, but have dropped into the 196.0 score range both times, compared to their three 197.0 marks at home. Last Sunday Utah defeated Arizona State 196.150-194.000. The mark was a full point below its previous week's mark in a home victory over rival Georgia.

"There wasn't a lot of enthusiasm in the arena at ASU, so I think at the time we were feeling worse about the effort than we needed to. I went back and watched the videos, and other than some obvious mistakes we made, it was a good effort," said Marsden.

Utah's biggest struggle at ASU came on floor, which was surprising considering it is ranked No. 1 in the event. Both Georgia Dabritz and Stephanie McAllister, who were tied for third in the country on floor, fell.

But Utah did close out the meet strong in its other top-ranked event, beam.

"We had a hard time adjusting to the floor there. It was a little bouncier than what we've experienced up to now," said Marsden. "I'm not overly concerned, but we do need to get better at adjusting to those things in order to become a better team on the road. I felt beam was probably our best showing of the season on that event."

Ann Arbor has not been a kind place to the Red Rocks, who hold the series lead, 23-11, over Michigan. The Wolverines hold a 6-2 advantage over Utah in their home arena, where they are undefeated this season.

"I always feel that they are a dangerous team," said Marsden. "They are well-coached, especially at their place. I don't think we can go there and get away with counting a fall like we did at ASU, and win the meet.

"Usually the judging is tight there so probably not expecting huge scores, but we cannot be affected by all of that stuff. We just need to stick to our rituals and create enthusiasm in our own group, and not rely on the exterior environment."

OTHER MEETS: BYU travels to No. 15 Arizona Friday, while Utah State hosts Sacramento State. Southern Utah has a bye this week.

Red Rocks meet

No. 1 Utah (4-1) at

No. 21 Michigan (6-1)

Friday, 4 p.m. MT

Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, Mich.