For a team going into the biggest meet of the year, Steve Shephard's gymnasts act like they are in for a pre-season meet against nobody.

But to Shephard and the Nittany Lions, they've got nothing to lose.

"The pressure's off," the Penn State women's gymnastics coach said. "The hard meets are over with. I'd like to see the girls compete with total confidence, going big, no holding back."

The gymnasts compete at 2 p.m. today at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., in the first round of the NCAA national championship. The No. 12 Nittany Lions are in group A with No. 1 Georgia, No. 4 LSU, No. 5 Florida, No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Stanford.

Of the field, Penn State is dangerous simply because its goal was simply to get to the meet.

"We came in here kinda like having nothing to lose," junior Casey Rohrbaugh said. "All these teams, it's the same thing as usual. The fact that we have nothing to lose, now it's the fun part. We're not expected to defend a title."

The rotation is favorable to the Lions as they finish with their strongest two events and begin with the harder ones. They start with a bye before bars, followed by beam. Then they have another bye before floor and finishing up on vault.

Although Penn State's goal was simply to make it to nationals, it now has its sights on reaching Super Six. The top three teams from each group go to Super Six and perform on Friday.

And with no expectations, the Lions know an upset is possible.

"Without the pressure, people won't be as nervous," junior Brandi Personett said. "We have an advantage as the underdog. Georgia winning would be less exciting than us making Super Six."

Personett is the most experienced Lion at nationals, having represented Penn State both her freshman and sophomore years.

And even though she knows what to expect, Personett is ready for a whole new experience as she is now joined by her teammates.

"When they announced it, I was relieved and there was excitement for everyone," Personett said. "Just to experience it with them, it's a totally different experience."

Rohrbaugh said the Lions' goal is to advance to Super Six, and as long as they "go out there knowing we have nothing to lose," Super Six should be within their grasp.

As the team comes fresh off an emotionally charged regionals, Shephard knows a letdown is possible.

"There's a tendency to have a little bit of a let down after the big meet like that," Shephard said. "We gave the kids Monday off. I didn't see [an emotional letdown]."

Although relaxed and happy to be in the meet, Shephard said the Lions aren't there just to have fun.

"Right now, we're a team on a mission," Shephard said. "I don't think any of the girls on this team are satisfied just to be there. We've got something to prove. Everyone on our team feels that we're a legitimate national power and we need to prove that and we need to show the rest of the country what we're capable of doing."