2017 Week 5: AVCA Poll Notes and Preview
Sept 19, 2017 0:26:37 GMT -5
treblejig, traveler, and 1 more like this
Post by lionsfan on Sept 19, 2017 0:26:37 GMT -5
Let's do this!
The Rivalry: Seeing Red
A few years ago, the gap didn’t seem so huge…but all of a sudden, Nebraska reeled off five straight wins against Penn State—including three five-set heartbreakers for the Lions—to take a 19-10 series lead, cementing the Huskers as the most successful program ever (by far) against Penn State. (To put the series in a less harsh perspective, since joining the Big Ten and getting fully funded with a full scholarship allotment, Penn State is 9-14 against the Huskers…damn those last five losses!)
The Lions were 13-0, ranked #1 and hosting a lower-ranked Nebraska squad in 2015—when the Huskers came back from an 0-2 deficit for their first ever win in Rec Hall since joining the Big Ten. Will they do it again? Or can the Lions get a little payback in the 30th installment of the iconic rivalry, their only regular season meeting of the season?
Here’s a look at the history between these two schools:
2. Nebraska: 90 (9/11/04-9/11/09)
3. Penn State: 87 (11/25/95 to 9/16/2000)
4. Northern Iowa: 74 (11/1/97 to 9/18/04)
5. Nebraska: 63 (9/29/99 to 12/14/02)
19. Nebraska: 43 (9/5/92 to 12/18/94)
20t. Penn State: 42 (9/23/89 to 9/27/91)
Note: Many of these numbers were taken from the NCAA and AVCA record books, which could easily be off a tad (the All-American numbers are the ones I am most unsure of being 100 percent accurate, so any corrections are welcome!)
The Series
Here is a refreshed rundown of the rivalry between these two powerhouses:
2017
University Park, PA; Sept. 22
#2 Penn State vs. #14 Nebraska
2016
University Park, PA; Nov. 4
#1 Nebraska def. #11 Penn State 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 23-25, 15-11
Lincoln, Neb.; Nov. 16
#1 Nebraska def. #15 Penn State 25-17, 25-14, 25-22
Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 9
#2 Nebraska def. #13 Penn State 23-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-6
2015
University Park, PA; Oct. 2
#4 Nebraska def. #1 Penn State 12-25, 24-26, 25-14, 25-20, 15-11
Lincoln, Neb.; Nov. 28
#5 Nebraska def. #7 Penn State 25-18, 25-18, 25-20
2014
Lincoln, Neb.; Oct. 3
#8 Nebraska def. #3 Penn State 12-25, 25-22, 25 -20, 25-23
University Park, PA; Nov. 29
#4 Penn State def. #10 Nebraska 25-21, 25-15, 25-16
2013
Lincoln, Neb.; Nov. 30
#2 Penn State def. #10 Nebraska 22-25, 25-23, 26-24, 26-24
2012
University Park, PA; Sept. 19
#4 Penn State def. #3 Nebraska 23-25, 28-26, 25-17, 26-24
Lincoln, Neb.; Oct. 28
#4 Nebraska def. #1 Penn State 12-25, 32-30. 19-25, 25-23, 15-10
2011
Lincoln, Neb.; Sept. 21
#10 Nebraska (Big Ten) def. #5 Penn State 25-18, 25-16, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10
University Park, PA; Oct. 29
#8 Penn State def. #1 Nebraska 25-17, 25-15, 17-25, 25-17
2008
NCAA Final Four Semifinals, Omaha, Neb.; Dec. 18
#1 Penn State def. #4 Nebraska 25-17, 25-18, 15-25, 22-25, 15-11
2007
Holiday Inn Downtown Classic, Lincoln/Omaha, Neb.; Sept. 2
#1 Nebraska def. #3 Penn State 30-20, 30-21, 30-27
2005
Info USA/Arby’s Players Challenge, Lincoln/Omaha, Neb.; Sept. 11
#1 Nebraska def. #4 Penn State 30-14, 30-27, 30-23
(Note: Penn State played at the season-opening State Farm/NACWAA College Volleyball Showcase that year, also in Lincoln; they lost to Stanford 3-2 in the first match; a win would have put them against Nebraska)
1999
NACWAA Classic, Lincoln, Neb.; Aug. 28
#1 Penn State def. #3 Nebraska 11-15, 15-12, 15-8, 16-14
1998
NCAA Final Four Semifinals, Madison, Wisc.; Dec. 19
#2 Penn State def. #3 Nebraska 15-11, 15-8, 8-15, 15-11
1997
Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge, Madison, Wisc.; Sept. 19
#1 Penn State def. #5 Nebraska 16-14, 15-12, 16-14
1996
NCAA East Regional Final, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 14
#4 Nebraska (Big 12) def. #3 Penn State 15-12, 8-15, 15-13, 9-15, 20-18
1995
NACWAA/State Farm Classic, Lincoln, Neb.; Aug. 28
#2 Nebraska def. #7 Penn State 15-4, 15-3, 15-6
NCAA Central Region Semifinal, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 8
#1 Nebraska def. #9 Penn State 15-7, 15-6, 14-16, 15-2
1994
NCAA Mideast Regional Final, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 10
#5 Penn State def. #1 Nebraska 12-15, 15-11, 15-9, 15-8
1993
Penn State Classic, University Park, PA; Sept. 4
#7 Nebraska def. #11 Penn State (Big Ten) 15-11, 9-15, 15-4, 15-17, 15-10
1990
NCAA Mideast Regional Final, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 8
#2 Nebraska def. #6 Penn State 15-12, 16-14, 10-15, 15-5
1987
Husker Invitational, Lincoln, Neb.; Sept. 12
#7 Nebraska def. #19 Penn State 15-12, 15-12, 15-17, 15-7
1986
NCAA Mideast Regional Semifinal, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 12
#7 Nebraska def. #14 Penn State 7-15, 15-4, 16-14, 16-18, 15-9
1985
NCAA First Round, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 7
#4 Nebraska def. #20 Penn State 15-8, 15-7, 15-12
1982
NCAA First Round, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 4
#15 Nebraska def. Penn State 15-13, 15-5, 15-13
(only 20 teams ranked; PSU was ranked early in season)
1981
SW Missouri State Invitational, Springfield, MO; Oct. 2
Penn State (A10) def. Nebraska (Big Eight) 15-2, 15-8
Big Ten Preview
As conference chaos is about to erupt, here’s a look at the teams everyone only has to play once. Wisconsin has the toughest path of the top contenders, having to play Penn State, Minnesota and Nebraska twice—while those three only have to play each other once each (kind of stinks all around for the conference):
Penn State: @ Minnesota, Nebraska, @ Purdue, Michigan, @ Ohio State, Northwestern
Minnesota: Penn State, @ Nebraska, Michigan State, @ Northwestern, Maryland, @ Indiana
Wisconsin: @ Purdue, @ Illinois, Michigan, Ohio State, @ Iowa, Rutgers
Nebraska: @ Penn State, Minnesota, Illinois, @ Michigan, @ Ohio State, Indiana
Purdue: Penn State, Wisconsin, @ Illinois, Michigan State, @ Maryland, @ Iowa
Illinois: Wisconsin, @ Nebraska, Purdue, @ Michigan State, Maryland, @ Rutgers
Michigan: @ Penn State, @ Wisconsin, Nebraska, Maryland, Northwestern, @ Indiana
Michigan State: @ Minnesota, @ Purdue, Illinois, Ohio State, Iowa, @ Rutgers
Ohio State: Penn State, @ Wisconsin, Nebraska, @ Michigan State, @ Northwestern, Indiana
Northwestern: @ Penn State, Minnesota, @ Michigan, Ohio State, @ Iowa, Indiana
Maryland: @ Minnesota, Purdue, @ Illinois, @ Michigan, Iowa, Rutgers
Iowa: Wisconsin, Purdue, @ Michigan State, Northwestern, @ Maryland, @ Rutgers
Indiana: Minnesota, @ Nebraska, Michigan, @ Ohio State, @ Northwestern, Rutgers
Rutgers: @ Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan State, @ Maryland, Iowa, @ Indiana
PAC Preview
Here’s a look at the Pac teams and who they only have to play once. Thankfully, Stanford and Washington have to play twice. The Huskies have the toughest overall schedule along with Washington State, only getting Arizona and Arizona State once (and let’s go Colorado and Stanford!):
Stanford: Utah, @ Colorado
Washington: @ Arizona State, Arizona
Oregon: @ UCLA, Southern Cal
UCLA: Oregon, @ Oregon State
Utah: @ Stanford, Cal
Colorado: Stanford, @ Cal
Southern Cal: @ Oregon, Oregon State
Washington State: Arizona State, @ Arizona
Oregon State: UCLA, @ Southern Cal
Cal: @ Utah, Colorado
Arizona State: Washington, @ Washington State
Arizona: @ Washington, Washington State
Poll Notes
Five Alive: With their fifth consecutive week in the Top 10, Penn State has now passed UCLA for fifth-place all time with 339 weeks being ranked in the Top 10 (the Bruins led them by 4 weeks entering this season, and have hovered just outside the Top 10 so far this year). Texas entered the year five weeks ahead of the Nittany Lions on the list and have held that lead. Both trail #3 Hawaii, who will probably stay at 366 weeks for the immediate future. (Nebraska is #1 at 459, but has lost 3 weeks this year; while Stanford—currently at 454—looks to potentially surpass the Huskers this year for the top spot).
Sunshine Showdown: The battle for Florida was rescheduled due to Hurricane Irma to this Tuesday. From the Florida SID: “The No. 3 Gators, off to their first 7-0 start since 2007, and No. 19 Seminoles both enter the match as ranked teams for a 10th consecutive meeting. The in-state rivals split last season's series, with the Gators winning a four-set affair in Tallahassee and the Seminoles capturing a stunning 3-2 upset in the NCAA Tournament Second Round—which was played inside UF's Lemerand Athletic Center. While the two programs have each won four of the last eight meetings, Florida has dominated the series in Mary Wise's 27 years as head coach. The Gators boast a 32-6 advantage over the Seminoles with Wise at the helm.”
A Panther First: Despite a five-set loss to Kansas State, Northern Iowa re-entered the poll this week at #22. Why? They beat Nebraska (great, the Huskers are gonna be angry!) in Omaha. From the Panther SID: “UNI has recorded four wins this season over ranked foes - the most among NCAA Division I teams. UNI has toppled No. 10 Nebraska (3-1), No. 18 USC (3-1), No. 19 Missouri (3-2) and No. 19 Iowa State (3-2). It marks the first time in program history that UNI has defeated Nebraska. In fact, entering the match, UNI had won only one set all-time against Nebraska and that came all the way back in 1977 in a 1-1 tie.”
Another Shock: Like Northern Iowa, Wichita State had a split weekend but re-entered the poll. The Shockers got swept at home by Iowa State…but still managed to topple Creighton 3-1. From the Shocker SID: “It was the second top-10 win in school history with the other coming in 2008 against No. 10 Cal Poly. It is the second ranking for the Shockers this season as they were ranked 23rd in the Sept. 4 poll.”
Buffalo Revenge: Colorado will never forget the heartbreaking five-set loss to Colorado State in the 2014 NCAA tournament, which sent the Rams to the Sweet 16. And down 0-2 on Saturday, things weren’t looking good. But they made a big comeback to take it in 5, and joined the poll (finally) at #25 this week.
From the Colorado SID: “Moby Arena has traditionally been a tough place to play for many of CSU's opponents, and Colorado is one of those, with a 5-15 overall record there. Prior to CU's win on Saturday, the Buffs had not won at Moby since 1995, when they were still members of the Big Eight Conference. This was also the first loss that CSU head coach Tom Hilbert has suffered in Moby against an NCAA DI Colorado school; his record in those matches is now 51-1.”
Other Notable Results
The Big Matches: Week 3
#20 Michigan @ #1 Minnesota
#14 Nebraska @ #2 Penn State
#19 Florida State @ #3 Florida
#4 Stanford @ #25 Colorado
#20 Michigan @ #5 Wisconsin
#8 Oregon @ #11 UCLA
#21 Southern Cal @ #11 UCLA
#18 Iowa State @ #12 Kansas
#25 Colorado @ #16 Utah
Upset watch:
Lionsfan’s Top 25
1. Minnesota
2. Florida
3. Penn State
4. Wisconsin
5. Stanford
6. Texas
7. Oregon (+2)
8. Washington (+3)
9. Creighton (-2)
10. Kansas (-2)
11. Kentucky (+1)
12. Purdue (+2)
13. Nebraska (-3)
14. BYU (+5)
15. UCLA
16. Utah (-3)
17. Iowa State (+3)
18. San Diego (-1)
19. Colorado (+3)
20. Colorado State (-2)
21. Southern Cal (-5)
22. Michigan (-1)
23. Florida State
24. Northern Iowa (NR)
25. Wichita State (NR)
Dropped out: Illinois, Baylor
Dropped out previously: Wichita State, Northern Iowa (Week 3); North Carolina, Lipscomb, Baylor (Week 2); Michigan State, Hawaii, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Colorado State (Week 1)
The Rivalry: Seeing Red
A few years ago, the gap didn’t seem so huge…but all of a sudden, Nebraska reeled off five straight wins against Penn State—including three five-set heartbreakers for the Lions—to take a 19-10 series lead, cementing the Huskers as the most successful program ever (by far) against Penn State. (To put the series in a less harsh perspective, since joining the Big Ten and getting fully funded with a full scholarship allotment, Penn State is 9-14 against the Huskers…damn those last five losses!)
The Lions were 13-0, ranked #1 and hosting a lower-ranked Nebraska squad in 2015—when the Huskers came back from an 0-2 deficit for their first ever win in Rec Hall since joining the Big Ten. Will they do it again? Or can the Lions get a little payback in the 30th installment of the iconic rivalry, their only regular season meeting of the season?
Here’s a look at the history between these two schools:
- Nebraska and Penn State have met 29 times; 10 of those have been in the NCAA tournament
- Nebraska has won 19, Penn State 10
- Five-set matches: 9
- Matches played in Nebraska: 21
In University Park: 6
On neutral court: 3 - Matches with both teams in the Top 5: 11
Matches with both teams in the Top 10: 20
Matches with one team ranked #1: 13
(including this year; no rankings in 1981) - Both programs have ended an undefeated season by the other in an NCAA Regional Final (1990, 1994)
- National Titles: Penn State 7, Nebraska 4
- Title Game Appearances: Penn State 10, Nebraska 7
- Final Fours: Nebraska 13 (2nd in NCAA), Penn State 12 (T-3rd in NCAA: Texas, UCLA)
- NCAA Tourney Appearances: Penn State 36, Nebraska 35
- All Americans: Nebraska 41 (1st in NCAA), Penn State 33 (3rd in NCAA) (Stanford is second with 34)
- All-American certificates: Nebraska 84 (1st in NCAA), Penn State 70 (3rd in NCAA) (Stanford is second with 80)
- First Team All-American certificates: Nebraska 44 (2nd in NCAA), Penn State 40 (3rd in NCAA) (Stanford is first with 51)
- Player of the Year Awards: Penn State 4, Nebraska 3
- Consecutive Winning Seasons since 1981: 36 each (tied for first with Stanford and Hawaii)
- Poll History (up to Week 5 in 2017):
Total Times Ranked: Nebraska 515 (Tied 1st with Stanford), Penn State 465 (6th)
Ranked No. 1: Nebraska 98 (1st), Penn State 88 (2nd),
Ranked in Top 10: Nebraska 459 (1st), Penn State 339 (5th; 1 ahead of UCLA, 5 behind Texas) - NCAA Home Court Win Streak records:
2. Nebraska: 90 (9/11/04-9/11/09)
3. Penn State: 87 (11/25/95 to 9/16/2000)
4. Northern Iowa: 74 (11/1/97 to 9/18/04)
5. Nebraska: 63 (9/29/99 to 12/14/02)
19. Nebraska: 43 (9/5/92 to 12/18/94)
20t. Penn State: 42 (9/23/89 to 9/27/91)
Note: Many of these numbers were taken from the NCAA and AVCA record books, which could easily be off a tad (the All-American numbers are the ones I am most unsure of being 100 percent accurate, so any corrections are welcome!)
The Series
Here is a refreshed rundown of the rivalry between these two powerhouses:
2017
University Park, PA; Sept. 22
#2 Penn State vs. #14 Nebraska
2016
University Park, PA; Nov. 4
#1 Nebraska def. #11 Penn State 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 23-25, 15-11
Lincoln, Neb.; Nov. 16
#1 Nebraska def. #15 Penn State 25-17, 25-14, 25-22
Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 9
#2 Nebraska def. #13 Penn State 23-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-6
2015
University Park, PA; Oct. 2
#4 Nebraska def. #1 Penn State 12-25, 24-26, 25-14, 25-20, 15-11
Lincoln, Neb.; Nov. 28
#5 Nebraska def. #7 Penn State 25-18, 25-18, 25-20
2014
Lincoln, Neb.; Oct. 3
#8 Nebraska def. #3 Penn State 12-25, 25-22, 25 -20, 25-23
University Park, PA; Nov. 29
#4 Penn State def. #10 Nebraska 25-21, 25-15, 25-16
2013
Lincoln, Neb.; Nov. 30
#2 Penn State def. #10 Nebraska 22-25, 25-23, 26-24, 26-24
2012
University Park, PA; Sept. 19
#4 Penn State def. #3 Nebraska 23-25, 28-26, 25-17, 26-24
Lincoln, Neb.; Oct. 28
#4 Nebraska def. #1 Penn State 12-25, 32-30. 19-25, 25-23, 15-10
2011
Lincoln, Neb.; Sept. 21
#10 Nebraska (Big Ten) def. #5 Penn State 25-18, 25-16, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10
University Park, PA; Oct. 29
#8 Penn State def. #1 Nebraska 25-17, 25-15, 17-25, 25-17
2008
NCAA Final Four Semifinals, Omaha, Neb.; Dec. 18
#1 Penn State def. #4 Nebraska 25-17, 25-18, 15-25, 22-25, 15-11
2007
Holiday Inn Downtown Classic, Lincoln/Omaha, Neb.; Sept. 2
#1 Nebraska def. #3 Penn State 30-20, 30-21, 30-27
2005
Info USA/Arby’s Players Challenge, Lincoln/Omaha, Neb.; Sept. 11
#1 Nebraska def. #4 Penn State 30-14, 30-27, 30-23
(Note: Penn State played at the season-opening State Farm/NACWAA College Volleyball Showcase that year, also in Lincoln; they lost to Stanford 3-2 in the first match; a win would have put them against Nebraska)
1999
NACWAA Classic, Lincoln, Neb.; Aug. 28
#1 Penn State def. #3 Nebraska 11-15, 15-12, 15-8, 16-14
1998
NCAA Final Four Semifinals, Madison, Wisc.; Dec. 19
#2 Penn State def. #3 Nebraska 15-11, 15-8, 8-15, 15-11
1997
Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge, Madison, Wisc.; Sept. 19
#1 Penn State def. #5 Nebraska 16-14, 15-12, 16-14
1996
NCAA East Regional Final, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 14
#4 Nebraska (Big 12) def. #3 Penn State 15-12, 8-15, 15-13, 9-15, 20-18
1995
NACWAA/State Farm Classic, Lincoln, Neb.; Aug. 28
#2 Nebraska def. #7 Penn State 15-4, 15-3, 15-6
NCAA Central Region Semifinal, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 8
#1 Nebraska def. #9 Penn State 15-7, 15-6, 14-16, 15-2
1994
NCAA Mideast Regional Final, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 10
#5 Penn State def. #1 Nebraska 12-15, 15-11, 15-9, 15-8
1993
Penn State Classic, University Park, PA; Sept. 4
#7 Nebraska def. #11 Penn State (Big Ten) 15-11, 9-15, 15-4, 15-17, 15-10
1990
NCAA Mideast Regional Final, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 8
#2 Nebraska def. #6 Penn State 15-12, 16-14, 10-15, 15-5
1987
Husker Invitational, Lincoln, Neb.; Sept. 12
#7 Nebraska def. #19 Penn State 15-12, 15-12, 15-17, 15-7
1986
NCAA Mideast Regional Semifinal, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 12
#7 Nebraska def. #14 Penn State 7-15, 15-4, 16-14, 16-18, 15-9
1985
NCAA First Round, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 7
#4 Nebraska def. #20 Penn State 15-8, 15-7, 15-12
1982
NCAA First Round, Lincoln, Neb.; Dec. 4
#15 Nebraska def. Penn State 15-13, 15-5, 15-13
(only 20 teams ranked; PSU was ranked early in season)
1981
SW Missouri State Invitational, Springfield, MO; Oct. 2
Penn State (A10) def. Nebraska (Big Eight) 15-2, 15-8
Big Ten Preview
As conference chaos is about to erupt, here’s a look at the teams everyone only has to play once. Wisconsin has the toughest path of the top contenders, having to play Penn State, Minnesota and Nebraska twice—while those three only have to play each other once each (kind of stinks all around for the conference):
Penn State: @ Minnesota, Nebraska, @ Purdue, Michigan, @ Ohio State, Northwestern
Minnesota: Penn State, @ Nebraska, Michigan State, @ Northwestern, Maryland, @ Indiana
Wisconsin: @ Purdue, @ Illinois, Michigan, Ohio State, @ Iowa, Rutgers
Nebraska: @ Penn State, Minnesota, Illinois, @ Michigan, @ Ohio State, Indiana
Purdue: Penn State, Wisconsin, @ Illinois, Michigan State, @ Maryland, @ Iowa
Illinois: Wisconsin, @ Nebraska, Purdue, @ Michigan State, Maryland, @ Rutgers
Michigan: @ Penn State, @ Wisconsin, Nebraska, Maryland, Northwestern, @ Indiana
Michigan State: @ Minnesota, @ Purdue, Illinois, Ohio State, Iowa, @ Rutgers
Ohio State: Penn State, @ Wisconsin, Nebraska, @ Michigan State, @ Northwestern, Indiana
Northwestern: @ Penn State, Minnesota, @ Michigan, Ohio State, @ Iowa, Indiana
Maryland: @ Minnesota, Purdue, @ Illinois, @ Michigan, Iowa, Rutgers
Iowa: Wisconsin, Purdue, @ Michigan State, Northwestern, @ Maryland, @ Rutgers
Indiana: Minnesota, @ Nebraska, Michigan, @ Ohio State, @ Northwestern, Rutgers
Rutgers: @ Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan State, @ Maryland, Iowa, @ Indiana
PAC Preview
Here’s a look at the Pac teams and who they only have to play once. Thankfully, Stanford and Washington have to play twice. The Huskies have the toughest overall schedule along with Washington State, only getting Arizona and Arizona State once (and let’s go Colorado and Stanford!):
Stanford: Utah, @ Colorado
Washington: @ Arizona State, Arizona
Oregon: @ UCLA, Southern Cal
UCLA: Oregon, @ Oregon State
Utah: @ Stanford, Cal
Colorado: Stanford, @ Cal
Southern Cal: @ Oregon, Oregon State
Washington State: Arizona State, @ Arizona
Oregon State: UCLA, @ Southern Cal
Cal: @ Utah, Colorado
Arizona State: Washington, @ Washington State
Arizona: @ Washington, Washington State
Poll Notes
Five Alive: With their fifth consecutive week in the Top 10, Penn State has now passed UCLA for fifth-place all time with 339 weeks being ranked in the Top 10 (the Bruins led them by 4 weeks entering this season, and have hovered just outside the Top 10 so far this year). Texas entered the year five weeks ahead of the Nittany Lions on the list and have held that lead. Both trail #3 Hawaii, who will probably stay at 366 weeks for the immediate future. (Nebraska is #1 at 459, but has lost 3 weeks this year; while Stanford—currently at 454—looks to potentially surpass the Huskers this year for the top spot).
Sunshine Showdown: The battle for Florida was rescheduled due to Hurricane Irma to this Tuesday. From the Florida SID: “The No. 3 Gators, off to their first 7-0 start since 2007, and No. 19 Seminoles both enter the match as ranked teams for a 10th consecutive meeting. The in-state rivals split last season's series, with the Gators winning a four-set affair in Tallahassee and the Seminoles capturing a stunning 3-2 upset in the NCAA Tournament Second Round—which was played inside UF's Lemerand Athletic Center. While the two programs have each won four of the last eight meetings, Florida has dominated the series in Mary Wise's 27 years as head coach. The Gators boast a 32-6 advantage over the Seminoles with Wise at the helm.”
A Panther First: Despite a five-set loss to Kansas State, Northern Iowa re-entered the poll this week at #22. Why? They beat Nebraska (great, the Huskers are gonna be angry!) in Omaha. From the Panther SID: “UNI has recorded four wins this season over ranked foes - the most among NCAA Division I teams. UNI has toppled No. 10 Nebraska (3-1), No. 18 USC (3-1), No. 19 Missouri (3-2) and No. 19 Iowa State (3-2). It marks the first time in program history that UNI has defeated Nebraska. In fact, entering the match, UNI had won only one set all-time against Nebraska and that came all the way back in 1977 in a 1-1 tie.”
Another Shock: Like Northern Iowa, Wichita State had a split weekend but re-entered the poll. The Shockers got swept at home by Iowa State…but still managed to topple Creighton 3-1. From the Shocker SID: “It was the second top-10 win in school history with the other coming in 2008 against No. 10 Cal Poly. It is the second ranking for the Shockers this season as they were ranked 23rd in the Sept. 4 poll.”
Buffalo Revenge: Colorado will never forget the heartbreaking five-set loss to Colorado State in the 2014 NCAA tournament, which sent the Rams to the Sweet 16. And down 0-2 on Saturday, things weren’t looking good. But they made a big comeback to take it in 5, and joined the poll (finally) at #25 this week.
From the Colorado SID: “Moby Arena has traditionally been a tough place to play for many of CSU's opponents, and Colorado is one of those, with a 5-15 overall record there. Prior to CU's win on Saturday, the Buffs had not won at Moby since 1995, when they were still members of the Big Eight Conference. This was also the first loss that CSU head coach Tom Hilbert has suffered in Moby against an NCAA DI Colorado school; his record in those matches is now 51-1.”
Other Notable Results
- Maryland’s surprising sweep of USC was PSU assistant Steve Aird’s third career victory over a ranked team as a head coach and first over a non-conference opponent. From the Maryland SID: “It was also the first time Maryland has won a set, as well as a match, over the Trojans in program history.” Maryland has previously beaten two ranked Ohio State teams: 3-0 over #12 Ohio State in 2015, and 3-2 over #19 Ohio State last year. The Terps are now receiving votes in the poll.
- Santa Clara volleyball posted one of its biggest wins in program history, beating #9 Kansas in five sets—the highest-ranked opponent they have defeated in school history at the Leavey Center (Santa Clara previously beat #10 BYU, 3-1, on Sept. 26, 2015). The Broncos went on to lose 3-1 to San Jose State the next day.
The Big Matches: Week 3
#20 Michigan @ #1 Minnesota
#14 Nebraska @ #2 Penn State
#19 Florida State @ #3 Florida
#4 Stanford @ #25 Colorado
#20 Michigan @ #5 Wisconsin
#8 Oregon @ #11 UCLA
#21 Southern Cal @ #11 UCLA
#18 Iowa State @ #12 Kansas
#25 Colorado @ #16 Utah
Upset watch:
- Michigan State @ #1 Minnesota
- Arkansas vs. #3 Florida
- Michigan State @ #5 Wisconsin
- West Virginia vs. #6 Texas
- Washington State vs. #7 Washington
- Oregon State vs. #8 Oregon
- Santa Clara vs. #9 BYU
- Missouri vs. #10 Kentucky
- LSU @ #10 Kentucky
- Kansas State vs. #12 Kansas
- Northwestern @ #13 Purdue
- Ohio State @ #13 Purdue
- Santa Clara vs. #17 San Diego
- Oregon State @ #21 Southern Cal
Lionsfan’s Top 25
1. Minnesota
2. Florida
3. Penn State
4. Wisconsin
5. Stanford
6. Texas
7. Oregon (+2)
8. Washington (+3)
9. Creighton (-2)
10. Kansas (-2)
11. Kentucky (+1)
12. Purdue (+2)
13. Nebraska (-3)
14. BYU (+5)
15. UCLA
16. Utah (-3)
17. Iowa State (+3)
18. San Diego (-1)
19. Colorado (+3)
20. Colorado State (-2)
21. Southern Cal (-5)
22. Michigan (-1)
23. Florida State
24. Northern Iowa (NR)
25. Wichita State (NR)
Dropped out: Illinois, Baylor
Dropped out previously: Wichita State, Northern Iowa (Week 3); North Carolina, Lipscomb, Baylor (Week 2); Michigan State, Hawaii, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Colorado State (Week 1)
