(through games of 10/30/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. LSU (8-0) 5 1
2. Alabama (8-0) 1 2
3. Oklahoma State (8-0) 3 6
4. Stanford (8-0) 2 4
5. Boise State (7-0) 1 5
6. Nebraska (7-1) 3 9
7. Oklahoma (8-1) 3 11
8. Oregon (7-1) 2 8
9. Houston (8-0) 10
10. Penn State (8-1) 2 13
11. South Carolina (7-1) 3 15
12. Arkansas (7-1) 3 14
13. Virginia Tech (8-1) 1 17
14. Michigan (7-1) 2 20
15. Southern Cal (6-2) 3 16
16. Clemson (8-1) 4 3
17. Southern Mississippi (7-1) 2 21
18. Kansas State (7-1) 4 7
19. Cincinnati (6-1) 1 18
20. Washington (6-2) 4 22
21. Wisconsin (6-2) 2 19
22. Arizona State (6-2) 3 23
23. Georgia (6-2) 3 25
24. TCU (6-2) 3 27
25. Michigan State (6-2) 5 12
26. West Virginia (6-2) 4 30
27. Georgia Tech (7-2) 2 31
28. Texas (5-2) 3 36
29. Wyoming (5-2) 2 NR
30. North Carolina (6-3) 4 NR
31. Auburn (6-3) 5 NR
32. Illinois (6-3) 3 33
33. BYU (6-3) 3 29
34. Rutgers (5-3) 3 34
35. Texas A&M (5-3) 4 24
36. Baylor (4-3) 6 28
37. Ohio State (5-3) 4 NR
38. Florida State (5-3) 3 NR
39. Louisiana-Lafayette (7-2) 1 40
40. Tulsa (5-3) 4 NR
Others to Watch: Virginia (5-3), Notre Dame (5-3), Toledo (5-3), Arkansas State (6-2), Ohio U. (5-3), Eastern Michigan (5-3), Hawaii (5-3), Nevada (5-3), Temple (5-3),
Dropped Out: Syracuse (5-3), Southern Methodist (5-3), San Diego State (4-3), Iowa (5-3), Texas Tech (5-3), Wake Forest (5-3)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
This Year, Boise State Has One Villain: the University of Utah
Imagine how many darts Boise State football players, coaches, and fans have thrown this season at pictures of the University of Utah's campus, President Michael K. Young, Athletics Director and Special Assistant to the President Chris Hill, and head football coach Kyle Whittingham. Why?
It started in June of 2010, when Boise State thought its invite to the Mountain West conference was a real promotion, with real prospects of the new conference becoming a BCS AQ league as early as 2013. At the time, the MWC had heavyweights Utah, TCU, and BYU. That trio, with newbie Boise State and tough Air Force, meant the MWC had almost a 95% chance of replacing the Big East as the sixth BCS AQ conference when the NCAA did its four-year review, despite the NCAA's inherent East Coast/Midwest/Southeast bias.
What happened next? No sooner had Boise State agreed to join the MWC than Utah agreed to join the Pac-10/12. It took the Utah board and president about three milliseconds to agree to bolt the MWC and leave behind traditional arch-rival BYU and seven other schools to fend for themselves. Of course, the move was motivated by ambition, status, and money: looking out for Number One. Upgrading, perceived or actual, is in the DNA of most individuals and institutions.
Utah's move set the wheels in motion. BYU's pride was damaged, so it expedited its move for independence since no BCS AQ conference wanted them at the time. TCU was steamed at the Utah schools, particularly BYU, for their moves had devalued the Mountain West. Thus, they decided to accept the first BCS AQ conference offer presented, which in fact came from the geographically unsuitable Big East. Of course, both moves were precipitated by the prospect of economic gain.
Boise State was now joining a conference that would lack Utah and BYU in 2011 and TCU in 2012. The MWC's chances to replace the Big East as a BCS AQ conference were severely diminished, if not permanently derailed. Reason one for the darts.
In the spring of 2011, Utah took another action that injured Boise State. The Utes (specifically, the A.D. Chris Hill) dropped the Broncos from their 2011 schedule. It appeared to them that they no longer needed Boise State on the schedule to bolster its strength of schedule and potential BCS ranking due to its new Pac-12 schedule loaded with tough opponents.
In Utah's defense, they couldn't drop BYU due to political pressure and "tradition." However, they could have dropped Pittsburgh. They didn't. Instead, the Utes replaced Boise State with Division 1-AA cupcake Montana State (in keeping with most BCS AQ conference schools who schedule at least one 1-AA formal scrimmage to tweak tactics and inflate statistics).
What else motivated Utah to remove Boise State from the 2011 schedule? The Utes were haunted by the pounding they took last December at the hands of the Broncos in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas, where the final score read 26-3. For Boise State, losing Utah from the WAC-infested lightweight schedule they were stuck with was a devastating blow for their own strength of schedule and 2011 BCS ranking. Reason two for the darts.
That takes us to the third injury: Utah's play this year. The Utes have lost their first four Pac-12 conference games and has an overall record of 3-4 after getting pummeled by a talented but mediocre Cal team last weekend. What does that have to do with Boise State? Plenty.
While there have already been many schools switching conferences, Utah was the first non-AQ conference school to switch to a BCS AQ power conference. Hence, all eyes were on Salt Lake City. Why? The argument commonly made by pro-BCS advocates is that schools like Boise State, TCU, and pre-2011 Utah don't deserve a shot at the BCS title game even if they go undefeated, because they play in easier conferences where only every third or fourth game is competitive, not every game as is the case in the BCS AQ leagues.
The pro-BCS people would argue that a weekly grind against tough competition wears down on team freshness, depth charts, and players' psyches. The anti-BCS faction argues that the non-AQ schools can't help the poor schedules they were given, and if they are undefeated, they deserve a title shot before a BCS AQ league school with one or two losses.
Utah's performance so far this year has played right into the hands of the pro-BCS AQ conference group. In the first six games, Utah's losses were the results of poor second halves. In the seventh game, they were blown out from the get-go. Such a pattern indicates poor depth: poor depth as each game proceeds into the latter quarters, and worse depth as the conference season wears on into the latter games. Look at quarterback: Utah's Jordan Wynn is lost for the season, and Wynn's backup is a transfer from Nebraska-Omaha who didn't even join the squad until the summer. Where's the depth? At a BCS AQ school, each position needs to be three deep if a team hopes to be successful.
Looking at the big picture, Boise State's slim margin of victory over Air Force last Saturday won't cost it as many votes as Utah's throttling at the hands of a .500 Cal-Berkeley team. Intelligent observers know Boise State's frontline players are as gifted (or in the case of Kellen Moore, more gifted) as any team's in the Bowl Subdivision. With only Georgia and TCU on the schedule as tough opponents this year, the Broncos have the luxury of resting front-liners and the luck of having front-liners go against opponents incapable of wearing them down as fast. Reason three for the darts.
It goes without saying that Boise State isn't above taking advantage of its own athletic reputation and excellence. The Broncos left the WAC behind for greener pastures. They will undoubtedly leave the Mountain West behind for a BCS AQ conference if a stable one (translation: anybody but the Big East) extends an offer. Then again, the Big East might implode, and the MWC-Conference USA hybrid could become the sixth BCS AQ conference, which ironically would lead BYU right back into the fold. For Boise State's sake, one can only hope.
In the short term, Boise State does have its best shot at a title game this year, since the BCS officials have to be aware of executive and legislative branch scrutiny of discrimination practiced against non-AQ conference schools. After all, the bowl committees do not wish to lose their cash cows to a cursed playoff system.
It started in June of 2010, when Boise State thought its invite to the Mountain West conference was a real promotion, with real prospects of the new conference becoming a BCS AQ league as early as 2013. At the time, the MWC had heavyweights Utah, TCU, and BYU. That trio, with newbie Boise State and tough Air Force, meant the MWC had almost a 95% chance of replacing the Big East as the sixth BCS AQ conference when the NCAA did its four-year review, despite the NCAA's inherent East Coast/Midwest/Southeast bias.
What happened next? No sooner had Boise State agreed to join the MWC than Utah agreed to join the Pac-10/12. It took the Utah board and president about three milliseconds to agree to bolt the MWC and leave behind traditional arch-rival BYU and seven other schools to fend for themselves. Of course, the move was motivated by ambition, status, and money: looking out for Number One. Upgrading, perceived or actual, is in the DNA of most individuals and institutions.
Utah's move set the wheels in motion. BYU's pride was damaged, so it expedited its move for independence since no BCS AQ conference wanted them at the time. TCU was steamed at the Utah schools, particularly BYU, for their moves had devalued the Mountain West. Thus, they decided to accept the first BCS AQ conference offer presented, which in fact came from the geographically unsuitable Big East. Of course, both moves were precipitated by the prospect of economic gain.
Boise State was now joining a conference that would lack Utah and BYU in 2011 and TCU in 2012. The MWC's chances to replace the Big East as a BCS AQ conference were severely diminished, if not permanently derailed. Reason one for the darts.
In the spring of 2011, Utah took another action that injured Boise State. The Utes (specifically, the A.D. Chris Hill) dropped the Broncos from their 2011 schedule. It appeared to them that they no longer needed Boise State on the schedule to bolster its strength of schedule and potential BCS ranking due to its new Pac-12 schedule loaded with tough opponents.
In Utah's defense, they couldn't drop BYU due to political pressure and "tradition." However, they could have dropped Pittsburgh. They didn't. Instead, the Utes replaced Boise State with Division 1-AA cupcake Montana State (in keeping with most BCS AQ conference schools who schedule at least one 1-AA formal scrimmage to tweak tactics and inflate statistics).
What else motivated Utah to remove Boise State from the 2011 schedule? The Utes were haunted by the pounding they took last December at the hands of the Broncos in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas, where the final score read 26-3. For Boise State, losing Utah from the WAC-infested lightweight schedule they were stuck with was a devastating blow for their own strength of schedule and 2011 BCS ranking. Reason two for the darts.
That takes us to the third injury: Utah's play this year. The Utes have lost their first four Pac-12 conference games and has an overall record of 3-4 after getting pummeled by a talented but mediocre Cal team last weekend. What does that have to do with Boise State? Plenty.
While there have already been many schools switching conferences, Utah was the first non-AQ conference school to switch to a BCS AQ power conference. Hence, all eyes were on Salt Lake City. Why? The argument commonly made by pro-BCS advocates is that schools like Boise State, TCU, and pre-2011 Utah don't deserve a shot at the BCS title game even if they go undefeated, because they play in easier conferences where only every third or fourth game is competitive, not every game as is the case in the BCS AQ leagues.
The pro-BCS people would argue that a weekly grind against tough competition wears down on team freshness, depth charts, and players' psyches. The anti-BCS faction argues that the non-AQ schools can't help the poor schedules they were given, and if they are undefeated, they deserve a title shot before a BCS AQ league school with one or two losses.
Utah's performance so far this year has played right into the hands of the pro-BCS AQ conference group. In the first six games, Utah's losses were the results of poor second halves. In the seventh game, they were blown out from the get-go. Such a pattern indicates poor depth: poor depth as each game proceeds into the latter quarters, and worse depth as the conference season wears on into the latter games. Look at quarterback: Utah's Jordan Wynn is lost for the season, and Wynn's backup is a transfer from Nebraska-Omaha who didn't even join the squad until the summer. Where's the depth? At a BCS AQ school, each position needs to be three deep if a team hopes to be successful.
Looking at the big picture, Boise State's slim margin of victory over Air Force last Saturday won't cost it as many votes as Utah's throttling at the hands of a .500 Cal-Berkeley team. Intelligent observers know Boise State's frontline players are as gifted (or in the case of Kellen Moore, more gifted) as any team's in the Bowl Subdivision. With only Georgia and TCU on the schedule as tough opponents this year, the Broncos have the luxury of resting front-liners and the luck of having front-liners go against opponents incapable of wearing them down as fast. Reason three for the darts.
It goes without saying that Boise State isn't above taking advantage of its own athletic reputation and excellence. The Broncos left the WAC behind for greener pastures. They will undoubtedly leave the Mountain West behind for a BCS AQ conference if a stable one (translation: anybody but the Big East) extends an offer. Then again, the Big East might implode, and the MWC-Conference USA hybrid could become the sixth BCS AQ conference, which ironically would lead BYU right back into the fold. For Boise State's sake, one can only hope.
In the short term, Boise State does have its best shot at a title game this year, since the BCS officials have to be aware of executive and legislative branch scrutiny of discrimination practiced against non-AQ conference schools. After all, the bowl committees do not wish to lose their cash cows to a cursed playoff system.
Sandflea's Week Eight 2011 NCAA Football Top 40
(through games of 10/23/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. LSU (8-0) 5 1
2. Alabama (8-0) 1 3
3. Clemson (8-0) 3 6
4. Stanford (7-0) 1 5
5. Boise State (7-0) 1 4
6. Oklahoma State (7-0) 2 7
7. Kansas State (7-0) 3 10
8. Oregon (6-1) 2 9
9. Nebraska (6-1) 2 15
10. Houston (7-0) 11
11. Oklahoma (7-1) 2 2
12. Michigan State (6-1) 4 18
13. Penn State (7-1) 1 16
14. Arkansas (6-1) 3 12
15. South Carolina (6-1) 3 14
16. Southern Cal (6-1) 2 19
17. Virginia Tech (7-1) 1 20
18. Cincinnati (6-1) 1 22
19. Wisconsin (6-1) 2 8
20. Michigan (6-1) 2 23
21. Southern Mississippi (6-1) 2 28
22. Washington (5-2) 4 17
23. Arizona State (5-2) 3 30
24. Texas A&M (5-2) 4 32
25. Georgia (5-2) 3 33
26. Syracuse (5-2) 3 36
27. TCU (5-2) 2 37
28. Baylor (4-2) 5 34
29. BYU (6-2) 2 39
30. West Virginia (5-2) 3 13
31. Georgia Tech (6-2) 1 24
32. Southern Methodist (5-2) 3 26
33. Illinois (6-2) 2 27
34. Rutgers (5-2) 2 25
35. San Diego State (4-2) 2 40
36. Texas (4-2) 3 NR
37. Iowa (5-2) 1 NR
38. Texas Tech (5-2) 3 NR
39. Wake Forest (5-2) 2 NR
40. Louisiana-Lafayette (6-2) 1 29
Others to Watch: Auburn (5-3), North Carolina (5-3), Notre Dame (4-3), Wyoming (4-2), Ohio State (4-3), Toledo (4-3), Florida (4-3), Miami FL (4-3), Arkansas State (5-2), Temple (5-3), Ball State (5-3), Florida State (4-3), Miami FL (4-3), Tulsa (4-3), Eastern Michigan (5-3), Cal (4-3), Ohio U. (5-3)
Dropped Out: Notre Dame (4-3), Auburn (5-3), North Carolina (5-3), Virginia (4-3)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. LSU (8-0) 5 1
2. Alabama (8-0) 1 3
3. Clemson (8-0) 3 6
4. Stanford (7-0) 1 5
5. Boise State (7-0) 1 4
6. Oklahoma State (7-0) 2 7
7. Kansas State (7-0) 3 10
8. Oregon (6-1) 2 9
9. Nebraska (6-1) 2 15
10. Houston (7-0) 11
11. Oklahoma (7-1) 2 2
12. Michigan State (6-1) 4 18
13. Penn State (7-1) 1 16
14. Arkansas (6-1) 3 12
15. South Carolina (6-1) 3 14
16. Southern Cal (6-1) 2 19
17. Virginia Tech (7-1) 1 20
18. Cincinnati (6-1) 1 22
19. Wisconsin (6-1) 2 8
20. Michigan (6-1) 2 23
21. Southern Mississippi (6-1) 2 28
22. Washington (5-2) 4 17
23. Arizona State (5-2) 3 30
24. Texas A&M (5-2) 4 32
25. Georgia (5-2) 3 33
26. Syracuse (5-2) 3 36
27. TCU (5-2) 2 37
28. Baylor (4-2) 5 34
29. BYU (6-2) 2 39
30. West Virginia (5-2) 3 13
31. Georgia Tech (6-2) 1 24
32. Southern Methodist (5-2) 3 26
33. Illinois (6-2) 2 27
34. Rutgers (5-2) 2 25
35. San Diego State (4-2) 2 40
36. Texas (4-2) 3 NR
37. Iowa (5-2) 1 NR
38. Texas Tech (5-2) 3 NR
39. Wake Forest (5-2) 2 NR
40. Louisiana-Lafayette (6-2) 1 29
Others to Watch: Auburn (5-3), North Carolina (5-3), Notre Dame (4-3), Wyoming (4-2), Ohio State (4-3), Toledo (4-3), Florida (4-3), Miami FL (4-3), Arkansas State (5-2), Temple (5-3), Ball State (5-3), Florida State (4-3), Miami FL (4-3), Tulsa (4-3), Eastern Michigan (5-3), Cal (4-3), Ohio U. (5-3)
Dropped Out: Notre Dame (4-3), Auburn (5-3), North Carolina (5-3), Virginia (4-3)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
NCAA Volleyball Week Nine Highlights (10/17-10/23/11)
Week Nine Selected Match Highlights:
The national match of the week saw host Nebraska overpower previously undefeated Illinois, 3-1, and earn the number one position in this week's Sandflea ranking. Both teams might have a rematch in the NCAA title game in December, notwithstanding Penn State's rapid improvement and a few superpowers on the West Coast.
More protracted Big Ten battles were found in Purdue's thrilling five-set win over Indiana (25-13, 30-32, 25-23, 23-25, 15-6) and Minnesota's classic five-set triumph over Wisconsin (22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 21-25, 15-10).
In the Pac-12, the best match of the week was host Oregon's come-from-behind five-set win over a gritty Washington State team (21-25, 17-25, 25-8, 25-13, 15-12). The Ducks' inspired performance after intermission did not remotely resemble the play of the first two sets. It did resemble their season-opening match, wherein they defeated defending four-time national champ Penn State on the Nittany Lions' court. So, who gave the locker room speech?
In the Big 12, Texas A&M outlasted host Texas Tech in a five-set marathon (26-24, 21-25, 25-20, 17-25, 15-13). In the ACC, two solid teams went to five sets, with Virginia Tech obtaining the mild upset of visiting Clemson (25-22, 14-25, 15-25, 25-19, 15-11).
In the SEC, Kentucky struggled to get by host Auburn
(25-18, 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-12). In the Big East, Pittsburgh upended host Louisville, 3-1, while Marquette knocked off Seton Hall in a five-set come-from-behind thriller (22-25, 14-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-12).
In the Big West, Long Beach State is starting to roll, illustrated by a five-set win over always-tough host Cal Poly SLO (25-22, 21-25, 18-25, 25-19, 20-18). With UC Davis in freefall, it's hard to pick against the 49ers.
In a trio of interesting five-set nonconference games, host San Diego defeated San Diego State (25-13, 13-25, 20-25, 25-18, 15-4), host Northern Iowa tripped up North Dakota State (25-13, 19-25, 25-21, 23-25, 20-18), and host Cincinnati beat Western Kentucky (25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 13-25, 16-14).
The biggest upset of the week had to be Lipscomb's surprising 3-1 victory over the visiting Cardinals of Louisville. True, Lipscomb is a quality team and Louisville has been more inconsistent than usual this year. However, when comparing budgets, facilities, fan bases, and recruiting, the result has to be considered a huge upset. Could it be the coaching?
Week Nine Selected Individual Highlights:
In the Pac-12, Cal didn't lose a set to either Arizona State or Arizona thanks to Shannon Hawari (18 kills and 15 blocks), Tarah Murrey (18 kills, 19 digs, 4 blocks, and 2 service aces), Lillian Schonewise (17 kills and 7 blocks), and Elly Barrett (69 assists, 6 blocks, and 3 kills). Oregon appears to be peaking at the right time after enduring a slump, with victories against Washington and WSU due to the efforts of Alaina Bergsma (38 kills, 18 digs, 5 blocks, and 3 service aces), Liz Brenner (27 kills, 3 blocks, and 5 digs), Katherine Fischer (23 kills, 25 digs, and 1 service ace), Ariana Williams (19 kills and 3 blocks), and Lauren Plum (97 assists, 22 digs, 4 blocks, 4 kills, and 2 service aces).
In the Big Ten, Purdue beat both Indiana and Minnesota thanks to Ariel Turner (45 kills and 25 digs), Valerie Nichol (19 kills and 6 blocks), Catherine Rebarchak (10 kills12 blocks, and 2 service aces), Tiffany Fisher (16 kills, 10 blocks, and 2 service aces), Rachel Davis (85 assists, 20 digs, and 7 kills), and Blair Bashen (38 digs and 2 service aces). In the same conference, Penn State shutout both Ohio State and Michigan due to Ariel Scott (19 kills and 7 blocks), Katie Slay (18 kills and 11 blocks), Nia Grant (17 kills and 4 blocks), Deja McClendon (17 kills, 8 digs, 2 blocks, and 2 service aces), and another freshman of the year candidate, Micha Hancock (7 kills, 65 assists, 5 service aces, 10 digs, and 3 blocks).
In the Big 12, Texas cruised by Baylor and Mizzou on the skills of Bailey Webster (24 kills and 6 blocks), Haley Eckerman (22 kills and 2 service aces), Rachael Adams (17 kills and 4 blocks), Khat Bell (15 kills, 11 blocks, and 1 service ace), and Hannah Allison (73 assists, 12 digs, 7 blocks, and 3 kills).
In the SEC, Florida shut out South Carolina and Mississippi State and stayed in the hunt for the conference championship thanks to the efforts of Kristy Jaeckel (19 kills, 8 service aces, 17 digs, and 5 blocks), Kelly Murphy (14 kills, 39 assists, 17 digs, and 2 service aces), Tangerine Wiggs (18 kills and 2 blocks), Betsy Smith (13 kills and 3 blocks), Stephanie Ferrell (13 kills and 3 blocks), and Chanel Brown (32 assists and 1 service ace).
In the possibly crumbling Big East, Cincinnati had three remarkable victories over Western Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia thanks to Jordanne Scott (45 kills, 5 blocks, and 4 service aces), Missy Harpenau (30 kills, 34 digs, and 6 blocks), Caylin Mahoney (10 kills, 118 assists, 16 digs, and 3 service aces), Becca Refenes (21 kills, 10 blocks, and 3 service aces), Emily Hayden (20 kills and 9 blocks), and Emily MacIntyre (59 digs and 1 service ace).
In the WAC, superpower Hawaii (properly ranked #2 nationally in this blog) lost only 1 set in 4 matches last week thanks to Kanani Danielson (40 kills, 36 digs, 8 blocks, and 3 service aces), Emily Hartong (43 kills, 24 digs, 8 blocks, and 2 service aces), Jane Croson (40 kills, 48 digs, and 5 service ace), Brittany Hewitt (22 kills, 19 blocks, and 3 service aces), and Mita Uiato (146 assists, 23 digs, 7 blocks, 7 kills, and 2 service aces).
In the Missouri Valley, Northern Iowa notched three victories and remains a potential giant killer in the 2011 NCAA tournament courtesy of the achievements of Michelle Burow (42 kills, 5 blocks, and 2 service aces), Amy Braun (43 kills and 43 digs), Krista DeGeest (30 kills and 13 blocks), Shelby Kintzel (29 kills and 10 blocks), and Bre Payton (15 kills, 152 assists, 41 digs, 3 blocks, and 3 service aces).
Week Ten Selected Match Previews:
For a change, the national focus will be on the Pac-12 and four contests in particular: UCLA-Cal, USC-Cal, USC-Stanford, and UCLA-Stanford. With Washington's surprising recent collapse, there are now only four Pac-12 powerhouses. They will be battling for NCAA tourney seeds.
In the Big Ten, Purdue's trip to Michigan and Michigan State proves very interesting. In the Big 12, Iowa State visits Texas. In the SEC, Florida seeks revenge in a trip to Knoxville to face Tennessee.
In the Mountain West, the Aztecs of San Diego State will pitch battle against the Rams of Colorado State to see who will win the conference. In the WCC, Pepperdine travels to San Diego in a contest of conference elites.
Finally, in the Missouri Valley Conference, Northern Iowa travels to Missouri State and Wichita State for tough tests and to see who will emerge in first place. Why is it important? Conferences like the MVC do not usually receive more than one or two spots in the NCAA Championship Tournament. After all, there has to be room for eight teams each from the Big Ten and Pac-12 (zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz).
The national match of the week saw host Nebraska overpower previously undefeated Illinois, 3-1, and earn the number one position in this week's Sandflea ranking. Both teams might have a rematch in the NCAA title game in December, notwithstanding Penn State's rapid improvement and a few superpowers on the West Coast.
More protracted Big Ten battles were found in Purdue's thrilling five-set win over Indiana (25-13, 30-32, 25-23, 23-25, 15-6) and Minnesota's classic five-set triumph over Wisconsin (22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 21-25, 15-10).
In the Pac-12, the best match of the week was host Oregon's come-from-behind five-set win over a gritty Washington State team (21-25, 17-25, 25-8, 25-13, 15-12). The Ducks' inspired performance after intermission did not remotely resemble the play of the first two sets. It did resemble their season-opening match, wherein they defeated defending four-time national champ Penn State on the Nittany Lions' court. So, who gave the locker room speech?
In the Big 12, Texas A&M outlasted host Texas Tech in a five-set marathon (26-24, 21-25, 25-20, 17-25, 15-13). In the ACC, two solid teams went to five sets, with Virginia Tech obtaining the mild upset of visiting Clemson (25-22, 14-25, 15-25, 25-19, 15-11).
In the SEC, Kentucky struggled to get by host Auburn
(25-18, 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-12). In the Big East, Pittsburgh upended host Louisville, 3-1, while Marquette knocked off Seton Hall in a five-set come-from-behind thriller (22-25, 14-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-12).
In the Big West, Long Beach State is starting to roll, illustrated by a five-set win over always-tough host Cal Poly SLO (25-22, 21-25, 18-25, 25-19, 20-18). With UC Davis in freefall, it's hard to pick against the 49ers.
In a trio of interesting five-set nonconference games, host San Diego defeated San Diego State (25-13, 13-25, 20-25, 25-18, 15-4), host Northern Iowa tripped up North Dakota State (25-13, 19-25, 25-21, 23-25, 20-18), and host Cincinnati beat Western Kentucky (25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 13-25, 16-14).
The biggest upset of the week had to be Lipscomb's surprising 3-1 victory over the visiting Cardinals of Louisville. True, Lipscomb is a quality team and Louisville has been more inconsistent than usual this year. However, when comparing budgets, facilities, fan bases, and recruiting, the result has to be considered a huge upset. Could it be the coaching?
Week Nine Selected Individual Highlights:
In the Pac-12, Cal didn't lose a set to either Arizona State or Arizona thanks to Shannon Hawari (18 kills and 15 blocks), Tarah Murrey (18 kills, 19 digs, 4 blocks, and 2 service aces), Lillian Schonewise (17 kills and 7 blocks), and Elly Barrett (69 assists, 6 blocks, and 3 kills). Oregon appears to be peaking at the right time after enduring a slump, with victories against Washington and WSU due to the efforts of Alaina Bergsma (38 kills, 18 digs, 5 blocks, and 3 service aces), Liz Brenner (27 kills, 3 blocks, and 5 digs), Katherine Fischer (23 kills, 25 digs, and 1 service ace), Ariana Williams (19 kills and 3 blocks), and Lauren Plum (97 assists, 22 digs, 4 blocks, 4 kills, and 2 service aces).
In the Big Ten, Purdue beat both Indiana and Minnesota thanks to Ariel Turner (45 kills and 25 digs), Valerie Nichol (19 kills and 6 blocks), Catherine Rebarchak (10 kills12 blocks, and 2 service aces), Tiffany Fisher (16 kills, 10 blocks, and 2 service aces), Rachel Davis (85 assists, 20 digs, and 7 kills), and Blair Bashen (38 digs and 2 service aces). In the same conference, Penn State shutout both Ohio State and Michigan due to Ariel Scott (19 kills and 7 blocks), Katie Slay (18 kills and 11 blocks), Nia Grant (17 kills and 4 blocks), Deja McClendon (17 kills, 8 digs, 2 blocks, and 2 service aces), and another freshman of the year candidate, Micha Hancock (7 kills, 65 assists, 5 service aces, 10 digs, and 3 blocks).
In the Big 12, Texas cruised by Baylor and Mizzou on the skills of Bailey Webster (24 kills and 6 blocks), Haley Eckerman (22 kills and 2 service aces), Rachael Adams (17 kills and 4 blocks), Khat Bell (15 kills, 11 blocks, and 1 service ace), and Hannah Allison (73 assists, 12 digs, 7 blocks, and 3 kills).
In the SEC, Florida shut out South Carolina and Mississippi State and stayed in the hunt for the conference championship thanks to the efforts of Kristy Jaeckel (19 kills, 8 service aces, 17 digs, and 5 blocks), Kelly Murphy (14 kills, 39 assists, 17 digs, and 2 service aces), Tangerine Wiggs (18 kills and 2 blocks), Betsy Smith (13 kills and 3 blocks), Stephanie Ferrell (13 kills and 3 blocks), and Chanel Brown (32 assists and 1 service ace).
In the possibly crumbling Big East, Cincinnati had three remarkable victories over Western Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia thanks to Jordanne Scott (45 kills, 5 blocks, and 4 service aces), Missy Harpenau (30 kills, 34 digs, and 6 blocks), Caylin Mahoney (10 kills, 118 assists, 16 digs, and 3 service aces), Becca Refenes (21 kills, 10 blocks, and 3 service aces), Emily Hayden (20 kills and 9 blocks), and Emily MacIntyre (59 digs and 1 service ace).
In the WAC, superpower Hawaii (properly ranked #2 nationally in this blog) lost only 1 set in 4 matches last week thanks to Kanani Danielson (40 kills, 36 digs, 8 blocks, and 3 service aces), Emily Hartong (43 kills, 24 digs, 8 blocks, and 2 service aces), Jane Croson (40 kills, 48 digs, and 5 service ace), Brittany Hewitt (22 kills, 19 blocks, and 3 service aces), and Mita Uiato (146 assists, 23 digs, 7 blocks, 7 kills, and 2 service aces).
In the Missouri Valley, Northern Iowa notched three victories and remains a potential giant killer in the 2011 NCAA tournament courtesy of the achievements of Michelle Burow (42 kills, 5 blocks, and 2 service aces), Amy Braun (43 kills and 43 digs), Krista DeGeest (30 kills and 13 blocks), Shelby Kintzel (29 kills and 10 blocks), and Bre Payton (15 kills, 152 assists, 41 digs, 3 blocks, and 3 service aces).
Week Ten Selected Match Previews:
For a change, the national focus will be on the Pac-12 and four contests in particular: UCLA-Cal, USC-Cal, USC-Stanford, and UCLA-Stanford. With Washington's surprising recent collapse, there are now only four Pac-12 powerhouses. They will be battling for NCAA tourney seeds.
In the Big Ten, Purdue's trip to Michigan and Michigan State proves very interesting. In the Big 12, Iowa State visits Texas. In the SEC, Florida seeks revenge in a trip to Knoxville to face Tennessee.
In the Mountain West, the Aztecs of San Diego State will pitch battle against the Rams of Colorado State to see who will win the conference. In the WCC, Pepperdine travels to San Diego in a contest of conference elites.
Finally, in the Missouri Valley Conference, Northern Iowa travels to Missouri State and Wichita State for tough tests and to see who will emerge in first place. Why is it important? Conferences like the MVC do not usually receive more than one or two spots in the NCAA Championship Tournament. After all, there has to be room for eight teams each from the Big Ten and Pac-12 (zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz).
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sandflea's Week Nine NCAA Women's Volleyball Top 40
(through games of 10/23/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. Nebraska (17-1) 9 3
2. Hawaii (17-1) 7 2
3. Illinois (20-1) 10 1
4. Southern Cal (17-3) 7 4
5. California (20-2) 7 6
6. Stanford (16-3) 11 5
7. Purdue (18-3) 9 7
8. Texas (14-4) 11 9
9. San Diego (22-1) 5 8
10. UCLA (18-3) 8 10
11. Florida (17-3) 5 12
12. Florida State (17-4) 9 14
13. Penn State (15-5) 9 15
14. Kentucky (19-4) 6 17
15. Northern Iowa (22-1) 3 11
16. Iowa State (16-3) 11 19
17. Tennessee (18-3) 5 20
18. Pepperdine (14-5) 8 18
19. Colorado State (15-4) 3 24
20. Washington (14-4) 9 13
21. Miami FL (17-3) 5 27
22. Oklahoma (19-5) 6 28
23. Oregon (14-6) 9 32
24. Duke (14-6) 7 37
25. Texas A&M (16-5) 6 23
26. Michigan State (16-6) 5 21
27. New Mexico State (18-5) 3 31
28. Houston (16-5) 3 35
29. Long Beach State (14-6) 6 34
30. North Carolina (16-5) 5 22
31. Western Kentucky (23-3) 3 30
32. Minnesota (12-7) 11 36
33. TCU (18-4) 2 38
34. Ball State (20-3) 3 NR
35. Louisville (16-6) 3 16
36. San Diego State (13-6) 3 25
37. Northern Illinois (19-5) 4 NR
38. Dayton (16-5) 6 NR
39. Cincinnati (16-8) 10 NR
40. Lipscomb (16-6) 3 NR
Others to Watch: Ohio State (15-8), Eastern Michigan (19-6), Kansas State (15-7), Missouri State
(15-6), Wichita State (14-7), Michigan (15-7), BYU (16-7)
Dropped Out: Michigan (15-7), BYU (16-7), Arizona (13-8), Ohio State (15-8), LSU (14-7)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. Nebraska (17-1) 9 3
2. Hawaii (17-1) 7 2
3. Illinois (20-1) 10 1
4. Southern Cal (17-3) 7 4
5. California (20-2) 7 6
6. Stanford (16-3) 11 5
7. Purdue (18-3) 9 7
8. Texas (14-4) 11 9
9. San Diego (22-1) 5 8
10. UCLA (18-3) 8 10
11. Florida (17-3) 5 12
12. Florida State (17-4) 9 14
13. Penn State (15-5) 9 15
14. Kentucky (19-4) 6 17
15. Northern Iowa (22-1) 3 11
16. Iowa State (16-3) 11 19
17. Tennessee (18-3) 5 20
18. Pepperdine (14-5) 8 18
19. Colorado State (15-4) 3 24
20. Washington (14-4) 9 13
21. Miami FL (17-3) 5 27
22. Oklahoma (19-5) 6 28
23. Oregon (14-6) 9 32
24. Duke (14-6) 7 37
25. Texas A&M (16-5) 6 23
26. Michigan State (16-6) 5 21
27. New Mexico State (18-5) 3 31
28. Houston (16-5) 3 35
29. Long Beach State (14-6) 6 34
30. North Carolina (16-5) 5 22
31. Western Kentucky (23-3) 3 30
32. Minnesota (12-7) 11 36
33. TCU (18-4) 2 38
34. Ball State (20-3) 3 NR
35. Louisville (16-6) 3 16
36. San Diego State (13-6) 3 25
37. Northern Illinois (19-5) 4 NR
38. Dayton (16-5) 6 NR
39. Cincinnati (16-8) 10 NR
40. Lipscomb (16-6) 3 NR
Others to Watch: Ohio State (15-8), Eastern Michigan (19-6), Kansas State (15-7), Missouri State
(15-6), Wichita State (14-7), Michigan (15-7), BYU (16-7)
Dropped Out: Michigan (15-7), BYU (16-7), Arizona (13-8), Ohio State (15-8), LSU (14-7)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
NCAA Volleyball Week Eight Highlights (10/10-10/16/11)
Week Eight Selected Match Highlights:
The Big Ten had three epic matches last week, highlighted by Nebraska's colossal struggle with host Minnesota: 28-30, 19-25, 25-10, 25-12, and 15-11. Improving Michigan State fell to undefeated and national Number One host Illinois, 3-2, and Michigan beat host Northwestern, 3-2.
In the Big 12, host Texas A&M knocked off a suddenly struggling Oklahoma, 3-2, in an inspired come-from-behind fashion: 22-25, 19-25, 25-17, 29-27, and 15-11. The other great match saw Oklahoma get past Kansas, 3-2, back in Norman.
The SEC promoted its brand of volleyball very well on national stage ESPNU last week, as host Kentucky's exciting 3-2 victory over Tennessee was easily the match of the week. The Wildcats followed that big win with an inexplicable 0-3 loss on the road at Mississippi State, which was the national upset of the week. Was Kentucky in overlook or big win hangover mode, or was the team still gassed from the Tennessee match?
In the ACC and in the week's other big upset, Georgia Tech knocked off host Miami, 3-1. Florida State crushed that same Georgia Tech team and Clemson, solidifying its hold on the top of the conference.
Washington (aka Transfer Tech and self-proclaimed Business Model U. where volleyball is concerned) decided not to show up in the Bay Area, with disappointing losses to non-transfer powerhouses Stanford and Cal, so there were no classic matches in the Pac-12 last week.
In an exciting contest also shown on ESPNU, host New Mexico State stretched Hawaii to five sets before losing in a battle of WAC powers: 25-17, 21-25, 20-25, 27-25, 5-15.
In the Mountain West, Colorado State looked sharp in not losing a set against New Mexico and TCU. In the WCC, San Diego had an epic battle with host Saint Mary's, finally overcoming the Gaels 19-25, 24-26, 26-24, 25-11, and 15-11. It doesn't get much closer than that.
Week Eight Selected Individual Highlights:
Nebraska survived Minnesota and crushed Wisconsin on the road thanks to Hannah Werth (32 kills, 27 digs, and 6 blocks), Gina Mancuso (31 kills, 23 digs, and 8 blocks), Morgan Broekhuis (23 kills, 16 digs, 6 blocks, and 2 service aces), Lauren Cook (83 assists, 30 digs, 2 service aces, and 3 kills), and Brooke Delano's remarkable 14 blocks and 9 kills.
Texas A&M triumphed over Oklahoma due to the efforts of Lindsey Miller (23 kills and 7 blocks), Alisia Kastmo (18 kills and 1 service ace), Kelsey Black (10 kills, 12 digs, and 3 blocks), Elise Hendrickson (10 kills, 2 service aces, and 1 block), Allie Sawatzky (60 assists, 10 digs, 5 kills, and 1 block), and Tori Mellinger (15 digs, 4 kills, 4 service aces, and 1 block).
Stanford sailed by Washington and Washington State with the invaluable help of Rachel Williams (28 kills, 4 service aces, 3 blocks, and 14 digs), Carly Wopat (17 kills, 7 blocks, and 1 service ace), Karissa Cook (66 assists, 5 blocks, 19 digs, and 6 kills), Lydia Bai (20 kills and 7 digs), and Kyle Gilbert (21 digs).
Hawaii emerged victorious over New Mexico State and beat down Louisiana Tech without taking a deep breath thanks to Kanani Danielson (29 kills, 19 digs, 6 blocks, and 2 service aces), Jane Croson (28 kills and 19 digs), Brittany Hewitt (8 kills and 10 blocks), Mita Viato (77 assists, 3 service aces, and 6 blocks), and Elizabeth Blake (26 digs).
San Diego hammered Loyola Marymount and came from behind against Saint Mary's due to Amber Tatsch (28 kills, 5 service aces, 22 digs, and 3 blocks), Chloe Ferrari (27 kills, 10 blocks, and 1 service ace), Carrie Baird (22 kills, 18 digs, 3 blocks, and 1 service ace), Sandra Lozic (17 kills, 15 digs, 5 blocks, and 2 service aces), Jianna Bonomi (76 assists, 24 digs, 3 kills, and 2 blocks), and Kandiss Anderson (52 digs and 1 service ace).
Colorado State slaughtered TCU and New Mexico because Katelyn Steffan (25 kills, 5 service aces, and 2 blocks), Megan Plourde (14 kills and 9 blocks), Dana Cranston (17 kills, 24 digs, 3 blocks, and 2 service aces), Deedra Foss (69 assists, 4 kills, 6 blocks, and 1 service ace), and Izzy Gaulia (37 digs) decided to show up in top form for both matches.
An average Georgia Tech squad (10-8) beat an excellent Miami team (15-2) in four sets due to the performances of Monique Mead (19 kills and 4 blocks), Kaleigh Colson (12 kills, 34 assists, 4 service aces, 11 digs, and 1 block), Quinn Evans (9 kills and 4 blocks), and Ivona Kolak (8 kills and 9 digs).
A 9-8 Mississippi State team upset a 17-3 Kentucky team coming off a huge five-set win over Tennessee thanks to the work of Caitlin Rance (14 kills, 13 digs, and 2 blocks), Faith Steinwedell (11 kills, 9 digs, and 3 blocks), Hannah Wilkinson (7 kills and 5 blocks), Paris Perret (34 assists and 2 blocks), and Hillary Parker (17 digs).
Week Nine Selected Match Previews:
The Big Ten will have an interesting week, with Penn State's continued improvement tested once again in matches with Ohio State and Michigan at home. Michigan plays Michigan State in the other big conference contest.
In the Big 12, easily the third best volleyball conference, Texas travels to Baylor, Iowa State travels to Texas A&M, and Kansas State travels to Oklahoma.
In the Pac-12, Washington hosts Oregon (can you smell an upset brewing?) while Cal and Stanford try to avoid stumbles in the desert at ASU and Arizona.
The West Coast Conference has some big matches this week: powerhouses San Diego and Pepperdine visit Provo, Utah and a talented BYU team capable of beating anybody. San Diego also has a tough nonconference date with crosstown rival San Diego State.
Finally, watch for a rallying Duke team to give North Carolina a quality ACC battle at home in Durham.
The Big Ten had three epic matches last week, highlighted by Nebraska's colossal struggle with host Minnesota: 28-30, 19-25, 25-10, 25-12, and 15-11. Improving Michigan State fell to undefeated and national Number One host Illinois, 3-2, and Michigan beat host Northwestern, 3-2.
In the Big 12, host Texas A&M knocked off a suddenly struggling Oklahoma, 3-2, in an inspired come-from-behind fashion: 22-25, 19-25, 25-17, 29-27, and 15-11. The other great match saw Oklahoma get past Kansas, 3-2, back in Norman.
The SEC promoted its brand of volleyball very well on national stage ESPNU last week, as host Kentucky's exciting 3-2 victory over Tennessee was easily the match of the week. The Wildcats followed that big win with an inexplicable 0-3 loss on the road at Mississippi State, which was the national upset of the week. Was Kentucky in overlook or big win hangover mode, or was the team still gassed from the Tennessee match?
In the ACC and in the week's other big upset, Georgia Tech knocked off host Miami, 3-1. Florida State crushed that same Georgia Tech team and Clemson, solidifying its hold on the top of the conference.
Washington (aka Transfer Tech and self-proclaimed Business Model U. where volleyball is concerned) decided not to show up in the Bay Area, with disappointing losses to non-transfer powerhouses Stanford and Cal, so there were no classic matches in the Pac-12 last week.
In an exciting contest also shown on ESPNU, host New Mexico State stretched Hawaii to five sets before losing in a battle of WAC powers: 25-17, 21-25, 20-25, 27-25, 5-15.
In the Mountain West, Colorado State looked sharp in not losing a set against New Mexico and TCU. In the WCC, San Diego had an epic battle with host Saint Mary's, finally overcoming the Gaels 19-25, 24-26, 26-24, 25-11, and 15-11. It doesn't get much closer than that.
Week Eight Selected Individual Highlights:
Nebraska survived Minnesota and crushed Wisconsin on the road thanks to Hannah Werth (32 kills, 27 digs, and 6 blocks), Gina Mancuso (31 kills, 23 digs, and 8 blocks), Morgan Broekhuis (23 kills, 16 digs, 6 blocks, and 2 service aces), Lauren Cook (83 assists, 30 digs, 2 service aces, and 3 kills), and Brooke Delano's remarkable 14 blocks and 9 kills.
Texas A&M triumphed over Oklahoma due to the efforts of Lindsey Miller (23 kills and 7 blocks), Alisia Kastmo (18 kills and 1 service ace), Kelsey Black (10 kills, 12 digs, and 3 blocks), Elise Hendrickson (10 kills, 2 service aces, and 1 block), Allie Sawatzky (60 assists, 10 digs, 5 kills, and 1 block), and Tori Mellinger (15 digs, 4 kills, 4 service aces, and 1 block).
Stanford sailed by Washington and Washington State with the invaluable help of Rachel Williams (28 kills, 4 service aces, 3 blocks, and 14 digs), Carly Wopat (17 kills, 7 blocks, and 1 service ace), Karissa Cook (66 assists, 5 blocks, 19 digs, and 6 kills), Lydia Bai (20 kills and 7 digs), and Kyle Gilbert (21 digs).
Hawaii emerged victorious over New Mexico State and beat down Louisiana Tech without taking a deep breath thanks to Kanani Danielson (29 kills, 19 digs, 6 blocks, and 2 service aces), Jane Croson (28 kills and 19 digs), Brittany Hewitt (8 kills and 10 blocks), Mita Viato (77 assists, 3 service aces, and 6 blocks), and Elizabeth Blake (26 digs).
San Diego hammered Loyola Marymount and came from behind against Saint Mary's due to Amber Tatsch (28 kills, 5 service aces, 22 digs, and 3 blocks), Chloe Ferrari (27 kills, 10 blocks, and 1 service ace), Carrie Baird (22 kills, 18 digs, 3 blocks, and 1 service ace), Sandra Lozic (17 kills, 15 digs, 5 blocks, and 2 service aces), Jianna Bonomi (76 assists, 24 digs, 3 kills, and 2 blocks), and Kandiss Anderson (52 digs and 1 service ace).
Colorado State slaughtered TCU and New Mexico because Katelyn Steffan (25 kills, 5 service aces, and 2 blocks), Megan Plourde (14 kills and 9 blocks), Dana Cranston (17 kills, 24 digs, 3 blocks, and 2 service aces), Deedra Foss (69 assists, 4 kills, 6 blocks, and 1 service ace), and Izzy Gaulia (37 digs) decided to show up in top form for both matches.
An average Georgia Tech squad (10-8) beat an excellent Miami team (15-2) in four sets due to the performances of Monique Mead (19 kills and 4 blocks), Kaleigh Colson (12 kills, 34 assists, 4 service aces, 11 digs, and 1 block), Quinn Evans (9 kills and 4 blocks), and Ivona Kolak (8 kills and 9 digs).
A 9-8 Mississippi State team upset a 17-3 Kentucky team coming off a huge five-set win over Tennessee thanks to the work of Caitlin Rance (14 kills, 13 digs, and 2 blocks), Faith Steinwedell (11 kills, 9 digs, and 3 blocks), Hannah Wilkinson (7 kills and 5 blocks), Paris Perret (34 assists and 2 blocks), and Hillary Parker (17 digs).
Week Nine Selected Match Previews:
The Big Ten will have an interesting week, with Penn State's continued improvement tested once again in matches with Ohio State and Michigan at home. Michigan plays Michigan State in the other big conference contest.
In the Big 12, easily the third best volleyball conference, Texas travels to Baylor, Iowa State travels to Texas A&M, and Kansas State travels to Oklahoma.
In the Pac-12, Washington hosts Oregon (can you smell an upset brewing?) while Cal and Stanford try to avoid stumbles in the desert at ASU and Arizona.
The West Coast Conference has some big matches this week: powerhouses San Diego and Pepperdine visit Provo, Utah and a talented BYU team capable of beating anybody. San Diego also has a tough nonconference date with crosstown rival San Diego State.
Finally, watch for a rallying Duke team to give North Carolina a quality ACC battle at home in Durham.
Sandflea's Week Eight NCAA Women's Volleyball Top 40
(through games of 10/16/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. Illinois (19-0) 9 1
2. Hawaii (13-1) 7 2
3. Nebraska (15-1) 8 4
4. Southern Cal (15-3) 7 5
5. Stanford (14-3) 10 7
6. California (18-2) 6 6
7. Purdue (16-3) 8 8
8. San Diego (20-1) 3 10
9. Texas (12-4) 11 11
10. UCLA (16-3) 8 13
11. Northern Iowa (19-1) 3 9
12. Florida (15-3) 5 12
13. Washington (13-3) 8 3
14. Florida State (15-4) 9 14
15. Penn State (13-5) 7 18
16. Louisville (15-4) 3 17
17. Kentucky (17-4) 6 19
18. Pepperdine (13-5) 7 20
19. Iowa State (15-3) 10 21
20. Tennessee (16-3) 5 15
21. Michigan State (15-5) 3 22
22. North Carolina (15-4) 4 24
23. Texas A&M (15-4) 5 31
24. Colorado State (13-4) 3 32
25. San Diego State (12-5) 2 28
26. Michigan (15-5) 6 29
27. Miami FL (15-3) 5 16
28. Oklahoma (18-5) 6 23
29. BYU (15-5) 3 33
30. Western Kentucky (21-2) 3 34
31. New Mexico State (17-5) 3 NR
32. Oregon (12-6) 8 30
33. Arizona (13-6) 7 37
34. Long Beach State (12-6) 6 NR
35. Houston (14-5) 3 NR
36. Minnesota (11-6) 10 40
37. Duke (12-6) 6 NR
38. TCU (17-4) 2 36
39. Ohio State (14-7) 7 38
40. LSU (13-6) 5 NR
Others to Watch: Northern Illinois (17-5), Dayton (14-5), Eastern Michigan (17-6), Missouri (16-7), Kansas (12-7), Kansas State (14-6), UC Davis (18-5), Baylor (15-7)
Dropped Out: Kansas State (14-6), Baylor (15-7), Clemson (13-7), Bowling Green (16-5), UC Davis (18-5)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. Illinois (19-0) 9 1
2. Hawaii (13-1) 7 2
3. Nebraska (15-1) 8 4
4. Southern Cal (15-3) 7 5
5. Stanford (14-3) 10 7
6. California (18-2) 6 6
7. Purdue (16-3) 8 8
8. San Diego (20-1) 3 10
9. Texas (12-4) 11 11
10. UCLA (16-3) 8 13
11. Northern Iowa (19-1) 3 9
12. Florida (15-3) 5 12
13. Washington (13-3) 8 3
14. Florida State (15-4) 9 14
15. Penn State (13-5) 7 18
16. Louisville (15-4) 3 17
17. Kentucky (17-4) 6 19
18. Pepperdine (13-5) 7 20
19. Iowa State (15-3) 10 21
20. Tennessee (16-3) 5 15
21. Michigan State (15-5) 3 22
22. North Carolina (15-4) 4 24
23. Texas A&M (15-4) 5 31
24. Colorado State (13-4) 3 32
25. San Diego State (12-5) 2 28
26. Michigan (15-5) 6 29
27. Miami FL (15-3) 5 16
28. Oklahoma (18-5) 6 23
29. BYU (15-5) 3 33
30. Western Kentucky (21-2) 3 34
31. New Mexico State (17-5) 3 NR
32. Oregon (12-6) 8 30
33. Arizona (13-6) 7 37
34. Long Beach State (12-6) 6 NR
35. Houston (14-5) 3 NR
36. Minnesota (11-6) 10 40
37. Duke (12-6) 6 NR
38. TCU (17-4) 2 36
39. Ohio State (14-7) 7 38
40. LSU (13-6) 5 NR
Others to Watch: Northern Illinois (17-5), Dayton (14-5), Eastern Michigan (17-6), Missouri (16-7), Kansas (12-7), Kansas State (14-6), UC Davis (18-5), Baylor (15-7)
Dropped Out: Kansas State (14-6), Baylor (15-7), Clemson (13-7), Bowling Green (16-5), UC Davis (18-5)
Sandflea's Week Seven 2011 NCAA Football Top 40
(through games of 10/16/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. LSU (7-0) 4 1
2. Oklahoma (7-0) 2 2
3. Alabama (7-0) 1 1
4. Boise State (6-0) 1 4
5. Stanford (6-0) 5
6. Clemson (7-0) 3 6
7. Oklahoma State (6-0) 2 7
8. Wisconsin (6-0) 1 9
9. Oregon (5-1) 2 10
10. Kansas State (6-0) 3 13
11. Houston (6-0) 14
12. Arkansas (5-1) 3 15
13. West Virginia (5-1) 2 17
14. South Carolina (6-1) 3 18
15. Nebraska (5-1) 2 19
16. Penn State (6-1) 1 20
17. Washington (5-1) 3 22
18. Michigan State (5-1) 3 23
19. Southern Cal (5-1) 1 25
20. Virginia Tech (6-1) 1 26
21. Notre Dame (4-2) 4 27
22. Cincinnati (5-1) 1 29
23. Michigan (6-1) 2 8
24. Georgia Tech (6-1) 1 12
25. Rutgers (5-1) 2 35
26. Southern Methodist (5-1) 2 37
27. Illinois (6-1) 2 11
28. Southern Mississippi (5-1) 1 36
29. Louisiana-Lafayette (6-1) 1 NR
30. Arizona State (5-2) 3 16
31. Auburn (5-2) 4 31
32. Texas A&M (4-2) 4 32
33. Georgia (5-2) 3 34
34. Baylor (4-2) 5 21
35. North Carolina (5-2) 1 24
36. Syracuse (4-2) 2 38
37. TCU (4-2) 2 39
38. Virginia (4-2) 2 NR
39. BYU (5-2) 2 NR
40. San Diego State (4-2) 2 NR
Others to Watch: Texas (4-2), Wyoming (4-2), Temple (5-2), Iowa (4-2), Ohio State (4-3), Toledo (4-3), Wake Forest (4-2), Texas Tech (4-2), South Florida (4-2)
Dropped Out: South Florida (4-2), Florida (4-3), Texas Tech (4-2), Texas (4-2)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. LSU (7-0) 4 1
2. Oklahoma (7-0) 2 2
3. Alabama (7-0) 1 1
4. Boise State (6-0) 1 4
5. Stanford (6-0) 5
6. Clemson (7-0) 3 6
7. Oklahoma State (6-0) 2 7
8. Wisconsin (6-0) 1 9
9. Oregon (5-1) 2 10
10. Kansas State (6-0) 3 13
11. Houston (6-0) 14
12. Arkansas (5-1) 3 15
13. West Virginia (5-1) 2 17
14. South Carolina (6-1) 3 18
15. Nebraska (5-1) 2 19
16. Penn State (6-1) 1 20
17. Washington (5-1) 3 22
18. Michigan State (5-1) 3 23
19. Southern Cal (5-1) 1 25
20. Virginia Tech (6-1) 1 26
21. Notre Dame (4-2) 4 27
22. Cincinnati (5-1) 1 29
23. Michigan (6-1) 2 8
24. Georgia Tech (6-1) 1 12
25. Rutgers (5-1) 2 35
26. Southern Methodist (5-1) 2 37
27. Illinois (6-1) 2 11
28. Southern Mississippi (5-1) 1 36
29. Louisiana-Lafayette (6-1) 1 NR
30. Arizona State (5-2) 3 16
31. Auburn (5-2) 4 31
32. Texas A&M (4-2) 4 32
33. Georgia (5-2) 3 34
34. Baylor (4-2) 5 21
35. North Carolina (5-2) 1 24
36. Syracuse (4-2) 2 38
37. TCU (4-2) 2 39
38. Virginia (4-2) 2 NR
39. BYU (5-2) 2 NR
40. San Diego State (4-2) 2 NR
Others to Watch: Texas (4-2), Wyoming (4-2), Temple (5-2), Iowa (4-2), Ohio State (4-3), Toledo (4-3), Wake Forest (4-2), Texas Tech (4-2), South Florida (4-2)
Dropped Out: South Florida (4-2), Florida (4-3), Texas Tech (4-2), Texas (4-2)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
NCAA Volleyball Week Seven Highlights (10/3-10/9/11)
Week Seven Selected Match Highlights:
In the Big Ten, the two epic matches found top-ranked Illinois overpowering host Penn State, 3-2, and Minnesota returning to form with a beat-down of host Michigan, 3-2. The other key conference match had host Nebraska blow by Purdue, 3-1.
In the Pac-12, host Arizona stunned top-five power UCLA (something I suggested could happen last week), 3-2. It was not a huge upset, as the Wildcats have been in and out of Sandflea's Top 40 all year, and they are led by one of the nation's top and most underrated coaches, Dave Rubio.
In the Mountain West, San Diego State had a quality win over host TCU, 3-2, while Wyoming upset visiting Colorado State, 3-2. Sitting at an imperious 7200-foot elevation, Laramie often gives the host Cowboys and Cowgals an altitude advantage. However, Ft. Collins doesn't exactly sit in Death Valley, so the upset is legit.
In the Big 12, Missouri fell to host Oklahoma and host Baylor by identical 3-2 scores. In the other epic conference match, host Kansas lost to Texas A&M, 3-2. In the SEC, new-power Tennessee crunched visiting Ole Miss, 3-2.
While the imperiled Big East had no highlight matches, the ACC saw Florida State smash quality host North Carolina, 3-1, North Carolina throttle quality visitor Miami, 3-2, and Clemson outlast tenacious visitor Maryland, 3-2.
In the week's, biggest upset, a 5 and 9 Middle Tennessee surprised top 20 host Western Kentucky, 3-1.
Week Seven Selected Individual Highlights:
Nebraska's on a roll thanks to these cumulative performances from last week's wins over Purdue and Indiana: Gina Mancuso (23 kills and 30 digs), Morgan Broekhuis (21 kills, 10 digs, 5 blocks, and 3 aces), Hannah Werth (21 kills, 16 digs, and 5 blocks), Brooke Delano (15 kills and 6 blocks), UCLA transfer Lauren Cook (84 assists and 12 digs), and defensive guru Lara Dykstra (37 digs).
Minnesota returned to life with an undefeated Michigan road trip thanks to Tori Dixon (29 kills and 12 blocks), Katherine Harms (34 kills and 6 blocks), Ashley Wittman (35 kills, 23 digs, and 5 blocks), Ariana Filho (8 kills and 8 blocks), Mia Tabberson (97 assists, 16 digs, and 8 blocks), and Jessica Granquist (40 digs). Dixon hit over .400 in both matches.
Iowa State beat Kansas State and Oklahoma in the very tough Big 12 due to performances from Carly Jenson (26 kills, 24 digs, and 4 blocks), Jamie Straube (24 kills and 6 blocks), Hannah Willms (15 kills and 3 blocks), Tenisha Matlock (16 kills and 10 blocks), Alison Landwehr (6 kills, 85 assists, 27 digs, and 4 blocks), and Kristen Hahn (48 digs).
Stanford disposed of Oregon and Oregon State thanks to the efforts of Carly Wopat (26 kills and 9 blocks), Rachel Williams (37 kills, 29 digs, and 8 blocks), Lydia Bai (17 kills and 7 blocks), Karissa Cook (12 kills, 92 assists, 29 digs, and 8 blocks), Jessica Walker (8 kills and 13 blocks), and Kyle Gilbert, with 35 digs.
Also in the West, Pepperdine defeated Loyola-Marymount and BYU due to Kim Hill (25 kills19 digs, and 10 blocks), Katie Messing (19 kills and 3 blocks), Victoria Adelhelm (16 kills and 8 blocks), Lilla Frederick (24 kills, 15 digs, and 2 service aces), Kellie Woolever (8 kills, 85 assists, 33 digs, and 6 blocks), and Stevi Robinson (4 service aces and 26 digs).
San Diego State had a great week, beating TCU and New Mexico, thanks to Andrea Hannasch (33 kills and 16 blocks), Raegan Shelton (40 kills and 15 digs), Emily Harris (24 kills and 13 blocks), Johnna Fouch (118 assists, 32 digs, and 9 blocks), and Kristi Jackels (47 digs).
Florida State is the class of the ACC, getting victories over North Carolina and NC State due to Jekaterina Stepanova (17 kills and 5 blocks), Visnja Djurdjevic (23 kills, 36 digs, and 6 blocks), Ashley Neff (18 kills and an amazing 26 blocks), Sareea Freeman (20 kills and 16 blocks), and Katie Mosher (46 digs).
Upsets are the result of good coaching and team efforts. Individuals do help, however. Middle Tennessee knocked off Western Kentucky after losing the first set thanks to Alyssa Wistrick (19 kills), Maria Szivos (14 kills and 4 blocks), Ashley Adams (10 kills and 4 blocks), and Kendall Howard (2 service aces and 17 digs).
Wyoming upset Colorado State in a thriller after losing the first two sets thanks to Jodi Purdy (16 kills, 21 digs, and 5 blocks), Calli Miller (13 kills and 8 digs), Camille Coffman (11 kills), Reese Plante (11 kills and 3 blocks), and Becky Stewart (19 digs).
Arizona shocked UCLA in Tucson after falling behind 1-2 in sets , and that victory resulted from the efforts of Madison Kingdon (16 kills and 11 digs), Cursty Jackson (13 kills), Courtney Karst (14 kills), Rachel Rhoades (6 kills and 4 blocks), and Candace Nicholson (3 service aces and 24 digs).
Week Eight Selected Match Previews:
In the Pac-12, Washington visits Stanford and Cal in battles of elites. Oregon, always capable of upsetting the apple cart, visits superpowers USC and UCLA.
In the Big Ten, undefeated Illinois hosts talented Michigan and Michigan State, superpower Nebraska takes on Wisconsin and Minnesota, and Penn State travels to Purdue.
In the Big 12, Texas A&M hosts Oklahoma, Iowa State hosts Baylor, and Kansas State hosts Texas. In the SEC, Tennessee plays a crucial match at Kentucky.
In the Big East, Cincinnati visits Louisville, while in the ACC Clemson travels to Florida State and Miami.
Out west, Colorado State hosts TCU in the Mountain West, Saint Mary's entertains San Diego at Moraga in the WCC, and UC Davis travels to Long Beach State in the Big West.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Sandflea's Week Seven NCAA Women's Volleyball Top 40
Sandflea's Week Seven NCAA Women's Volleyball Top 40
(through games of 10/9/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. Illinois (17-0) 7 1
2. Hawaii (11-1) 7 2
3. Washington (13-1) 6 3
4. Nebraska (13-1) 7 7
5. Southern Cal (13-3) 6 8
6. California (16-2) 5 10
7. Stanford (12-3) 9 12
8. Purdue (15-2) 6 6
9. Northern Iowa (17-1) 3 9
10. San Diego (18-1) 3 11
11. Texas (10-4) 10 18
12. Florida (13-3) 5 20
13. UCLA (14-3) 7 5
14. Florida State (13-4) 8 21
15. Tennessee (15-2) 4 22
16. Miami FL (14-2) 4 7
17. Louisville (14-4) 3 23
18. Penn State (11-5) 6 24
19. Kentucky (16-3) 5 25
20. Pepperdine (11-5) 7 27
21. Iowa State (14-3) 9 30
22. Michigan State (14-4) 2 13
23. Oklahoma (17-4) 5 16
24. North Carolina (13-4) 4 29
25. Kansas State (14-5) 4 32
26. Baylor (14-6) 5 35
27. Clemson (13-5) 3 39
28. San Diego State (10-5) 2 NR
29. Michigan (14-4) 5 15
30. Oregon (12-4) 6 19
31. Texas A&M (14-4) 4 26
32. Colorado State (11-4) 2 28
33. BYU (14-5) 3 31
34. Western Kentucky (19-2) 3 14
35. Bowling Green (16-3) 2 33
36. TCU (16-3) 1 17
37. Arizona (11-6) 7 NR
38. Ohio State (13-6) 6 NR
39. UC Davis (18-3) 3 NR
40. Minnesota (10-5) 9 NR
Others to Watch: Wisconsin (11-7), Northern Illinois (15-5), LSU (11-6), Long Beach State (10-6),
Kansas (12-5), New Mexico (11-7), Houston (12-5), Duke (10-6), Dayton (13-5),
Oregon State (11-7)
Dropped Out: Missouri (14-7), Washington State (11-7), Cincinnati (13-7), Tulsa (14-5), UC Santa
Barbara (11-7)
(through games of 10/9/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. Illinois (17-0) 7 1
2. Hawaii (11-1) 7 2
3. Washington (13-1) 6 3
4. Nebraska (13-1) 7 7
5. Southern Cal (13-3) 6 8
6. California (16-2) 5 10
7. Stanford (12-3) 9 12
8. Purdue (15-2) 6 6
9. Northern Iowa (17-1) 3 9
10. San Diego (18-1) 3 11
11. Texas (10-4) 10 18
12. Florida (13-3) 5 20
13. UCLA (14-3) 7 5
14. Florida State (13-4) 8 21
15. Tennessee (15-2) 4 22
16. Miami FL (14-2) 4 7
17. Louisville (14-4) 3 23
18. Penn State (11-5) 6 24
19. Kentucky (16-3) 5 25
20. Pepperdine (11-5) 7 27
21. Iowa State (14-3) 9 30
22. Michigan State (14-4) 2 13
23. Oklahoma (17-4) 5 16
24. North Carolina (13-4) 4 29
25. Kansas State (14-5) 4 32
26. Baylor (14-6) 5 35
27. Clemson (13-5) 3 39
28. San Diego State (10-5) 2 NR
29. Michigan (14-4) 5 15
30. Oregon (12-4) 6 19
31. Texas A&M (14-4) 4 26
32. Colorado State (11-4) 2 28
33. BYU (14-5) 3 31
34. Western Kentucky (19-2) 3 14
35. Bowling Green (16-3) 2 33
36. TCU (16-3) 1 17
37. Arizona (11-6) 7 NR
38. Ohio State (13-6) 6 NR
39. UC Davis (18-3) 3 NR
40. Minnesota (10-5) 9 NR
Others to Watch: Wisconsin (11-7), Northern Illinois (15-5), LSU (11-6), Long Beach State (10-6),
Kansas (12-5), New Mexico (11-7), Houston (12-5), Duke (10-6), Dayton (13-5),
Oregon State (11-7)
Dropped Out: Missouri (14-7), Washington State (11-7), Cincinnati (13-7), Tulsa (14-5), UC Santa
Barbara (11-7)
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sandflea's Week Six 2011 NCAA Football Top 40
Sandflea's Week Six 2011 NCAA Football Top 40
(through games of 10/9/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. LSU (6-0) 4 2
2. Oklahoma (6-0) 2 3
3. Alabama (6-0) 1 3
4. Boise State (5-0) 1 4
5. Stanford (5-0) 5
6. Clemson (6-0) 3 6
7. Oklahoma State (5-0) 1 8
8. Michigan (6-0) 1 9
9. Wisconsin (5-0) 1 7
10. Oregon (4-1) 1 11
11. Illinois (6-0) 2 12
12. Georgia Tech (6-0) 1 13
13. Kansas State (5-0) 2 16
14. Houston (6-0) 15
15. Arkansas (5-1) 3 17
16. Arizona State (5-1) 2 19
17. West Virginia (5-1) 2 20
18. South Carolina (5-1) 3 23
19. Nebraska (5-1) 2 28
20. Penn State (5-1) 1 25
21. Baylor (4-1) 4 24
22. Washington (4-1) 3 21
23. Michigan State (4-1) 2 22
24. North Carolina (5-1) 1 26
25. Southern Cal (4-1) 1 27
26. Virginia Tech (5-1) 1 38
27. Notre Dame (4-2) 4 33
28. South Florida (4-1) 2 36
29. Cincinnati (4-1) 1 35
30. Texas (4-1) 3 10
31. Auburn (4-2) 3 18
32. Texas A&M (3-2) 3 32
33. Florida (4-2) 3 30
34. Georgia (4-2) 3 40
35. Rutgers (4-1) 2 NR
36. Southern Mississippi (5-1) NR
37. Southern Methodist (4-1) 2 NR
38. Syracuse (4-2) 2 NR
39. TCU (4-2) 2 NR
40. Texas Tech (4-1) 1 14
Others to Watch: BYU (4-2), Western Michigan (4-2), Purdue (3-2), Temple (4-2), Central Florida (3-2), Hawaii (3-2), Iowa (3-2), Duke (3-2), Tennessee (3-2), Air Force (3-2), Iowa State (3-2)
Dropped Out: Air Force (3-2), Tennessee (3-2), Washington State (3-2), Pittsburgh (3-3), Iowa State
(3-2)
(through games of 10/9/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Opponents Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. LSU (6-0) 4 2
2. Oklahoma (6-0) 2 3
3. Alabama (6-0) 1 3
4. Boise State (5-0) 1 4
5. Stanford (5-0) 5
6. Clemson (6-0) 3 6
7. Oklahoma State (5-0) 1 8
8. Michigan (6-0) 1 9
9. Wisconsin (5-0) 1 7
10. Oregon (4-1) 1 11
11. Illinois (6-0) 2 12
12. Georgia Tech (6-0) 1 13
13. Kansas State (5-0) 2 16
14. Houston (6-0) 15
15. Arkansas (5-1) 3 17
16. Arizona State (5-1) 2 19
17. West Virginia (5-1) 2 20
18. South Carolina (5-1) 3 23
19. Nebraska (5-1) 2 28
20. Penn State (5-1) 1 25
21. Baylor (4-1) 4 24
22. Washington (4-1) 3 21
23. Michigan State (4-1) 2 22
24. North Carolina (5-1) 1 26
25. Southern Cal (4-1) 1 27
26. Virginia Tech (5-1) 1 38
27. Notre Dame (4-2) 4 33
28. South Florida (4-1) 2 36
29. Cincinnati (4-1) 1 35
30. Texas (4-1) 3 10
31. Auburn (4-2) 3 18
32. Texas A&M (3-2) 3 32
33. Florida (4-2) 3 30
34. Georgia (4-2) 3 40
35. Rutgers (4-1) 2 NR
36. Southern Mississippi (5-1) NR
37. Southern Methodist (4-1) 2 NR
38. Syracuse (4-2) 2 NR
39. TCU (4-2) 2 NR
40. Texas Tech (4-1) 1 14
Others to Watch: BYU (4-2), Western Michigan (4-2), Purdue (3-2), Temple (4-2), Central Florida (3-2), Hawaii (3-2), Iowa (3-2), Duke (3-2), Tennessee (3-2), Air Force (3-2), Iowa State (3-2)
Dropped Out: Air Force (3-2), Tennessee (3-2), Washington State (3-2), Pittsburgh (3-3), Iowa State
(3-2)
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