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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2009 5:26:34 GMT -5
Mercifully, the preseason is over. We know, Penn State’s 12-0 preseason was greeted by a collective yawn from women’s volleyball fans around the country. Even Penn State Head Coach Russ Rose concedes the preseason wasn't an ideal test. We’d say he’s looking at the 2009 team as a work-in-progress: “When I look at the preseason, I think I know more than I knew at the start of the preseason,” Rose told Bill Landis, in an article posted today on thedailycollegianonline www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2009/09/21/weekend_results_in_sweep.aspx. “I think if we would’ve played the strong preseason schedule that people want us to play, that I would maybe know a little bit more, but I’m not sure that that’s all of what I have to do.” Rose conceded the team is “making progress,” but indicated that it’s not “rapid progress right now.” Coach Rose, the Penn State team, and fans across the country will get a better read on the Nittany Lions soon enough, as the Big Ten regular season starts (for Penn State) this Friday, when the Nittany Lions travel to Evanston, IL. to take on Northwestern (9-3, with a six match winning streak) in Welsh-Ryan Arena, followed by a trip to Champaign for a match Saturday evening against Illinois (8-1) in Huff Hall. The Illinois match will be televised on the Big Ten Network. Our question is: Will the 8-1 Illini be able to duplicate their feat from Sept. 12, 2004 in Huff Hall, when Illinois defeated then-#1 (and two time defending NCAA Champion), USC? For a video of the post-match celebration from that evening, video highlights and commentary on PSU's Saturday night sweep of Temple, plus stats and other PSU Women's volleyball info, go to www.dignittanyvolleyball.com/?p=3343 |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2009 5:36:55 GMT -5
Good luck to the Fighting Illini.
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Post by rogero1 on Sept 21, 2009 5:43:14 GMT -5
Our question is: Will the 8-1 Illini be able to duplicate their feat from Sept. 12, 2004 in Huff Hall, when Illinois defeated then-#1 (and two time defending NCAA Champion), USC? For a video of the post-match celebration from that evening, plus stats and other PSU Women's volleyball info, go to www.dignittanyvolleyball.com/?p=3343 It is possible for Illinois to beat Penn State. That night in 2004 had everything going for the Illini to pull that off in 5. BTW, I believe they sing the "Alma Mater" song after each home match. |
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Post by volleyguy on Sept 21, 2009 8:40:49 GMT -5
Penn St appears to be ripe for an upset, so the question is, WHO will beat Penn St. There's no reason to limit the possibility to Illinois in this season of surprises.
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Post by MTC on Sept 21, 2009 9:20:18 GMT -5
Finally we will get the chance to see what the Nittany Lions are made of. It will be improbable that BB is back to full strength so the other players will have to pick it up. The key may be if they can shut down Debruler, who is their big gun. I think the players are looking forward to playing the better teams. Hopefully this weekend will answer some of the questions.
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Post by psualumfan on Sept 21, 2009 9:38:12 GMT -5
If Blair Brown isn't back from the ankle injury she sustained on Saturday morning in the first set against St. Francis, I think Illinois has an excellent chance of beating Penn State. Prior to Saturday's matches Blair was second on the team behind Hodge in Attacks and Kills, and her superior blocking on the right side is a major part of the team's defense.
Katie Kabbes is filling in for Blair on the right side but still hasn't been able to show that she can step up and be a factor when the team needs her. If Blair can't play this weekend and Katie doesn't step up and make a major contribution, Penn State is going to be in for a tough weekend
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Post by WI FIB on Sept 21, 2009 9:38:41 GMT -5
For Illinois to beat Penn St, two things will probably have to happen:
1. Illinois will have to play out of their minds.
2. Penn St. will have to have an off night.
If Penn St. is playing even their B game, that'll probably be good enough to beat Illinois, unless Illinois is playing an A+ level match.
I say this with absolutely no disrespect toward Illinois whatsoever.
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Post by volleyguy on Sept 21, 2009 9:45:40 GMT -5
This is the most sincere arrogance I've ever witnessed.
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Post by The Bofa on the Sofa on Sept 21, 2009 10:12:33 GMT -5
This is an interesting thread. I can tell you that Pablo is taking Illinois at home.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2009 10:16:20 GMT -5
Illinois probably has the best shot of any Big 10 team. Not necessarily because they are the 2nd best Big 10 team (which they may be), but because of the timing.
Now or never?
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Post by mango on Sept 21, 2009 10:48:28 GMT -5
With two of Northwestern's front line in the top 10 blocking stats for the Big 10, it is possible that the PSU hitters will have their confidence challenged on Friday night and thus soften them up for an Illinois surprise on Saturday.
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Post by tex on Sept 21, 2009 11:04:22 GMT -5
Not if it is the same team that was swept by FSU.
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Post by ugopher on Sept 21, 2009 11:19:59 GMT -5
Illinois probably has the best shot of any Big 10 team. Not necessarily because they are the 2nd best Big 10 team (which they may be), but because of the timing. Now or never? I understand the timing issue but I am conflicted as if it is better to face PSU now? Or, in a few weeks. PSU will most likely be jacked up for the start of the B10 season which could be bad news for the opposition. Could also depend upon Brown's injury. In any event, let the conference season begin! |
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Post by bucky415 on Sept 21, 2009 11:27:42 GMT -5
I think PSU will end up winning. They have risen to the occasion in the matches where we expected them to be tested in recent seasons, and I am not sure the Illini are at the top of their game thus far this season.
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Post by pennstate7188 on Sept 21, 2009 11:51:31 GMT -5
Illinois will not upset Penn State...
Even without Blair in the offense, Megan, Darcy, Ari, and Fatima are more than enough to take care of this team. They'll have Katie to block where Blair does and the only thing they lose are the complex plays run between Ari and Blair. The offense will be much simpler. But, if I'm not mistaken, Blair's injury was extremely minor and the crutches and the fact that she sat out were only precautionary measures. I think she'll be fine, which is bad news for Illinois. Even if she does have to sit out one more match, that still isn't good news for the Illini.
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