BIG TEN Update

[dontknowjack]

Not mid-way yet, but would like to spearhead some chatter:

Penn State:
-Predict they will roll through with another 20-0 season, and potentially could only drop games to Minnesota and Wisconsin on the road. Fawcett or Harmotto POY, Hodge or Glass FOY, and at least 4 first team All-Big Ten picks

Wisconsin:
-Slow start, but they are clicking well -- great blocking, strong offense, passing and D are picking up; will come in a solid 2nd, with 2 All-Big Ten picks and an all-frosh in Dolgner.

Minnesota:
-Horrendous start, but they are climbing. Their middles are getting it done, and may be the most offensive MBs in the league. More offense from KBow would make them higher than 3rd, but see them there. Look for one or both middles to be All-Big Ten.

Purdue:
-A lot of heart with this team, including some major talent. The mini-L2 will hurt them ultimately, but Merlau and the the other big guns are hitting their stride. 2 All-Big Ten, Gray likely on frosh team.

Ohio State:
-It can't just be the Meyer show if they want to finish higher than 4th. The M2 with Jones is a liability, and the errors of the M1 don't help either. McCarthy is a quiet gun, and the French player is legit. Main knows how to win, but the lack of blocks will ultimately kill them. Still, Sweet 16 and Daniell Meyer and Main will be All-Big Ten.

Michigan State:
-Very physical, but their lack of diversity in offense will keep them from winning those 5 game heartbreakers. They will be tough at home, but the road could be weary. KJ All-Big Ten, maybe Ianni HM is she continues to lead the conference in APG.

Northwestern:
-Disappointing start, but per history they tend to peak in the 2nd half and pull the big upsets to launch into the post-season. Setetr can make or break them -- when she's a force, look out, when she's off, it hurts. Crushed Iowa, so could be on their way. Nobilio could be defensive POY as a freshman.

Michigan:
-Overrated, and it is starting to show. Relatively easy preseason was smart -- 13 wins gives a nice cushion heading into Big Tens, but looks like they may have peaked already. They will be out of the top 25 and on the bubble at best at season's end.

Illinois:
-Like Mich, overrated due to a cakewalk preseason. Turner and Brown are legit athletes, and Bazetta is a difference maker, but take them away from home, don't see them dynamic enough to keep rising to the occasion.

Indiana:
-Better than most expect it seems, and Erica Short is a legit terminator. Too bad they knocked off Mich so early -- everyone will be prepared. Not sure if there is enough talent to take them too far, but much improved from last year.

Iowa:
-High hopes for the Hawkes with the soph class, transfers, and the lefty freshman, but they look like the Iowa of old. The Mich and Indiana series will be interesting.

All Big Ten:
Katie Johnson
Marisa Main
Danielle Meyer
Nicole Fawcett
Alisha Glass
Christa Harmotto
Megan Hodge
Jessy Jones
Meredith Nelson
Stephanie Lynch
Danita Merlau
Taylor Reineke

All Freshman:
Alisha Glass
Megan Hodge, FOY
Brittany Dolgner
Kate Nobilio
Anna Szerszen
Sam Gray

Coach of the Year: Shondell or Rose

[stberry50]

dontknowjack said:

Not mid-way yet, but would like to spearhead some chatter:

Penn State:
-Predict they will roll through with another 20-0 season, and potentially could only drop games to Minnesota and Wisconsin on the road. Fawcett or Harmotto POY, Hodge or Glass FOY, and at least 4 first team All-Big Ten picks

Wisconsin:
-Slow start, but they are clicking well -- great blocking, strong offense, passing and D are picking up; will come in a solid 2nd, with 2 All-Big Ten picks and an all-frosh in Dolgner.

Minnesota:
-Horrendous start, but they are climbing. Their middles are getting it done, and may be the most offensive MBs in the league. More offense from KBow would make them higher than 3rd, but see them there. Look for one or both middles to be All-Big Ten.

Purdue:
-A lot of heart with this team, including some major talent. The mini-L2 will hurt them ultimately, but Merlau and the the other big guns are hitting their stride. 2 All-Big Ten, Gray likely on frosh team.

Ohio State:
-It can't just be the Meyer show if they want to finish higher than 4th. The M2 with Jones is a liability, and the errors of the M1 don't help either. McCarthy is a quiet gun, and the French player is legit. Main knows how to win, but the lack of blocks will ultimately kill them. Still, Sweet 16 and Daniell Meyer and Main will be All-Big Ten.

Michigan State:
-Very physical, but their lack of diversity in offense will keep them from winning those 5 game heartbreakers. They will be tough at home, but the road could be weary. KJ All-Big Ten, maybe Ianni HM is she continues to lead the conference in APG.

Northwestern:
-Disappointing start, but per history they tend to peak in the 2nd half and pull the big upsets to launch into the post-season. Setetr can make or break them -- when she's a force, look out, when she's off, it hurts. Crushed Iowa, so could be on their way. Nobilio could be defensive POY as a freshman.

Michigan:
-Overrated, and it is starting to show. Relatively easy preseason was smart -- 13 wins gives a nice cushion heading into Big Tens, but looks like they may have peaked already. They will be out of the top 25 and on the bubble at best at season's end.

Illinois:
-Like Mich, overrated due to a cakewalk preseason. Turner and Brown are legit athletes, and Bazetta is a difference maker, but take them away from home, don't see them dynamic enough to keep rising to the occasion.

Indiana:
-Better than most expect it seems, and Erica Short is a legit terminator. Too bad they knocked off Mich so early -- everyone will be prepared. Not sure if there is enough talent to take them too far, but much improved from last year.

Iowa:
-High hopes for the Hawkes with the soph class, transfers, and the lefty freshman, but they look like the Iowa of old. The Mich and Indiana series will be interesting.

All Big Ten:
Katie Johnson
Marisa Main
Danielle Meyer
Nicole Fawcett
Alisha Glass
Christa Harmotto
Megan Hodge
Jessy Jones
Meredith Nelson
Stephanie Lynch
Danita Merlau
Taylor Reineke

All Freshman:
Alisha Glass
Megan Hodge, FOY
Brittany Dolgner
Kate Nobilio
Anna Szerszen
Sam Gray

Coach of the Year: Shondell or Rose

I think that was a pretty good summary of the Big Ten. Hodge is a doing a great job but I like Glass for FOY, mostly because I don't like the attitude of Hodge on the floor. She seems lazy to me. She also seems really cocky--not that she doesn't have a reason to be that way. I'd just like to see her appear confident and not cocky.

I think MN will climb near the top as the season progresses. It was a shame the NCAA felt the need to come down on them so hard.

Gray is doing a good job setting for Purdue. Her setting was very consistent this past weekend. Running a 6-2 made it tough for the setters to deal with the really tight passing Purdue was putting up on Fri. and Sat. night though. Gray could be really offensive in a 5-1. Gurnell might get the nod for Freshman Big Ten team if she can become more consistent.

Main for Ohio State is amazing and is the glue for Ohio State, I think even more than Meyer. Both are deserving of recognition.

Just my 2 cents....

[Deleted]

Jeffers, if healthy, will make a run at all-conference.

I also like Peniata on it. Bowman? Her offense will need to pick up, but she does so much for the team...

[dontknowjack]

Agree with stberry on Gurnell -- impressive athlete. But, take Gray out of the picture and it's a different story for Purdue. Gurnell, while making a difference, can be replaced and they still succeed. Plus, Sam proved herself also in a 5-1 earlier.

Bowman's presence helps them, as well as her ball handling, but her all around #s aren't worthy of any all-conference. Peniata could battle for defensive POY honors, which is generally given to the top in-conference DPG player.

Jeffers' #s aren't all-conference worthy. Simpson has the next best shot after TR.

Predictions for this weekend?

[bigtenfred]

Too early with only 4 Big Ten matches played this early in the year so far that would be right.

[dishdaball]

Agree with most the comments but one - Meyer is the heart of that OSU team. Main and her lack of blocking will hurt them. Very overrated setter IMO but the passing isn't the greatest either...

Penn State to win it all - it should be a great match this weekend against Minnesota - if the Gophers play well.

[bomber]

Here's my take, for what it's worth:

Penn State

Certainly has the horses to win the conference, though not sure yet whether they will "roll". This weekend is probably bigger for them than it would be for Minny or the Badgers, as PSU must hold serve and both the Gophers and Wisconsin are expected to lose. At least 3 All Big Ten picks, with Glass having to "settle" for FOY.

Wisconsin

Really playing well, with as much experience as anyone in the conference. Powerful offense, and blocking may be the best. Who knows about All Conference? Badgers don't seem to rate in this department (OK, still can't get over Reineke's snub for pre-season team...btw, look who's leading stats {again} in BPG's)

Minnesota

Definitely in the conference hunt, though, still working out offensive issues. Won't blow you away, but won't fold either. Maybe two All Conference. (Jones and Peniata, Nelson's stats have to get better)

Purdue

Also still in the hunt, though their poor showing at home against PSU gives some cause for concern. Offense seems solid, but blocking and setting are at level below last year. I like Lynch and Merlau for All Conference.

Ohio State

It truly is Meyer left, Meyer right, Meyer with the pipe. Right now, too one dimensional on offense, and any good blocking team will hurt them. They also haven't improved their poor blocking from last year at all...big hole in the middle. I do like Meyer and Main to make the AC team.

MSU

See OSU for offensive non diversity. Defense is flat out poor. Only a middle of the conference team right now,outside chance at NCAA field. Forget anyone else but Johnson for All Conference.

Northwestern

Very disappointing start, though I said before the season I think this team had regressed from last year. No legitimate offensive threat, and only average setting and defense. Will fight it out with MSU for conference standings. No All Conference candidates.

Michigan

Was waaay overrated. I think every conference match they have this year will be a challenge for them (see Indiana loss) They're getting worse, when some of their conference mates are getting better. Katie B is legitimate All Conference player, but quality of her team may hurt her chances.

Illinois

Seem to have steadied the ship. Ball handlling is their big Achilles heel, and it may not be fixable this year. Average blockers, though their offense can be exciting at times. Forget Turner for All Conference, but Brown is legitimate contender for team. Both need to play better against good teams for Illinois to succeed.

Indiana

Early surprise, they have some people who can play the game. They need to demonstrate that Michigan win was no fluke. Short is a long shot to make AC, team's fortunes will have to drastically improve for her to get a chance.

Iowa

Sorry, it's no accident that they're last again. Uninspired play last weekend is icing on the cellar dwelling cake. Two weeks ago, Meister demonstrated she can be an excellent offensive and defensive force, then she disappeared again this weekend. And she needs lots of help...

[maninyellowhat]

ruffda said:

Bowman? Her offense will need to pick up, but she does so much for the team...

Bowman is the best player on the Minnesota team. She does EVERYTHING out there.

[Deleted]

Yep. And, unfortunately, that kind of player tends to get overlooked -- especially when the offensive numbers aren't there. I still think the better the middles do, the more success KBow will have attacking.

[maninyellowhat]

And because she does serve receive she can be taken out of the offense.

[Deleted]

MSU _really_ did a nice job in that regard.

[dontknowjack]

KBow is light years from 1st team all-american status. the '04 year she had great numbers all-around, and they don't pick awards on the "glue" factor (unfortunately).

bomber - looks like we both agree on the conference's mid-year report. but who was nw's terminator last year that they are missing this year? isn't it the exact same hitting core from last year's 2nd round team? true, though, they haven't had a go to since lange and the polish kid.

[bomber]

dontknowjack said:

KBow is light years from 1st team all-american status. the '04 year she had great numbers all-around, and they don't pick awards on the "glue" factor (unfortunately).

bomber - looks like we both agree on the conference's mid-year report. but who was nw's terminator last year that they are missing this year? isn't it the exact same hitting core from last year's 2nd round team? true, though, they haven't had a go to since lange and the polish kid.

I'm not saying they had any great terminators last year either....but they at least had a very, very good libero, whose name escapes me right now...

[dontknowjack]

gardner. looks their their libero this year, though, leads the conference in DPG...wonder what it is...coaching? leadership? seem to have the talent...

[Deleted]

Who's talking about 1st team AA? Not you. Not us.