|
Post by Wolfgang on Oct 15, 2006 20:38:35 GMT -5
Losing both matches in a weekend doesn't get anyone down? On the bright side, the team: 1. still has their health, and 2. they didn't lose THREE matches.
|
|
|
Post by berrylogan on Oct 15, 2006 20:39:49 GMT -5
I will hold judgement on Purdue until I see what happens when Wisconsin and Minnesota play at a sold out IAF on the Purdue campus later this season. I don't know how many Big 10 teams played six of their first eight matches on the road, but I am sure the Boilers are going to be a tough nut to crack in their own palace. Give Wisconsin and Minnesota credit for protecting their home court in fine fashion, but don't write the Boilers off. The Purdue women are young and talented and only going to get better and they will be ready when the Badgers and Gophers come calling a few weeks down the road.
|
|
|
Post by rudepa on Oct 15, 2006 20:55:21 GMT -5
I will hold judgement on Purdue until I see what happens when Wisconsin and Minnesota play at a sold out IAF on the Purdue campus later this season. I don't know how many Big 10 teams played six of their first eight matches on the road, but I am sure the Boilers are going to be a tough nut to crack in their own palace. Give Wisconsin and Minnesota credit for protecting their home court in fine fashion, but don't write the Boilers off. The Purdue women are young and talented and only going to get better and they will be ready when the Badgers and Gophers come calling a few weeks down the road. Actually, UW plays 6 of their first 10 big ten matches on the road, as does Purdue. Additionally, a sold out IAF is worth about 2000 fans when both Minnesota and Wisconsin average well over that, and both play(ed) in MANY other arenas that support larger crowds - so don't use a scary home court advantage as a reason that UW or Minnesota will collapse there. I'm happy that Purdue has a remodeled facility and they are starting to recruit better. However, they don't have the horses to compete in the top 3 of the big ten, and that was very apparent this weekend. They've been too mediocre around mid-tier teams (see 5 gamers against 3 other teams with .500 or worse records), and have not shown much against the top teams in the conference. They need to start by getting a consistent setter. They might be really good this year if Dargan had another year of eligibility, however, she doesn't so they have some setting issues to figure out. I'm going to guess that 4th place in the big ten will be a battle between Purdue and Ohio State.
|
|
|
Post by parent on Oct 16, 2006 6:27:12 GMT -5
Well, when the matches are on the road, the ride home probably sucks. But today is another day, and you have to start preparing for Illinois. Is it my imagination or is Illinois playing better? They spanked OSU and gave Penn State a scare in a couple of games.
|
|
|
Post by abcd098 on Oct 16, 2006 6:35:23 GMT -5
Is it my imagination or is Illinois playing better? They spanked OSU and gave Penn State a scare in a couple of games. Yeah, but they were beaten by Michigan and Michigan State. The Big Ten is really funny this year, besides Penn State, you never know who is going to win the match and it is really hard to tell what teams are good and which ones are bad.
|
|
|
Post by parent on Oct 16, 2006 6:37:55 GMT -5
You're exactly right. Who would ever think that Iowa could take Purdue to 5 games and that OSU would be where they are right now. And the second half of the season could prove to be even crazier.
|
|
|
Post by bomber on Oct 16, 2006 7:46:02 GMT -5
I will hold judgement on Purdue until I see what happens when Wisconsin and Minnesota play at a sold out IAF on the Purdue campus later this season. I don't know how many Big 10 teams played six of their first eight matches on the road, but I am sure the Boilers are going to be a tough nut to crack in their own palace. Give Wisconsin and Minnesota credit for protecting their home court in fine fashion, but don't write the Boilers off. The Purdue women are young and talented and only going to get better and they will be ready when the Badgers and Gophers come calling a few weeks down the road. The Badger women are also young and talented (both their starting outsides this weekend are true freshman), so I think your idea that the young will only get better (by the way, not necessarily true) could apply to them as well. The Badgers beat a better (in my opinion) Purdue team in their crowded home last year, so don't hang your hat on the home court helping the cause. I said before the season started that Purdue was going to drastically miss Dargan ( probably the 2nd best setter in the conference last year), and that's what is happening. They really miss her blocking and court sense, and the Boilermaker's middle attack is significantly down from last year.....check the stats. I was amazed at how poorly they played this weekend, and right now I think berrylogan is right about them and OSU fighting it out for fourth place.
|
|
|
Post by The Bofa on the Sofa on Oct 16, 2006 8:27:12 GMT -5
Folks, you need to get a grip. Yes, Purdue is probably fighting for #4 in the Big Ten with OSU. But you know what? Whoever really thought anything else?
Let me remind of you of the preseason Big Ten predictions:
2006 BIG TEN PRESEASON POLL
1. Penn State 2. Wisconsin 3. Minnesota 4. Ohio State 5. Purdue 6. Northwestern 7. Michigan State 8. Michigan 9. Illinois 10. Iowa 11. Indiana
A 4th place finish by Purdue would mean that they have _exceeded_ their preseason expectations, at least those of the Big Ten coaches. You all act like this is a bad thing.
Yes, I'd like Purdue to do better. But you know what? If they can go through the Big Ten season 13 - 7, with their only losses to Penn St, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and one against Ohio St, I don't see that as all that disappointing. Moreover, if they were to beat either one of Minnesota or Wisconsin at home (bomber, you WAY overrate Purdue based on that one match in Madison last year - season wide, they weren't clearly better than Wisconsin in any sense) and finish 14 - 6, it would indeed be an improvement from last year, even without Dargan. Disappointment is when you go 0 - 5 in 5 game matches, or when you lose to Northwestern or Illinois. If (and that's a big if) they don't lose those bad matches this year, that would be pretty nice.
Yes, I want Purdue to win, and I root for them big time. But at the same time, I try to evaluate what they have done from a realistic perspective.
The AVCA #9 ranking wasn't realistic, but anyone who has listened to what we have said about it around here knew that. Are they top ten? No. Are they top 20? Absolutely.
I don't see a problem.
|
|
|
Post by bulldog3 on Oct 16, 2006 8:52:44 GMT -5
I watched Purdue play on ESPN yesterday and I thought they were pretty good. It sounds like they had a pathetic match at Wisconsin. That happens. I remember when Purdue was never mentioned on this board. Now the Badgers are thrilled to beat them in their Badger Fieldhouse. I guess that did not happen last year. In checking Purdue's schedule on RichKern.com, I see they have played 6 of 8 Big Ten matches on the road - after playing at USC and Pepperdine the weekend prior to Big Ten play. That is a lot of road matches for a young team - or for a veteran team. I am sure they will be happy to finish the league with 8 of 12 at home. I think Wisconsin and Minnesota are playing very well right now and Wednesday's match will be worth the price of the ticket. I'll take Minnesota in four. In looking at the Big Ten right now here are my thoughts:
Penn State - clearly the most physical and talented team in the league, but playing inconsistently it seems. Nevertheless, when you can put the 3 queens on the court (Fawcett, Hodge, and Harmotto), you have a great chance to beat anybody. Minnesota - The suspensions and losses early in the year actually helped this team gel. Despite the sobbing of Ruffda, I am convinced the adversity has made this team better. The Gophers are the second best team in the league. Also, Bowman is beginning to play like Bowman. Wisconsin - The chemistry of this team is better than most Wisconsin teams. Dolgner has made all the difference. She may be the Freshman of the Year. That's right, she has made that kind of difference for Pete's team. The fact that the team is no longer playing musical setters has also helped. Purdue - Boilers have won by the skin of their teeth, but they sit at 5-3 with a bunch of home matches to play. I look for their young players to mature down the stretch. I really like the way Gurnell and Mader are playing now. Illinois - Recovery of the year. Better passing and defense has allowed this team to compete with the best in the league. Huge win over Ohio State. The setting situation has been resolved and the young hitters are playing with confidence. I really like Brown as an All-Big Ten choice. Ohio State - Despite losing two on the road this weekend, I still think Ohio State has the fourth best talent in the league. Stone is searching for a lineup now, and my guess is that he will eventually find something that will work. Meyer and Main may be feeling the stress and the freshmen from overseas is not as consistent as hoped. Michigan State - May be better than the 7 spot at this point, but we'll wait and see how they do this weekend with the roadtrip from hell. The two outsides are leaving their mark on the league and the setter has made great improvement in the middle offense. The libero may be the league's best. Northwestern - Another really good team in the middle of the pack. Capable of beating anybody at home and did everything but beat the Gophers in Evanston 9 days ago. Chan has been one of the top coaches in the league over the past few years in getting his team to play to it's potential. Look for some younger players to emerge as the season unfolds. Michigan - I expected more from Michigan and look for them to produce more wins in the second half. Some really good young talent to go along with solid juniors and seniors. This team is still recovering from the loss to Indiana and the 0-4 Big 10 start. Iowa - A very good 10th place team. Teams will begin to dread the trip to Iowa City a little more each year. If Vitale becomes healthy, along with the development of the frosh and sophs, the Hawkeyes will be a handful. Indiana - The win at Michigan is looking more and more like a fluke. This is a better Hoosier team than a year ago, but the Indiana ship needs to right itself soon, or it may drift off to the deep sea. Expectations were high for Short, but she has experienced some tough matches lately. I do expect Indiana to win a couple at home down the stretch.
This is going to be a crazy league all the way to the last weekend. Penn State is clearly #1 and Indiana #11, but in between, I think anything can happen and most likely will. What a great year for Big Ten Volleyball fans.
|
|
|
Post by stberry50 on Oct 16, 2006 8:57:19 GMT -5
Folks, you need to get a grip. Yes, Purdue is probably fighting for #4 in the Big Ten with OSU. But you know what? Whoever really thought anything else? Let me remind of you of the preseason Big Ten predictions: 2006 BIG TEN PRESEASON POLL 1. Penn State 2. Wisconsin 3. Minnesota 4. Ohio State 5. Purdue 6. Northwestern 7. Michigan State 8. Michigan 9. Illinois 10. Iowa 11. Indiana A 4th place finish by Purdue would mean that they have _exceeded_ their preseason expectations, at least those of the Big Ten coaches. You all act like this is a bad thing. Yes, I'd like Purdue to do better. But you know what? If they can go through the Big Ten season 13 - 7, with their only losses to Penn St, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and one against Ohio St, I don't see that as all that disappointing. Moreover, if they were to beat either one of Minnesota or Wisconsin at home (bomber, you WAY overrate Purdue based on that one match in Madison last year - season wide, they weren't clearly better than Wisconsin in any sense) and finish 14 - 6, it would indeed be an improvement from last year, even without Dargan. Disappointment is when you go 0 - 5 in 5 game matches, or when you lose to Northwestern or Illinois. If (and that's a big if) they don't lose those bad matches this year, that would be pretty nice. Yes, I want Purdue to win, and I root for them big time. But at the same time, I try to evaluate what they have done from a realistic perspective. The AVCA #9 ranking wasn't realistic, but anyone who has listened to what we have said about it around here knew that. Are they top ten? No. Are they top 20? Absolutely. I don't see a problem. Whew! Thanks p-dub. Seems like people were ready to take the kids out to the wood shed and beat them.
|
|
|
Post by bomber on Oct 16, 2006 9:31:36 GMT -5
Folks, you need to get a grip. Yes, Purdue is probably fighting for #4 in the Big Ten with OSU. But you know what? Whoever really thought anything else? Let me remind of you of the preseason Big Ten predictions: 2006 BIG TEN PRESEASON POLL 1. Penn State 2. Wisconsin 3. Minnesota 4. Ohio State 5. Purdue 6. Northwestern 7. Michigan State 8. Michigan 9. Illinois 10. Iowa 11. Indiana A 4th place finish by Purdue would mean that they have _exceeded_ their preseason expectations, at least those of the Big Ten coaches. You all act like this is a bad thing. Yes, I'd like Purdue to do better. Moreover, if they were to beat either one of Minnesota or Wisconsin at home (bomber, you WAY overrate Purdue based on that one match in Madison last year - season wide, they weren't clearly better than Wisconsin in any sense) Sorry if you misunderstood my post p-dub....I didn't say that the Boilers were better than the Badgers last year. I agree with you...they weren't. What I said...or meant to say....was that last year's Boiler team was better than this year's, and I'm sorry, I still believe that. They beat the Badgers in Madison last year, and took 'em to five in Lafayette. Dargan had a great year last year.No way is Purdue's setting even close to what it was last year. Purdue's blocking was far better last year than what I've seen them do (or what the stats say they did) this year. Lynch and Jacques' offense was way more effective than this year's pedestrian attack percentage would indicate, and both their blocking avaerages are down as well. The season's not over by any means, and I know what the Pre-season poll predicted. But the Boilermaker's fast start led some to believe ( as did Michigan's and the Buckeye's fans) that nobler results were in store for them.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2006 9:46:00 GMT -5
Don't you have better things to do than rag on me, bulldog3 -- or whatever you're calling yourself these days?
|
|
|
Post by The Bofa on the Sofa on Oct 16, 2006 9:46:24 GMT -5
Purdue's blocking was far better last year than what I've seen them do (or what the stats say they did) this year. Purdue's block was terrible for the first 8 matches this year or so, but after that has been just as good as last year. The early matches are skewing the stats. Jacques struggled all year last year. Lynch has been up and down in both years, with too many downs this year, specifically recently. Early in the season, Lynch would go through spurts where she was a dominating as ever. Of course, how much of this is due to Merlau's emergence? There is a cause and effect question to this, of coure, but Merlau is a world better than last year. So how much of the change is due to a change in focus, relying less on the middles because you can use Merlau effectively? As I said, cause and effect isn't obvious, but it is absolutely true that Merlau is much better this year than she was last year. Similarly, Jacques is having matches better than most of last year. She still goes into a funk on occasion, but is it the setting or something else? What "more nobler results" would you have expected? Outside of "they should have played Wisconsin more closely," this weekend wasn't that much of a surprise. Not what we hoped for, but like I side, that's not always realistic. 5 game matches against Iowa and Michigan? I'll take road wins however we can get them. That win over Mich St on the road looks more like a relief than a disappointment.
|
|
|
Post by bulldog3 on Oct 16, 2006 9:58:43 GMT -5
I have no beef with you Ruffda. You are one of the very best posters on this site. I think you have been accurate with your assessment of the Gophers and the Big Ten. Do you disagree in that you were emotionally distraught earlier over the Gopher saga? It appears as if Minnie is set for a great finish. I wish you and Gorf the very best - seriously!
|
|
|
Post by bomber on Oct 16, 2006 10:15:37 GMT -5
Purdue's blocking was far better last year than what I've seen them do (or what the stats say they did) this year. Purdue's block was terrible for the first 8 matches this year or so, but after that has been just as good as last year. The early matches are skewing the stats. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for agreeing with me.....I don't know about whether early season stats are skewing blocking stats or not....the fact remains they haven't blocked as well as last year. Period. What "more nobler results" would you have expected? Another misunderstanding....I didn't say I expected nobler results from the Boilermakers than 4th place. I didn't expect any better than a 4th for them. I said others did expect it, and up until this weekend, lots of their fans did. And I agree with you. A win on the road is a good win. Period. At no time did I even bring up the 5 gamers at Iowa and Michigan...you did. (Though one would pause a bit contemplating that 5 gamer at Iowa....hmmmmmmm) I stand by what I said. Last year's Boilermaker team was better than this year's. And nothing that you've written above has done anything to disprove it, in fact, it has only supported that view.
|
|