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Post by bomber on Oct 16, 2006 10:23:47 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. Did some checking on this one. Last year's Boilermakers blocked at a seasonal rate of 2.8+ BPG. This year's Boilers are blocking in conference only ( last 8 matches, excluding the poor early ones you claim skewed the stats) at 2.6+ BPG. Sorry, but your boat is a little leaky on this one.....
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Post by The Bofa on the Sofa on Oct 16, 2006 10:42:06 GMT -5
And if you include the CA trip, they are averaging 2.7
So they are averaging 1/2 fewer blocks per match than they did last year. Given the extent of variation that there is, it is nuts to think that says that anything is different in this regard from last year.
My statement was correct. After the initial stretch where the blocking was admittedly terrible, the blocking has been just as good as last year. The stats provide no basis for the claim that the blocking is worse than last year.
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Post by bomber on Oct 16, 2006 10:46:06 GMT -5
And if you include the CA trip, they are averaging 2.7 So they are averaging 1/2 fewer blocks per match than they did last year. Given the extent of variation that there is, it is nuts to think that says that anything is different in this regard from last year. My statement was correct. After the initial stretch where the blocking was admittedly terrible, the blocking has been just as good as last year. The stats provide no basis for the claim that the blocking is worse than last year. Their blocking is worse....sorry. Let's just agree to disagree on this one.
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Post by The Bofa on the Sofa on Oct 16, 2006 11:00:15 GMT -5
The difference in our conclusions is coming from the fact that I am basing my assessment of their blocking on what I have seen in ~10 matches this season and last, and what the stats say. You are basing it on a comparison between Purdue's BEST match last year (their win over Wisc) and Purdue's WORST match this year (their loss to Wisc). Keep that in mind.
It can't be based on anything you've seen on TV, because Purdue's blocking against Ohio St and against Minnesota was actually very strong.
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Post by BoilerUp! on Oct 16, 2006 11:06:50 GMT -5
I don't think most Purdue fans expected so many wins this series of road trips... playing on the road in the Big Ten has never been easy for Purdue. We really like winning on the road, but fans are not expecting it, yet.
I thought Purdue would have to play their A+ game to win a match on the road this weekend. They definitely didn't against Wisconsin, but played better against Minnesota. I expected the Minnesota game to be the hardest, but Purdue played better on Saturday. They were just not themselves on Friday. So, don't judge the team on that sole game.
I also think drifting into the #9 ranking, because people fell out above us, hurt us. Many teams were gunning for a top ten team, rather than feeling intimidated. Being #12-16 is more like where we should be right now.
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Post by ugopher on Oct 16, 2006 11:07:55 GMT -5
I can attest to Purdue's blocking vs. MN. They did a pretty good job of sending back to the MN side some pretty strong attacks.
As someone mentioned earlier, a key factor in getting blocks is the insistence of the other team to continue and try to hit thru the block.
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Post by boilerbuddy on Oct 16, 2006 11:09:45 GMT -5
[/quote] 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. [/quote]
The coaches seem intent on running a 6- 2 this year, which makes it hard for hitters to adjust to different setting styles. I see Purdue going to a 5-1 next year with the freshman Jackyn Hart setting. Gray is destined to sit the bench.
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Post by bomber on Oct 16, 2006 11:37:20 GMT -5
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. The coaches seem intent on running a 6- 2 this year, which makes it hard for hitters to adjust to different setting styles. I see Purdue going to a 5-1 next year with the freshman Jackyn Hart setting. Gray is destined to sit the bench. [/quote] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Whoaaaaaaa..... we're at the season's midpoint and already the conclusion is that Gray won't cut it??? I think that's premature.What about the general consensus before the season that she'd be an admirable replacement for Dargan? Is that already out the window? And now some present high school senior is going to come in and lead them to the promised land in the Big Ten as a freshman next year. Let me tell you from experience....rotating from one frosh setter one year to another frosh setter the next year is not the formula for success. Only now has Jackie Simpson for Wisconsin begun to be the steady quarterback Waite was hoping for, and that took two full years of experience, and mistakes. I'm glad he stuck with her. Dargan of last year was not the Dargan who started as a frosh. It is only a rare setter who comes in and is a star immediately, particularly in a major conference.
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Post by boilerbuddy on Oct 16, 2006 11:47:32 GMT -5
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. The coaches seem intent on running a 6- 2 this year, which makes it hard for hitters to adjust to different setting styles. I see Purdue going to a 5-1 next year with the freshman Jackyn Hart setting. Gray is destined to sit the bench. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Whoaaaaaaa..... we're at the season's midpoint and already the conclusion is that Gray won't cut it??? I think that's premature.What about the general consensus before the season that she'd be an admirable replacement for Dargan? Is that already out the window? And now some present high school senior is going to come in and lead them to the promised land in the Big Ten as a freshman next year. Let me tell you from experience....rotating from one frosh setter one year to another frosh setter the next year is not the formula for success. Only now has Jackie Simpson for Wisconsin begun to be the steady quarterback Waite was hoping for, and that took two full years of experience, and mistakes. I'm glad he stuck with her. Dargan of last year was not the Dargan who started as a frosh. It is only a rare setter who comes in and is a star immediately, particularly in a major conference.[/quote] If Shondell is basing his decision this year to run a 6-2 because Gray isn't tall enough to block, then Hart, who is 6'1", takes care of that problem. Hart has great hands and is used to playing at a high level. Shondell doesn't appear to be a patient man (i.e. running a 5-1 this year with Gray and letting her make mistakes) so I see him going for the bigger setter.
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Post by spikerthemovie on Oct 16, 2006 11:59:28 GMT -5
One oddity concerning the Boilermaker blocking, which I agree was impressive Saturday against Minnesota: What happened to it? Purdue had a huge number of blocks in the first game and early in the second (I'm guessing here, but I think MN was getting outblocked something like 9-2 after the first game) but then their block vanished until late in the match. And Minnesota finally started to catch up, although the Gophers still ended up getting outblocked.
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Post by bomber on Oct 16, 2006 12:11:20 GMT -5
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. The coaches seem intent on running a 6- 2 this year, which makes it hard for hitters to adjust to different setting styles. I see Purdue going to a 5-1 next year with the freshman Jackyn Hart setting. Gray is destined to sit the bench. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Whoaaaaaaa..... we're at the season's midpoint and already the conclusion is that Gray won't cut it??? I think that's premature.What about the general consensus before the season that she'd be an admirable replacement for Dargan? Is that already out the window? And now some present high school senior is going to come in and lead them to the promised land in the Big Ten as a freshman next year. Let me tell you from experience....rotating from one frosh setter one year to another frosh setter the next year is not the formula for success. Only now has Jackie Simpson for Wisconsin begun to be the steady quarterback Waite was hoping for, and that took two full years of experience, and mistakes. I'm glad he stuck with her. Dargan of last year was not the Dargan who started as a frosh. It is only a rare setter who comes in and is a star immediately, particularly in a major conference. If Shondell is basing his decision this year to run a 6-2 because Gray isn't tall enough to block, then Hart, who is 6'1", takes care of that problem. Hart has great hands and is used to playing at a high level. Shondell doesn't appear to be a patient man (i.e. running a 5-1 this year with Gray and letting her make mistakes) so I see him going for the bigger setter.[/quote] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Well then, I for one (as a Badger fan) hope he does. Purdue will have to play another year with a rookie setter, which would be a good thing for the Boilermaker's opponents.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2006 12:24:44 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! "Emotionally distraught" is a little strong. I prefer "p***ing in my pants".
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Post by verybasicdad on Oct 16, 2006 22:55:22 GMT -5
Gray is not the problem with the Purdue offense. She has had to chase the passes all over the court all year long. I watched the Wisconsin and Minnesota setters NEVER move as they prepared to receive the passes from the back court. If there is a part of the Purdue play that is lacking big time it's the ability for the defense to get the pass to Gray or Shondell for that point. What was to be the best back row in the Big Ten has not delivered. Put the blame where it belongs...Gray will be OK in the Big Ten!
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Post by parent on Oct 17, 2006 7:12:08 GMT -5
Miller has been Beg Ten POW twice this season. Doesn't that say something about Purdue's back row?
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Post by extrazip42 on Oct 17, 2006 9:25:00 GMT -5
Miller has been Beg Ten POW twice this season. Doesn't that say something about Purdue's back row? The stat we never see is the rating of the passes. There have been matches where the passers have been really good and ones where they have been really bad. It is easy to rack up digs in 5 game matches, but the quality of the pass from the dig or from serve reception is what would be really interesting to see. There is a big difference between not getting aced on a serve and a perfect pass, and I think the quality of passing is usually reflected in the team's hitting percentage and the number of games it takes to win a match.
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