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Post by rainbowbadger on Nov 27, 2015 13:19:46 GMT -5
This one's for all the marbles. Sort of. No matter the outcome of this match, Purdue will remain at 5th place in the Big Ten. A win will land the Badgers either in sole possession of 3rd place (if Nebraska beats Penn State), or in a three-way tie for 2nd place with Nebraska and Penn State (if Penn State beats Nebraska). A loss will drop the Badgers to a tie for 3rd with Penn State (if Nebraska beats Penn State), or to sole possession of 4th place (if Penn State beats Nebraska). So this is a must-win for the Badgers, who won a slump of a match against Rutgers on Wednesday. It was a win, but an ugly one. They want to finish as strong in conference as possible and bring momentum into the postseason. This is also a must-win for the Boilers, who are coming off a heartbreaking five set loss at home to Michigan State on Wednesday. They can't affect their conference standing at this point, but given that they're campaigning for favorable placement in the tournament, they also want to finish strong. Word is that the Boiler Box is sold out, which should be sure to fire up both teams. I predict a fun match. Audio: www.iheart.com/live/the-mic-921-2665/Video (BTN+ subscription required): www.btn2go.com/game/wisconsin-at-purdue-on-11282015Stats: www.purduesports.com/gametracker/launch/gt_wvolley.html?event=1424863&school=pur&sport=wvolley&camefrom=&startschool=&Badger preview: www.uwbadgers.com/news/2015/11/24/WVB_1124155855.aspxBoiler preview: www.purduesports.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/112415aab.html *Poll note: The iconic Wisconsin cheesehead hat does not resemble any cheese that exists in nature. Its design is thought to be a tribute to Cheddar (color), Swiss (holes) and Gouda (wedge shape). |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2015 14:11:09 GMT -5
Wisconsin's been paralleling Minnesota for most of the season. Almost the exact same results. Lately, however, it seems like the Badgers are having less trouble with opponents than the Gophers are. This will put that theory to the test.
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Post by greatlakesvballer on Nov 27, 2015 15:26:01 GMT -5
They've played in tougher environments recently with good results. Holloway is not as threatening as Huff Hall, or as loud as Devaney. I hope the Badgers get off to a fast start, and stay consistent and tenacious when/if things get rough.
I also hope Romana Kriskova has a break-out match! She deserves it.
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Post by Wiswell on Nov 27, 2015 17:51:50 GMT -5
I am starting to get worried about the Wisconsin outsides. Sure, at the Illinois match you could say that "it was a win on the road, take it and run" but lowly Rutgers (or self-detonation), at Wisconsin, limited outside production as well. So far it's been the Nelly show, which is awesome, but if she has an off night...
The weird thing about Kriskova is that she hasn't been getting a ton of attempts. I think the other day she was 3/12, or something like that. I don't know if that is the game plan or what, but it seems weird. Although it's either been getting her a ton of TA at the beginning or at the end of the match, almost like a strategy. I know she isn't the out of system person, but the passing has been pretty good (for the most part).
(R)uffda has been very complimentary. We thank the Gophers for beating the Badgers twice to spark the team!
I hope some Boiler fans weigh in here, as well.
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Post by badgerbreath on Nov 27, 2015 18:08:36 GMT -5
The thing that concerns me about the last three matches has been the spotty production from the pins. Now that UW is passing better and using the very effective middles, it hasn't mattered that much to the outcome of these last three matches, but it is a concern going forward in the NCAAs. I'm interested to see what happens in the Box. Really want strong matches from 2 of the three pins.
I also really want Haleigh to win the B1G HP crown. Given her numbers in the B1G, people should be talking 1st team AA for her, but she never shows up on anyone's list. I know she is not the athlete people want to see, but she just produces. Haleigh Nelson is the Joe Montana of middle blockers.
Probably went to far with that one...but, man, it felt fun!
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Post by badgerbreath on Nov 27, 2015 18:11:19 GMT -5
I am starting to get worried about the Wisconsin outsides. Ordinary minds think kind of similar things! |
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Post by Wiswell on Nov 27, 2015 18:23:47 GMT -5
I am starting to get worried about the Wisconsin outsides. Ordinary minds think kind of similar things! So, which of the three pins do you NOT want to see production from?..... (kidding) In all seriousness, Gilly was up and down this week. She started off strong but had a couple of late errors in one her matches (I forget which one). Of course, I have no idea, and it doesn't look like on her swings, but that nasty bruise on Bates' elbow might be affecting her swing. She's had a few long unforced errors. illinois you could say she was trying to hit over the block. Can't say the same for Rutgers. Hope she is ok. Badgers need her! 24 kills, on .300 hitting, from 3 OHs would be great. Plus the continued production from the middles, of course. I just drove through Indiana today. It was kind of nasty weather, but not intolerable on the decrepit tollway (the tollway is decrepit no matter what the weather). I hope it didn't get much worse down to W. Lafayette. Safe travels Badgers and fans! I also drove by the Amherst Comets watertower! Home of_______? |
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Post by rainbowbadger on Nov 27, 2015 18:26:35 GMT -5
Deme Morales!
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Post by badgerbreath on Nov 27, 2015 19:01:51 GMT -5
So Purdue has managed to shoot them selves in the feet repeatedly with a large number of errors of all sorts. They managed well against Minnesota by not making those errors. I suspect this will be a tough match because of that, although the MSU result has me scratching my head. The Boilers definitely play better at home.
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Post by volleyfan24 on Nov 27, 2015 19:17:04 GMT -5
I have been following Purdue a lot this season. They have the most underrated middle duo in the country Cuttino and Adelaja are as good as any 1-2 punch out there. Evans isn't the best setter but can get it done. Then they have Drews. They lean on her too much in my opinion. She had 16 kills but hit for .093 in the 5 set win over Minnesota. They are very good at home though. The environment is loud and raucous I don't know if it will be that since it is Thanksgiving weekend. Who knows what Purdue team will show up though? I like them at home. The keys for a Wisconsin win is to serve tough and keep Purdue OOS. Purdue has better middles and RS. The outsides are about the same. Of course Wisconsin has the better setter and libero this could be a battle or a Wisconsin sweep of the Boliermakers.
I will go with Purdue in 5.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Nov 27, 2015 21:54:24 GMT -5
Confirmed: Saturday is a sellout.
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Post by boilermaker5 on Nov 28, 2015 0:45:02 GMT -5
Don't be surprised if there are a lot of students in Holloway for this one, The football team Plays Indiana right before the game, a great tie in, and the men's basketball team plays right after, good reason for students to come back. Purdue did not play even close to their potential against MSU, if they put out the same performance they did on Wednesday, I predict a badger sweep. If they play at their best, I take the boilers in 4.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Nov 28, 2015 9:20:53 GMT -5
Six hours and forty minutes 'til first serve!
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Post by Wiswell on Nov 28, 2015 9:41:31 GMT -5
Six hours and forty minutes 'til first serve! Still time to drive down and get scalped tickets with 90 minutes to spare! (Oh wait, construction. 45 minutes to spare... ) |
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Post by bmg3 on Nov 28, 2015 10:03:09 GMT -5
If Purdue can cut the errors down by at least 50%, it will be a good match to watch. Last time around there were countless blocking errors that just hindered momentum. Let's hope the Purdue team that came out for Minnesota is alive and well. Really worred about the OHs of Purdue. Epenesa just seems to struggle, especially when she's in 6 rotations. For whatever reason Smith is not playing in front - anyone know if its her shoulder?
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