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Post by volleyboy12 on Dec 17, 2021 9:30:24 GMT -5
Just in case someone decides that they should point out that Wisconsin beat Louisville and the Cardinals swept the Huskers in Lincoln - let me point out that the Huskers played 4 players against Louisville that probably won't see the floor against Wisconsin - Lexi Sun, Callie Schwartzenbach, Kalynn Meyer, and Whitney Lauenstein. The team that took to the court in Madison three weeks ago is a better barometer. The Huskers came close to taking down the Badgers on their home court that night. This could be just as exciting of a match as Louisville vs the Badgers. I just hope the Huskers don't lay an egg and any respect they might have won in reaching the finale is not lost in a wave of "Those guys didn't belong there" or "the real final was against Louisville". Sun and Lauenstein played pretty much the entire match three weeks ago in Madison. Krause didn't play at all and Batenhorst had one swing. Essentially the teams that are meeting tomorrow night haven't played each other this season. |
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Post by robtearle on Dec 17, 2021 9:42:25 GMT -5
Sun and Lauenstein played pretty much the entire match three weeks ago in Madison. Krause didn't play at all and Batenhorst had one swing. Essentially the teams that are meeting tomorrow night haven't played each other this season. With only the exception of Anni Evans being a serving sub for Stivins in Lincoln in October, the team Nebraska played that night in October is exactly who played last night. And the Anna Smrek that showed up last night was very much the one who played in Lincoln. |
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Post by volleyboy12 on Dec 17, 2021 9:46:11 GMT -5
Essentially the teams that are meeting tomorrow night haven't played each other this season. With only the exception of Anni Evans being a serving sub for Stivins in Lincoln in October, the team Nebraska played that night in October is exactly who played last night. And the Anna Smrek that showed up last night was very much the one who played in Lincoln. Then it looks like we're going to have a battle. |
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Post by Wiswell on Dec 17, 2021 9:47:37 GMT -5
Just in case someone decides that they should point out that Wisconsin beat Louisville and the Cardinals swept the Huskers in Lincoln - let me point out that the Huskers played 4 players against Louisville that probably won't see the floor against Wisconsin - Lexi Sun, Callie Schwartzenbach, Kalynn Meyer, and Whitney Lauenstein. The team that took to the court in Madison three weeks ago is a better barometer. The Huskers came close to taking down the Badgers on their home court that night. This could be just as exciting of a match as Louisville vs the Badgers. I just hope the Huskers don't lay an egg and any respect they might have won in reaching the finale is not lost in a wave of "Those guys didn't belong there" or "the real final was against Louisville". Your definition of close is interesting. |
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Post by robtearle on Dec 17, 2021 9:51:54 GMT -5
With only the exception of Anni Evans being a serving sub for Stivins in Lincoln in October, the team Nebraska played that night in October is exactly who played last night. And the Anna Smrek that showed up last night was very much the one who played in Lincoln. Then it looks like we're going to have a battle. In October, Cook put Krause and Batenhorst on the floor, and Wisconsin won. In November, Cook put Sun and Lauenstein on the floor, and Wisconsin won. Tomorrow night will be another match, and another opportunity for each team. |
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Post by SportyBucky on Dec 17, 2021 9:56:07 GMT -5
Yeah, I'll be shocked if he retires before 70, barring health concerns. He's shown no implications of slowing down and his program is in the championship and lined up to be a true title contender for the next 5 years. It's also not unheard of for coaches to coach into their 70s. Mick Haley was 73 or 74 when he was let go, Coach K at Duke is 74, and there are other examples too. Russ Rose is a different situation altogether. Penn State hasn't been nearly as good the past 4 seasons and isn't projected to be a championship contender going forward. There's no upside for him here on out after he's won 7 titles. There's massive upside for Cook, and he's likely chomping at the bit to coach these incoming recruits. There's a difference between chronological age and biological age. Coach Cook takes care of himself. Aside from his hip surgery a couple years back, he's aging really well and puts a lot of effort into staying healthy via diet, exercise, and finding ways to reduce psychological stress. He still exhibits a growth mindset and tries to continuously learn and evolve as a coach which suggests that his only present limiting factor is his desire to keep coaching. As of now, he's still enthused walking into the gym. He did promise the 2021 class he'd coach them through graduation, but I guess plans can always change and taking an early exit should he win his 5th title is a possibility. Watching this, no one would accuse him of seeming too old to coach or that the game is passing him by: Oh God. Who cares about these coaches' age, chronological or otherwise?!?!?!?!!? |
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Post by comet on Dec 17, 2021 10:10:14 GMT -5
I'm honestly blown away that the Huskers made it this far in the tourney. This team is not the same team that played the regular season and I can only credit it to the coaching. I don't know how they do it but the Huskers almost always play their best volleyball in the tournament. They rise up to the occasion. It's annoying as hell as a Gopher fan but kudos to them. I don't really want to cheer for them because they have enough nattys but I also don't want Wisconsin to win. Lol. The conundrum of a MN fan.
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Post by azsker on Dec 17, 2021 10:14:33 GMT -5
Just in case someone decides that they should point out that Wisconsin beat Louisville and the Cardinals swept the Huskers in Lincoln - let me point out that the Huskers played 4 players against Louisville that probably won't see the floor against Wisconsin - Lexi Sun, Callie Schwartzenbach, Kalynn Meyer, and Whitney Lauenstein. The team that took to the court in Madison three weeks ago is a better barometer. The Huskers came close to taking down the Badgers on their home court that night. This could be just as exciting of a match as Louisville vs the Badgers. I just hope the Huskers don't lay an egg and any respect they might have won in reaching the finale is not lost in a wave of "Those guys didn't belong there" or "the real final was against Louisville". even laying an egg, they beat the #2 and #3 team in the country in the past week that play VASTLY different style games. lol if people don't want to respect them, it's hate for Nebraska overriding the respect this team should get to reach a final with such strong serving, passing and defense. they do belong. regardless of what people think. and they do deserve respect. just like Louisville, Pitt, Wisconsin, and even all teams that make it past first weekend deserve respect. people can hold on to the non-con woes and the B1G slate woes, but there's 2 teams left in the country that have practice today, and the Huskers are one of them. |
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Post by avid 2.0 on Dec 17, 2021 10:17:35 GMT -5
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Post by SportyBucky on Dec 17, 2021 10:18:55 GMT -5
I'm honestly blown away that the Huskers made it this far in the tourney. This team is not the same team that played the regular season and I can only credit it to the coaching. I don't know how they do it but the Huskers almost always play their best volleyball in the tournament. They rise up to the occasion. It's annoying as hell as a Gopher fan but kudos to them. I don't really want to cheer for them because they have enough nattys but I also don't want Wisconsin to win. Lol. The conundrum of a MN fan. Yeah...it's coaching. Not the top recruiting class with the top players from that class.  |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2021 10:23:22 GMT -5
As has been proven the last few years, this is not a matchup that in any way favors Nebraska. Wisconsin should win. Do I want them to? No, but I think it's inevitable.
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Post by vbcoltrane on Dec 17, 2021 10:25:10 GMT -5
I'm honestly blown away that the Huskers made it this far in the tourney. This team is not the same team that played the regular season and I can only credit it to the coaching. I don't know how they do it but the Huskers almost always play their best volleyball in the tournament. They rise up to the occasion. It's annoying as hell as a Gopher fan but kudos to them. I don't really want to cheer for them because they have enough nattys but I also don't want Wisconsin to win. Lol. The conundrum of a MN fan. This is me. I'm no big NEB fan, but as a Gopher fan who is going to be completely petty - I don't want Wisconsin to win a title before MN does - as tough as that may be to maintain given the strength of WI's program. If NEB wins, it's just a blue blood adding another title. So I'm rooting for the Huskers.
That said, it's all "in good fun" pettiness. If WI wins the title, I will absolutely congratulate them and be happy for the program, the players, and their fans and give my traditional "Kudos!" to them.
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Post by gophervbfan on Dec 17, 2021 10:26:02 GMT -5
I have really liked this Nebraska squad this season. I remember when they were scuffling a little bit and posters were very sour on them and being hateful on several players. I didn't quite get it. Hames is my favorite (non-Gopher) B1G setter and I love watching her game and her energy. Nebraska was the best defensive team that I saw at the Pav this season. I am not surprised at all that they are in the Finals.
I give Nebraska the slight edge in this match but it obviously could go either way. Another meat grinder season in the B1G.
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Post by comet on Dec 17, 2021 10:26:57 GMT -5
I'm honestly blown away that the Huskers made it this far in the tourney. This team is not the same team that played the regular season and I can only credit it to the coaching. I don't know how they do it but the Huskers almost always play their best volleyball in the tournament. They rise up to the occasion. It's annoying as hell as a Gopher fan but kudos to them. I don't really want to cheer for them because they have enough nattys but I also don't want Wisconsin to win. Lol. The conundrum of a MN fan. Yeah...it's coaching. Not the top recruiting class with the top players from that class. that top recruiting class did not play like it during the season,so yes some excellent coaching took place I'd say. Also them coming into their own and playing like a team. |
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Post by SportyBucky on Dec 17, 2021 10:28:26 GMT -5
Yeah...it's coaching. Not the top recruiting class with the top players from that class. that top recruiting class did not play like it during the season,so yes some excellent coaching took place I'd say. Also them coming into their own and playing like a team. Okay...you said, "I can only credit it to the coaching." Seems like the players being phenomenal to begin with had something to do with their maturation. Perhaps playing all season and learning the college game had something to do with it. |
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