Does Stanford deserve to No. 1 in the nation?
Although both squads have not lost a single game in conference play this season, Penn State holds the number one ranking, while Stanford battles in arguably the the toughest conference in the nation.
Currently, four other teams in the Pac-12 are ranked in the top 10 nationally while just two other teams make the top 10 in the Big 10.
Looking at the Nittany Lions’ most recent game, a road tilt with unranked Michigan, the best team in the nation ought to have swept the Wolverines — especially after winning the first two sets (25-19 and 25-18).
But Penn State lost the next two sets, and the fourth one was particularly a disappointment. In the fourth set the game was tied 22-22, but two Wolverine kills and a Nittany Lion error solidified Michigan’s 25-22 set win.
Meanwhile, Stanford also played an unranked team on the road in Washington State to the fifth set. The only difference was that the squad came off a very challenging victory versus a much better No. 5 Washington team two days ago.
When a squad wins big games against teams like No. 3 Oregon and No. 6 UCLA, such games should be taken more seriously than unranked Big 10 opponents.
— Andrew Davis
Which Pac-12 match is the most exciting this weekend?
This weekend does not feature many exciting matchups for Pac-12 volleyball, with many of the top of the pack teams facing bottom feeders. However, there is one game that stands out. On Sunday, No. 5 Washington travels to No. 7 UCLA in a rematch of the thrilling five setter from Sept. 26 in Seattle.
The last time these two teams met, the Huskies prevailed 3-2 to maintain a perfect record in the conference. The first set alone witnessed 11 lead changes as both powerhouses went at it, trading monster spikes for inspiring blocks.
After the victory, the Huskies were ranked No. 2 in the national rankings while UCLA began to slide, losing their second in three conference tilts.
This time will have most likely be characterized by the same ferocity that was seen in the first meeting. UCLA is coming in a three game win streak, having won every single set in the process. Washington, on the other hand, had a tough weekend losing to Stanford in five sets.
The teams are nipping at the heels of Oregon and Stanford in the Pac-12 standings, with the Huskies occupying the third spot and the Bruins the fourth. With the stakes so high, another five setter is not only probable, it is likely.
— Austin Crochetiere
Which team in the Pac-12 is in serious trouble?
Although a strong case could be made for Cal with all the injuries the squad has suffered, Oregon State has a lot to worry about going forward.
This past weekend the Beavers were swept right out of Arizona, dropping matches against the Sun Devils and the Wildcats. Although Pac-12 road games are tough, both Arizona schools went into the weekend in the bottom four of the conference.
For Oregon State to only take one set against the lowly Arizona teams is a cause for great concern in Corvallis.
Currently Oregon State sits in 8th place in the conference with a 3-6 Pac-12 record. The squad’s only wins have come against Utah, Colorado and Washington State. The three schools have combined for a conference record of 5-23.
Not only did they squander an opportunity to boost their record in Arizona, the Beavers has a tough schedule to finish off the season, highlighted by games against No. 6 USC and No. 3 Oregon.
The only bright spot for the Beavers is that they do not have to face UCLA again, but that’s about it. They have a lot of work ahead of them if they wish to remain afloat in the conference.
— Austin Crochetiere
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The Beavs also have a non-conference win against Penn State. It won’t help them if they finish at or below .500 overall, as seems likely after their woeful performances against Pac-12 bottom feeders, because they’d become ineligible for an NCAA tournament at-large berth.