VOLLEYBALL: Big 12 Power Rankings
October 19, 2009
1. No. 2 Texas 9–0
The Longhorns remain untouched in Big 12 and overall play, and Missouri isn’t likely to be the team to end the streak. As the teams face off Wednesday night in Gregory Gymnasium, the Longhorns should dominate on both sides of the ball and remain undefeated.
2. No. 5 Nebraska 7–2
The Huskers seem to be finding their identity this season, with a sweep over Baylor, but Nebraska still managed to drop a set to Missouri. Nebraska’s shaky play may cost the team against the Cyclones as the two ranked opponents face off in Lincoln on Wednesday night.
3. No. 14 Iowa State 7–2
The Cyclones enter Husker territory in Wednesday night after having a weekend off from practice. Iowa State will need to focus on stopping freshman Hannah Werth, Big 12 Rookie of the Week for the second consecutive week.
4. No. 21 Texas A&M 6–3
Despite jumping up a spot in the poll, the Aggies suffered a sweep by the Cyclones last Wednesday and dropped a set to Colorado on A&M’s home court. The Aggies host Oklahoma on Wednesday for a tight matchup between two teams that are neck-and neck in conference play.
5. No. 23 Baylor 6–4
The Bears take the mid-week game off and will have a chance to relax before playing Kansas State on Saturday in what should be an easy victory for Baylor.
6. Oklahoma 5–4
The Sooners topped Baylor last week to end the Bears’ momentum. After the five-set victory, Oklahoma is sure to enter College Station, Texas, to face the Aggies who dropped a set in its victory over Colorado on Saturday.
7. Kansas 3–6
Kansas ended a four-game losing streak with a sweep over Kansas State on Saturday. The Jayhawks have been up and down so far, either losing 3–0 or solidly beating their opponent. The Jayhawks face Texas Tech in a sure win and a chance to climb up in the rankings.
8. Missouri 4–5
Despite taking one set from Nebraska, Missouri had a poor performance for the remainder of the game as the Tigers were dominated in the sets they dropped. The Tigers should win three of the their next four matches, losing one to No. 2 Texas which they face on Wednesday in Austin.
9. K-State 1–7
Kansas State finally ended its conference woes with a win over Missouri last week. The upcoming schedule won’t be too pleasant, though, with matches against Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Iowa State, to name a few.
10. Colorado 1–8
Colorado’s only conference win this season has been against the only team worse than it is — Texas Tech. With that being said, however, the upcoming match on Wednesday against the Wildcats could mean another conference victory for the Buffaloes.
11. Tech 0-8
Texas Tech’s last win of any kind was on Sept. 11. The Red Raiders host Kansas on Wednesday, as the Jayhawks come in with confidence after breaking its four-game losing streak with a sweep over Kansas State. A match against the Jayhawks should mean another loss for the Raiders unless they step up greatly in nearly every aspect of the game.