Let’s go through my Power 10 after Week 2, when absolutely nothing makes sense in college volleyball right now.
It’s safe to say this is the most parity we have ever seen in the first couple of weeks of play. More importantly, it’s our second straight week with a new No. 1 team after both Texas and Nebraska were dethroned.
1. Pittsburgh (Prev. 3)
Pitt takes over the No. 1 spot for me heading into Week 3.
Ranked wins are really important to me, but it's not everything. Pitt may have fewer ranked wins, beating only Oregon at the end of August, but this is one of the most complete teams coming off of a national semifinal trip and they deserve it for now.
2. Penn State (Prev. 6)
I have Penn State up at No. 2 after an overly impressive sweep over Louisville. The Cardinals aren’t an easy team to take down and they did it in straight sets. Izzy Starck has a plethora of options now with what has become a really well-rounded offense and the added weapons that have joined forces with Jess Mruzik. After the sweep, they took down Kentucky in a five-set battle — PSU’s third ranked-win of the season.
3. Stanford (Prev. 4)
Stanford makes the top 3 even though all three teams feel like a tie.
The Cardinal, similar to Penn State, looks even more balanced offensively this year than last season. They swept Marquette with another stellar performance from Elia Rubin, who has been efficient and one of the best passing outsides in the nation this season.
4. Louisville (Prev. 2)
I still have Louisville at No. 4, even with the loss to Penn State. The Cardinals sit at 5-1 with multiple ranked wins and are still a well-rounded team with a lot of upside. They will face Creighton this week, who I moved all the way up to No. 5, which will be a great test for both teams.
SCOREBOARD: Live scores and stats for every match
5. Creighton (Prev. NR)
This team is undefeated on the season and picked up their first ranked win over No. 20 USC in four sets. The Blue Jays look really impressive.
Creighton has a solid lineup with one of the best setters in Kendra Wait and Norah Sis. Back healthy on the outside, Sis posted a season-high of 17 kills and 10 digs in the win over USC. Not to mention Ava Martin, Elise Goetzinger and Maddy Billinovic in the backcourt.
The Blue Jays have a tough week ahead, though, as they are slated to play both Louisville and Nebraska.
6. Nebraska (Prev. 1)
Nebraska drops to No. 6. The Huskers suffered the program’s first sweep to an unranked opponent since 2014 on the road at SMU. The Mustangs were able to pick apart their serve-receive and held them to a low hitting efficiency.
Nebraska plays Creighton this week for what should be a huge in-state battle to settle that order in the rankings.
7. Texas (Prev. 5)
For the second straight week, Texas drops in the rankings. The Longhorns dropped its second match in a reverse sweep at home to Miami on Saturday. They were in total control of the first two sets before losing momentum at the end. Very aware of this team's talent, though, and I’m certain Texas will make their way back up the rankings.
8. Purdue (Prev. 7)
At No. 8, I have Purdue. I love the combo of Hudson, Chicoine and Colvin, and this team is 6-0 to start the year. However, I won't move them up yet until I see them against ranked opponents.
9. Kentucky (Prev. 10)
Kentucky is hanging on at No. 9 after they dropped a five-setter to Penn State in a close match. Brooklyn DeLeye had a 20-kill performance and that match could have arguably gone either way. Kentucky got outplayed defensively, but other than that they were right there. The Wildcats stay in.
10. Wisconsin (Prev. NR)
And finally, at No. 10 I have Wisconsin in the final spot of a pretty messy volleyball landscape so far. Their 2-3 record doesn't seem like they should be in the top 10, but we know how talented this team is — they just need some time to click early in the season. They scraped out two five-set wins over Baylor and TCU with Sarah Franklin and Devyn Robinson leading the way.
That is my Power 10 after a very chaotic start to the volleyball season. Excited for another crazy week to unfold.
