Week 7 of the Big Ten Conference Championships is here, but Nebraska Volleyball’s jinx continues! Last week, they wrapped up two back-to-back wins against Purdue and Rutgers. Despite this, once again, the side continues to be marginally distanced from the top spot on yet another ranking chart.

Yes, as per the Power 10 rankings for this week, the first spot is dominated by the Pittsburgh Panthers, while the Nebraska Cornhuskers occupy second place, and Penn State remains third. What is surprising here is that the Panthers recently registered a 2-3 loss to SMU on October 12. The first one for them this season brings their conference score to 5-1 and overall to 15-1. On the other hand, Nebraska Volleyball has a conference score of 6-0 and an overall score of 16-1, having fallen to the same opponent, SMU, in September.

Thus, why the Huskers continue to be second is something most enthusiasts fail to understand. In fact, compared to last week, the Panther’s first-place votes fell from 61 to 41 this week. Whereas, the Huskers have received first-place votes every week, except for two—when they lost to SMU and last week. Naturally, it could have been expected that Nebraska Volleyball would rise to the top this week.

This is also questionable because the Huskers seem to have played and defeated more top-ranked teams compared to the Panthers, while now being leveled with them on one loss. Say just last week, they outperformed the #10 team, Purdue, beyond which, they have also defeated Louisville (#4), Stanford (#5), and Creighton (#6). On the other hand, looking at the Panthers, they have just had 5 ranked wins of the season. Among these, just 2 are top 10 wins, first against Oregon (#10) and Penn State (#3).

In fact, the Panthers even entered the season ranked as number 4 while the Red Shirts came in at 2nd place. Thus, it’s natural that the Huskers’ fans wait to see them climb to the first spot. However, AVCA coaches do not make very volatile calls, and that seems to be working for the Panthers for now.

But, in the coming days, a few chances are opening up. The Nebraska Volleyball team gears to play 2 more top-10 games with Penn State and Wisconsin. Same for the Panthers, who play Stanford and Louisville. Thus, it will be thrilling to see if the positions on the table shift or not.

Nebraska Volleyball player shines amid Panthers’ upset

After the Nebraska Volleyball women pulled off a five-set win against Purdue, Bergen Reilly earned the weekly Big Ten Setter of The Week award. With an average of 11.88 assists as well as 3.75 digs every set in the last two matches that the Huskers played, she was able to add her third SOTW title this season and 7th of all-time.

But on the other hand, the Panthers tent has been reeling from a major blow. Pittsburgh went down for the first time this season to SMU in their last match. Well, SMU’s grit and skillset were applauded last time, when the unranked side snuck victory from under Nebraska’s nose, halting their meteoric winning streak. This time, the side that ascended to #15, has now defeated the #1 team in 5 sets.

Well, coincidentally, both times in Dallas, the Mustangs have now been the only pros who have taken down both the No. 1 and No. 2 teams this season! Ever since they have been labeled the new “Giant Killers” of the volleyball town! Also, in the last 27 seasons, they entered the top-25 rankings for the first time. And given this form, it won’t be questionable if they entered the top 10 spot too. What do you think of this? Share your thoughts below!