This is the first of a two-part series that has a prematch “scouting report”—tendencies, strengths, weaknesses—and a postmatch “scouting report review” to see if the teams held up their end of the bargain in their victory. This particular SR focuses on Michigan State’s match at Nebraska. These are the last two undefeated teams in Big Ten conference play.
GAME DETAILS
- Wednesday, October 4
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- 8:00 PM Eastern Time
- Television: Big Ten Network
- Full TV and Live Streaming Schedule
MICHIGAN STATE SUCCESS FACTORS
- Continue to win the serve and serve receive battles
It is no longer a secret that Michigan State can be the best of giant killers in the Big Ten. A good portion of that success is their constant pressure they put on opposing teams from behind the baseline. The Spartans lead the Big Ten in service aces at 1.79 per set. Nebraska is only averaging 1 ace per set, a pace that currently has them second-last in the conference. Even if MSU doesn’t create an ace, out-of-system play forced by the Spartans helps keep opponents hitting .133—second-best in the Big Ten. Additionally, MSU’s serve receive gives up less than an ace per set. When you are receiving serve at a 95%+ clip, it’s hard to slow down Sparty.
- Jump in front early
With that pressure, however, comes the possibility of errors. In previous losses by MSU, falling behind early makes the service pressure less potent, and a team can no longer “grip it and rip it” from behind the baseline. Once ahead, more chances can be taken, and putting teams in a hole causes forced errors to occur—-playing right into Sparty’s hand. Out of system against one of the biggest teams in the country is no place to be.
NEBRASKA SUCCESS FACTORS
- Make every opportunity count
Nebraska is no slouch to knocking off top 10 teams, either. Their recent victory over Penn State in Happy Valley is proof of that. Also, Big Red holds opponents to hitting just .150, which is third in the Big Ten. Michigan State is prone to errors behind the service line, so any advantage at home will help get the conference-leading attendance stay loud and proud. Jumping on MSU early will keep the early pressure off.
- Offensive balance
All five front-row starters average at least 2.27 kills per set. Two attackers (Mikaela Foecke and Annika Albrecht) average north of 3 kills per set. Constantly accounting for five attackers makes for a long night (or short night, depending on your point of view) for any team playing Nebraska. With Nebraska’s serve receive percentage at over 96%, you can expect a healthy dose of in-system play—IF they receive serve at there regular rate.
SO HOW DO YOU BEAT THEM?
Michigan State: Jump ahead early
MSU can’t possibly continue to serve as relentlessly as they do from behind on the road in the Big Ten. Side out on the first ball, and get the Devaney crowd into the match early. Nothing fires up a visiting team more than silencing the home crowd. If allowed, Michigan State can keep teams out of system and predictable; both are no-nos in volleyball. Use the offensive balance to keep MSU guessing, and stay ahead.
Nebraska: Make the Huskers be one-dimensional
John Cook‘s teams pride themselves on very few errors and a balanced attack. MSU starts most matches with Rachel Minarick in zone 1 (the right back position), and if she’s serving, you’re staring down the top ace producer in the Big Ten. Knowing that at least two points per set are produced from behind the baseline by Sparty, they should try to create twice that many in free balls (out of system play), and now you only need 19 points to win. MSU’s average is over 14 kills per set. Will Nebraska make 5 errors per set at home? Maybe, maybe not. That’s where you need to force Nebraska’s hand and make their outsides beat you.
No matter what happens, the match between the last two undefeated teams in the Big Ten should be a fun one to watch.
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