Huskers Volleyball Takes on Penn State and Rutgers in Road Challenges

Lincoln, NE – HuskersToday.com – The Nebraska volleyball team, the current frontrunner in collegiate rankings, will embark on a significant road trip this weekend. The Cornhuskers are slated to face two Big Ten adversaries, starting with a Friday night clash against No. 16 Penn State, followed by a Sunday noon showdown with Rutgers.

Dominance on the Road

As November dawns, the top-ranked Nebraska Huskers (21-0, 12-0 Big Ten) have shown no signs of slowing down, off to their best start since the 2006 season. Nebraska’s impenetrable defense has been the team’s cornerstone, allowing a paltry .125 hitting percentage to their opponents—a figure that leads the nation. On the offensive front, the Huskers boast a .288 hitting percentage, ranking them ninth nationally and second in the Big Ten. With a comprehensive game plan that has secured them 13.95 kills per set, the Huskers are a formidable force that rivals are struggling to contain.

Friday Night Spotlight

All eyes will be on the Huskers as they take on Penn State in a highly anticipated match broadcast on Big Ten Network and streamed on FoxSports.com. With radio coverage from the Huskers Radio Network, fans across Nebraska will be tuning in eagerly to follow the action. Renowned play-by-play commentator John Baylor, now in his 30th season, along with color commentator Lauren (Cook) West, will provide fans with insightful coverage of the event.

The Nittany Challenge

The Huskers’ first challenge comes in the form of Penn State (15-6, 9-3 Big Ten), a team that has seen a dip in form after a strong start in Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions, while boasting the top blocking stats in the conference, will need to muster all their defensive prowess to hold back Nebraska’s potent offense.

Scarlet Knights Stand Guard

On Sunday, the Huskers will turn their attention to Rutgers, a team with a 10-12, 2-10 Big Ten record. Despite the Scarlet Knights’ struggles in conference play, they have shown flashes of excellence and could potentially present challenges for the Huskers.

Series History and Records

Historically, Nebraska has dominated the series against both teams, with an impressive 27-11 all-time record against Penn State and a nearly flawless 13-1 against Rutgers. Their continued success is a testament to the program’s enduring excellence, which is further highlighted by Nebraska’s No. 1 ranking in the AVCA Coaches Poll.

The Cook Era Continues

Under the guidance of Coach John Cook, now in his 24th season, the Huskers have maintained an unmatched level of consistency and dominance on the court. Coach Cook’s impressive résumé speaks volumes, with four national championships and a .874 win percentage since his tenure began in 2000.

Record-Breaking Attendance

Nebraska’s volleyball program is not just a powerhouse in terms of gameplay; it also commands a significant fan base, as seen on Aug. 30 when a record-breaking crowd of 92,003 gathered at Memorial Stadium, smashing previous attendance records and highlighting the sport’s growing popularity.

Looking Back at 2022

The Huskers are not resting on their laurels. Last year’s impressive 26-6 season and an NCAA regional semifinal appearance have only fueled their hunger for continued success.

Conclusion

As the Nebraska Huskers head into this pivotal weekend, their unblemished record is on the line. Yet, if the season so far is anything to go by, fans can expect the kind of top-tier volleyball that has become synonymous with Nebraska. Stay tuned to HuskersToday.com for post-match analysis and further coverage of Husker athletics.

For more information and detailed match coverage, visit HuskersToday.com.