Although the Huskers have already won the Big Ten championship, these conference rivals have a lot to duke out today. Both season-long top-5 powerhouses, the Badgers and Huskers fought tooth and nail to settle the AVCA No. 1 debate in October, during which Nebraska emerged victorious in five sets. Nebraska’s now 27-0 and the unanimous AVCA No. 1 heading into the postseason. Wisconsin lost two matches since facing Nebraska, sitting at 24-3 on the year.
In five-setters
It’s easy to see that these foes challenge each other at the highest level. The Badgers have been pushed to five sets on five occasions this season, and against Nebraska on Oct. 21, they tallied the most number of blocks (18) in a five-setter, but the least amount of kills (52) in a five-setter this season. As for Nebraska, it’s been pushed to five sets thrice this season by Purdue, Penn State and Wisconsin. The Huskers played the worst statistically against Wisconsin, killing 69 (71 K vs. Penn State and 74 K vs. Purdue) and blocking seven (9 vs. Penn State and 15.5 vs. Purdue).
Offense versus defense
The top-ranked Wisconsin block will, again, be a problem for Nebraska. The Badgers lead the nation with 3.01 blocks per set (compared to Nebraska’s 2.5, tying for No. 38), which is primarily at the hands…
