HookemTexas

I don't think it's the end yet, but it's trending that way. Of course it depends on what we're defining as the trending down and the end. For me, the trending down is against the expectations that (again we've been spoiled) Texas is hosting until it gets to weekend where they have no choice but to travel, and really expect to be in the final four. While this is an absurdly high bar, it's one that Texas has achieved consistently. I disagree with the comparison to Stanford due to your point on NIL - the Stanfords of the world won't decide to compete in NIL and that's their choice. Texas has the resources where NIL should not be a factor - they may not be the best a la Nebraska, but they'll certainly be in the top tier. My personal expectation (whether realistic or not) is that Texas is a top 4 volleyball program year in and year out with Nebraska being the other one that has the same expectation. This might be because I started watching Texas volleyball when it was the Haley and Baily show and so have pretty much been spoiled with an elite program.

Vandy in year 2 of a program I believe. We’ve been spoiled as fans with Texas being elite for so long, it was bound to come to an end. I just thought it would be when Elliot retired. Nebraska got lucky in that DBK is an alumni, Cook’s retiring timing, and that’s basically her dream job after showing she was an elite coach at Louisville. I don’t think any of Texas’ program alumni are at her level so even if Elliot were to retire I don’t know where cdc would turn to. Sullivan maybe but he said he didn’t want to be head coach when he was at Texas. Maybe they steal Morris from A&M.

Texas under Sark on the road has not been good at night. Massive difference between night and day, literally. Vegas probably factoring that in.

I also believe Texas has to win out to be in; dropping a third game puts Texas in the same position last year in hoping the committee gives them credit. The bad losses will again hurt Texas because OU and Florida have shown to be absolute bottom feeders. Had the losses happened to ranked teams, that would have been different, but they were against completely winnable games. And Florida was playing a backup QB.

Texas with the 10th ranked class . . . they are usually in the top 5 easily every year. LSU, Clemson, and Michigan St. should not be out recruiting Texas in volleyball.

Doesn't A&M also have the top recruit in the country committed? Morris is building a strong program over there. I think Texas middle blocking recruiting has fallen off since Sullivan moved on to be USA coach. Since the recruitment of Harvey, Texas has lost more high level MBs than they've signed, or that's just my imagination.

The entire team was ice cold against UCLA, a mixture of both UCLA's defense and just everyone being off . . . maybe their legs were shot by then which affects shots.

The replies are hilarious, after East Texas A&M beat the ou men's bball team last night, the softball team got scared . . .

With the resources that Texas has, it should at the very least be in the top 25 if not the top 10 of oline's in college football. To not even be in the top 50 is beyond pathetic.

Banks was the exception because he had the discipline to want to be great himself. I recall a story where Quinn (I think) came into the weight room while Banks was doing squats and made a joke and he said Banks just gave him this look that was basically "I'm working here, no time for jokes". We need some nasty on the Oline like Casey Studdard. There are times when I see Arch get popped and the defense talking crap to Arch and the Oline just looks at them and does nothing. Studdard and the old school linemen would have made sure those fools talking took some punishment.

I'll say that it's great that Texas is dominating in fall ball, but the opponents aren't exactly daunting powerhouses. It's pretty much expected Texas should be dominating.

Yep, way too inconsistent. They have the talent to win it all, but they also have shown they can just disappear and get ran off the court as well. There's a chance in the post season if they get hot at the right time and are able to ride it out all the way.

and aggie run ruled Texas in the SEC tournament two years ago. both teams got to watch Texas hoist the trophy last couple of years.

For some reason, regular season Kavan isn't as dominating as post-season Kavan. She hits another gear at the WCWS. OU's lineup is potent. They've always had the offense. The difference is that they haven't been able to get the top pitcher in the transfer portal like they used to pre-NIL days which allowed them to lock up the one of the few players able to shut down their offense. During their four-peat run from 2021-2024, 3 of the 4 aces on their staff were transfer pitchers. The only one that wasn't was Jordy Bahl (Frahm). Two years ago they tried to get Canady which likely would have gotten them a ship (thanks sand aggy). They've been bringing in transfer pitchers last few years as well but haven't been able to land the top of the elite pitchers like they previously did. Texas kept their ace and have solid help on paper. The lineup stands to be better this year (including new batting coach and offensive assistants). Texas' chances this year to win it all again are fairly good. Next year will be interesting depending on who stays as the only person who runs out of eligibility from the starting lineup is Vivi Martinez and Texas has already recruited an heir there.

I have thought of it as this way - the 24 team playoff is essentially a second season. The regular season is primarily just exhibition now - you just have to be in the upper quarter of your conference (whether your conference is good or not). This gives much more leeway for teams in the SEC to beat each other up and still get in. It also means other teams will have to strategize how they manage their personnel. Do they try to get more players playing time to increase experience in preparation for the playoffs or do they go all in trying to get the best record during the "regular season" and risk either being short-handed due to injury in the playoff season.