"So, I just don't see how one sits down with that information and concludes that Nebraska (or Penn State) is the top team in the country right now."
well, I'll take up the challenge to play devil's advocate. I interpret a preseason poll as intended to pick who you think will win the natty--i.e., who will be the best team at the end of the season--rather than who is the best team now (I would cite Wilner in support of this proposition, but I think that would detract from my credibility!). As teams gain records, the poll becomes more actual record-based.
in light of the above, I don't think picking Nebraska is completely unreasonable, despite their overall record last year. They were like we were in 2016: young, true freshman setter (first in Nebraska's history). They had multiple losses mid-season against the top B10 teams, but they got better and were high level at the end of the season. They lost the championship match to us, but it was VERY close, and the difference in the level of us and them at the end of last year was minuscule. So projecting last year's end-of-season teams to this year, they lose a superlative hitter and we lose an excellent middle blocker (probably canceled out by the UCLA transfer), and I don't know what they are gaining. They still have a young team (no seniors) so maybe one could project a lot of improvement still left to be gained. They play a much tougher conference schedule than we do which helps them prepare for the NCAAs (we try to compensate with a tougher pre-season schedule). I'd still pick us of course but I wouldn't say whoever picked Nebraska (probably Hambly if he votes) is totally off-base.
Penn State is another matter. They were pegged for a rebuilding year last year, and still easily took the first set from us in our gym in the regional final, so that was their level at the end of the year. This year they are 75% freshmen and sophomores, and perhaps much is expected from the frosh class. Seems like more of a hopeful/wishful projection. I would guess the Penn State coach voted for them (if possible).
well, I'll take up the challenge to play devil's advocate. I interpret a preseason poll as intended to pick who you think will win the natty--i.e., who will be the best team at the end of the season--rather than who is the best team now (I would cite Wilner in support of this proposition, but I think that would detract from my credibility!). As teams gain records, the poll becomes more actual record-based.
in light of the above, I don't think picking Nebraska is completely unreasonable, despite their overall record last year. They were like we were in 2016: young, true freshman setter (first in Nebraska's history). They had multiple losses mid-season against the top B10 teams, but they got better and were high level at the end of the season. They lost the championship match to us, but it was VERY close, and the difference in the level of us and them at the end of last year was minuscule. So projecting last year's end-of-season teams to this year, they lose a superlative hitter and we lose an excellent middle blocker (probably canceled out by the UCLA transfer), and I don't know what they are gaining. They still have a young team (no seniors) so maybe one could project a lot of improvement still left to be gained. They play a much tougher conference schedule than we do which helps them prepare for the NCAAs (we try to compensate with a tougher pre-season schedule). I'd still pick us of course but I wouldn't say whoever picked Nebraska (probably Hambly if he votes) is totally off-base.
Penn State is another matter. They were pegged for a rebuilding year last year, and still easily took the first set from us in our gym in the regional final, so that was their level at the end of the year. This year they are 75% freshmen and sophomores, and perhaps much is expected from the frosh class. Seems like more of a hopeful/wishful projection. I would guess the Penn State coach voted for them (if possible).