[BigJohn043]

As for Stanford's prospects (IMHO):  I think Stanford has the potential to beat anyone and win it all, but has not shown the consistency that would be needed to accomplish that.  I would guess their odds of making the final four are about 60-65%.  I'm not ready to make a prediction beyond that yet.

My guess is the odds of a generic #1 seed making the final 4 is something like 50/50.  And my guess is Stanford is a bit better than that.

The P12 is clearly the best conference in volleyball this year and we are looking like we will be 19-1.  That is pretty impressive.  They haven't all looked great and getting swept at home was a blip, but only Nebraska has looked better this year.

I think the bull case for Stanford this year is that we are an experienced team that has played in big games and knows what that feels like.  We also seem to be able to up our game when it really matters.  After getting swept by UF you had to wonder if this was a championship team.  Going to Austin and sweeping UT suggests to me that when it really matters we have another level.

Kipp is also the kind of player that can just carry you to a title.  Last year she had a swing to beat USD and didn't put it down.  The only reason to return to Stanford for a fifth year is to get that swing again.....

[BigJohn043]

As for Stanford's prospects (IMHO):  I think Stanford has the potential to beat anyone and win it all, but has not shown the consistency that would be needed to accomplish that.  I would guess their odds of making the final four are about 60-65%.  I'm not ready to make a prediction beyond that yet.

My guess is the odds of a generic #1 seed making the final 4 is something like 50/50.  And my guess is Stanford is a bit better than that.

The P12 is clearly the best conference in volleyball this year and we are looking like we will be 19-1.  That is pretty impressive.  They haven't all looked great and getting swept at home was a blip, but only Nebraska has looked better this year.

I think the bull case for Stanford this year is that we are an experienced team that has played in big games and knows what that feels like.  We also seem to be able to up our game when it really matters.  After getting swept by UF you had to wonder if this was a championship team.  Going to Austin and sweeping UT suggests to me that when it really matters we have another level.

Kipp is also the kind of player that can just carry you to a title.  Last year she had a swing to beat USD and didn't put it down.  The only reason to return to Stanford for a fifth year is to get that swing again.....