Friday Morning RPI

[BeckysTXA]

I’ll post the Top RPIs from our schedule every Friday morning. I’m going to use figstat RPI until right before selection Sunday. Then I’ll probably drop him like a date to prom. It’s a tough world. No...seriously I’m going to use figstat all the way.

How tough was that first weekend in Louisville?

10 Louisville
15 TXAM
16 FL
20 MO
36 Cincy - TBD
39 tOSU
49 MI - WIN
61 VCU - TBD
64 Dayton
70 SMU

116 DUQ - TBD
120 ILL St - WIN
136 SLU - TBD
136 SLU - TBD
143 LaSalle - TBD

TXAM flying under the radar. LV, MI, Cincy receiving votes. I think the NCAA RPI comes out after this 5th week of play. People will be surprised at both LV and TXAM. This the highest I’ve seen Dayton this season. We should go up if we get on a roll and increase our winning percentage in the first month of conference play. We should handle the first 4-5 weeks. Then we will see how we’ve been playin* going into The Cincy Match on Oct 30. If you get a chance to drive down to Cinncinati for that match you should. You will see two of the best offensive hitters in the nation going at it. Jordon Thompson for Cincy and Jamie Peterson for the Flyers. Well worth the price of admission.

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[Figgie123]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA I’m going to use figstat RPI until right before selection Sunday. Then I’ll probably drop him like a date to prom. It’s a tough world.

Stop bringing up bad high school memories!!!

[udisit19]

So much going on where to start? Since you mentioned TA&M, how about there.

You are right. Dayton played some really tough teams. And 3 of those teams are in the SEC. Texas A&M got off to a good start beating Alabama on Wednesday night. (Alabama is currently VCU's best win.)

This weekend presents very interesting matches between teams we have already played. On Friday night at 6 PM, Illinois State hosts Missouri State. Then on Sunday at 2 PM, Michigan plays at Ohio State. Dayton's best wins so far are probably against Michigan and against Illinois State.

Dayton starts the A-10 with what looks like their 3rd most difficult conference match, in my opinion. Saint Louis was not great in the non-con, but not bad either. SLU has a win against Troy, a member of the Sun Belt. I watched some of Troy's win last night against Arkansas State. I was skeptical at first, but Troy's current RPI of 92 may be correct. They played well against Arkansas State. I think on a good day for SLU, they can hang with this Dayton team. Especially if we let them build some momentum at home.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[udisit19]

I question Duquesne current RPI ranking. They don't have any quality wins to go along with their top 125 RPI ranking. The Dukes best argument at this point is a 3-2 loss to Wisconsin Green Bay, but that is the outlier. Duquese has also been swept by UNC Wilmington, Robert Morris, WVU, and Penn.

VCU and La Salle also play each other tonight. Combined with Dayton vs. Saint Louis, conference play gets off to a quick start. VCU is still loaded with lots of talent and experience. Out of VCU's main contributing players all are Seniors or Redshirt Seniors, except for Dani Jo David - So. (one of their two setters), and Paula Neciporuka Jr. OH. You look almost anywhere, you find a senior. La Salle has experience too, but they are using two Freshman in their usual lineup. This will be a good game to watch. La Salle's experience may allow them to play spoiler against one of the top teams in the conference. It just may not be this match at VCU. They host both Dayton and VCU later in the year.

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[BeckysTXA]

First number is this week’s. Others are previous.

12-16 FL
20-20 MO
22-10 Louisville
23-15 TXAM
31-36 Cincy - TBD
38-39 tOSU
46-49 MI - WIN
65-61 VCU - TBD
75-64 Dayton
100-70 SMU

103-120 ILL St - WIN
127-143 LaSalle - TBD
139-136 SLU - TBD
139-136 SLU - TBD
156-116 DUQ - TBD

Comments on DUQ above appeared to play out. I expect FL to be Top 10 by season end. They have too much talent. All Dayton can do is just keep winning and working to get better. Cincy match is coming. We need MI to stay above 50 - and Cincy.

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[BeckysTXA]

Slipped into Friday early afternoon this week. First number is this week’s. Others are previous. A lot of our opponents took a loss this past week, so somethings have moved around.

14-20-20 MO
19-22-10 Louisville
20-12-16 FL
28-23-15 TXAM
31-31-36 Cincy - TBD
37-46-49 MI - WIN
50-38-39 tOSU
60-65-61 VCU - TBD
64-75-64 Dayton
76-100-70 SMU

118-103-120 ILL St - WIN
134-139-136 SLU - TBD
134-139-136 SLU - TBD
143-127-143 LaSalle - TBD
147 GW - TBD moved up into Top 150, DUQ dropped into 200s

Not to get ahead of ourselves here...but...if we can beat Cincinnati and VCU, and VCU can move into the Top 50 and tOSU can drop out of the Top 50...

We would have a 3-4 record against the Top 50 - with 2 of those losses being 5-sets. That might get someone’s attention on Selection Sunday.

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[Figgie123]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA Not to get ahead of ourselves here...but...if we can beat Cincinnati and VCU, and VCU can move into the Top 50 and tOSU can drop out of the Top 50...

I'd bet rollo's mansion and Bentley that Some Ohio State University will not be in the Top50 by end of year. I'd probably put up my Vespa too. They have 16 games left, with 7 of those games against teams in the top 25. OSU's best set win is against RPI #60 VCU. They are 0-15 in sets against teams with better RPI than VCU. Then they have 3 games against 25-50. So, 10 of 16 games with Top 50 RPI teams, and they are 8-8 right now. At best, I'd see them going 7-9. More likely 6-10/5-11. Honestly, this has been OSU's MO the past 2-3 years.

Also, I'd bet VCU won't make the Top 50, for the same reason UD won't. The A10. It still won't surprise me that UD/VCU will both come in to that final game either undefeated, or with 1 loss and the winner gets the #1 seed with the loser getting #2. And being #1 versus #2 means absolutely nothing (well, maybe depending on #3 or #4) because only the winner of the A10 is making the NCAA tournament, IMO.

Figgie

[rollo]

Originally Posted by Figgie123 I'd bet rollo's mansion and Bentley that Some Ohio State University will not be in the Top50 by end of year. I'd probably put up my Vespa too. Figgie

I love your royal confidence Sir Figgie and would never doubt thy Royal Actuary but for the record, everything of value is in the Queen's name. Except your Vespa.

[BeckysTXA]

First number is current rpi. Others are past weeks.

8-19-22-10 Louisville
13-20-12-16 FL
21-14-20-20 MO
22-28-23-15 TXAM
29-31-31-36 Cincy - TBD
36-37-46-49 MI - WIN
45-50-38-39 tOSU
53-60-65-61 VCU - TBD
60-64-75-64 Dayton
68-76-100-70 SMU

92-118-103-120 ILL St - WIN
133-134-139-136 SLU - WIN
133-134-139-136 SLU - TBD
144-143-127-143 LaSalle - TBD

I hear you Figgie123...but this is still in play
...if we can beat Cincinnati and VCU, and VCU can move into the Top 50 and tOSU can drop out of the Top 50...We would have a 3-4 record against the Top 50 - with 2 of those losses being 5-sets. That might get someone’s attention on Selection Sunday.

We have to just keep winning and working to get better these next two weeks. Cincinnati match is coming.

I could use a Vespa.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[BeckysTXA]

Here it is 9 pm on Friday night and I forgot to update this. First number is current rpi. Others are past weeks.

10-13-20-12-16 FL
16-22-28-23-15 TXAM
17-8-19-22-10 Louisville
20-21-14-20-20 MO
35-36-37-46-49 MI - WIN
37-29-31-31-36 Cincy - TBD
45-45-50-38-39 tOSU
51-53-60-65-61 VCU - TBD
57-60-64-75-64 Dayton
62-68-76-100-70 SMU

81-92-118-103-120 ILL St - WIN
121 Miami, OH - WIN
121 Miami, OH - WIN
123-133-134-139-136 SLU - WIN
123-133-134-139-136 SLU - TBD
139- GW - WIN
139-GW - WIN

I only post the top 150, so you’ve got GW and Miami moving up this week. I also like MI is starting to play better so that win is looking good right now. Our worst loss is SMU at 62 right now.

I could still use a Vespa...even if I have to keep it in Dayton. Just be nice to have one.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[Figgie123]

I'd be willing to double down on the Ohio State bet. MyVespa, and some non-existent pizza party.

Let's Review.

On the morning of October 11th, Ohio State was RPI 51, and now this morning, they are RPI 46. In that time they went 3-2, beating Rutgers twice, and Iowa, while being swept by Penn State, and losing to Purdue in 5 sets. So, losing to better teams, and beating worse teams.

In the next 7 days they play at Illinois (RPI 37) and at Minnesota (RPI 12). That's 0-2 right there. Then they get a victory by hosting Maryland, before losing 3 straight hosting Wisconsin and Minnesota, and visiting Purdue. They can then finish their year 3-2, with victories over Indiana, Northwestern and Iowa and losses to Illinois and Nebraska.

So, they are at 11-10 right now, if my prediction is right, that will be 4-7 to finish at 15-17, ineligible for the NCAA Tournament, and most likely out of RPI Top 50.

As for VCU/Dayton, they are right at the #50 mark with Dayton at 48 this morning. Maybe I should have looked at teams ahead of them a little closer to see what would happen there.

RPI Rank on 10/11, their record since, and change in RPI rank.

 40 Tennessee              SEC   (1-4) [-17] [Rank:  40 ->  57] 
 41 Georgia                SEC   (4-0) [ 14] [Rank:  41 ->  27] 
 42 Arizona State          PAC   (2-3) [  3] [Rank:  42 ->  39] 
 43 Indiana                BIG10 (0-4) [-36] [Rank:  43 ->  79] 
 44 Washington State       PAC   (4-1) [  2] [Rank:  44 ->  42] 
 45 Florida Gulf Coast     ASUN  (6-0) [-15] [Rank:  45 ->  60] 
 46 Arizona                PAC   (0-5) [-18] [Rank:  46 ->  64] 
 47 Cal Poly               BIGW  (2-1) [  6] [Rank:  47 ->  41] 
 48 Towson                 CAA   (5-0) [  1] [Rank:  48 ->  47] 
 49 South Carolina         SEC   (2-2) [  4] [Rank:  49 ->  45] 
 50 Colorado               PAC   (0-5) [-18] [Rank:  50 ->  68] 
 51 Ohio State             BIG10 (3-2) [  5] [Rank:  51 ->  46] 
 52 Miami (Florida)        ACC   (1-4) [-73] [Rank:  52 -> 125] 
 53 Wright State           HORZ  (1-3) [ -3] [Rank:  53 ->  56] 
 54 Iowa                   BIG10 (1-4) [-13] [Rank:  54 ->  67] 
 55 Michigan State         BIG10 (2-3) [  2] [Rank:  55 ->  53] 
 56 Texas State            SUN   (5-0) [ 22] [Rank:  56 ->  34] 
 57 Northern Kentucky      HORZ  (0-4) [-25] [Rank:  57 ->  82] 
 58 Coastal Carolina       SUN   (4-1) [  3] [Rank:  58 ->  55] 
 59 Northern Iowa          MVC   (4-1) [ 10] [Rank:  59 ->  49] 
 60 VCU                    A10   (4-0) [  9] [Rank:  60 ->  51] 
 61 Milwaukee              HORZ  (4-1) [  9] [Rank:  61 ->  52] 
 62 Oregon State           PAC   (1-4) [-27] [Rank:  62 ->  89] 
 63 TCU                    BIG12 (1-3) [-15] [Rank:  63 ->  78] 
 64 Tulsa                  AAC   (3-2) [  6] [Rank:  64 ->  58] 
 65 Dayton                 A10   (5-0) [ 17] [Rank:  65 ->  48] 

Of those 26 schools, we only jumped over 1 school that was perfect in that timeframe. The other shools we jumped had losing records, or winning (but not unbeaten) records from one-bid conferences, or are perennial doormats in the Big5 that don't win in conference.

So, going forward, with 6 conference games and 2 conference tournament games to go, who can Dayton or VCU leapfrog, knowing there are at least 2 losses that will be absorbed by those 2 teams (Day/VCU last regular season game, and then A10 tourney)? The plus for UD/VCU, is they get 2 games in the A10, and both should be "better" teams in the A10, like STL or GWU, and then each other in the final.

Tomorrow is actually an interesting day in the A10. GW (#4 5-3)/SLU (#3 7-1) in DC, and VCU plays La Salle who took the only 2 A10 sets from VCU this year.

Figgie

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

	George Washington GEORGE WASHINGTON Students choose from two distinct GW campuses — Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon. Both are located in historic and prestigious Northwest Washington, DC residential neighborhoods. With 9,700 undergraduate students, GW was founded almost 200 years ago and is named after the first President of the United States. GW stands as one of the nation's premier academic institutions with dozens of famous political, social, science, liberal arts, medical and professional graduates to its credit. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Colonials.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA Not to get ahead of ourselves here...but...if we can beat Cincinnati and VCU, and VCU can move into the Top 50 and tOSU can drop out of the Top 50... .

I too think/thought iOSU would drop out of the Top 50 before season’s end - I think that was the easy part unless they came together talent-wise...and they have a ton of great recruits/players. They have two international players that were not contributing much early on, but have been lately.

It’s UD and VCU moving up into the Top 50 and staying there that’s the real question...but all 3 needsto happen...and at the time of that post...I never saw SMU moving into the Top 50. They were sitting at 76 but look at them now.

[BeckysTXA]

4 sweeps on Sunday...Davidson over Dukes in 3 probably the only surprise...not that Davidson won, but they did it in 3.

VCU, SLU, and Flyers separating themselves from the rest of the conference. I’d like to see SLU get under 100 rpi this year. I’m not sure if the A10 has ever had 3 inside 100?

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[udisit19]

Becky, you have to go back to 2014. In 2014, the A-10 had Dayton at 56, GW at 59, and VCU at 69. The A-10 also had 3 top 100 teams in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2007, and 2006. You could say it is the second time since conference realignment when Butler, Charlotte, Temple, and Xavier left after 2012.

2006 - SLU (51), UD (56), Xavier (61)
2007 - UD (14), Xavier (34), SLU (43)
2010 - UD (12), SLU (58), Xavier (61)
2011 - UD (34), Xavier (72), SLU (82)
2012 - UD (19), Xavier (54), VCU (60)
2014 - UD (56), GW (59), and VCU (69)


The A-10 had 5 top-100 teams in 2009. In the modern 25 point college volleyball era, 2009 is clearly peak Atlantic 10.

2009 - UD (20), SLU (27), Xavier (57), Temple (87), and GW (88).

	Xavier XAVIER MUSKETEERS Dayton's biggest rival dating back to the early 1900s. Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a Jesuit, Catholic university in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its three colleges offer 78 undergraduate majors, 43 minors and 11 graduate programs to 6,646 total students, including 3,961 undergraduates. The University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation and one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities nationwide. Xavier's nickname is the Musketeers and are fellow A10 Conference members.

	Temple TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple College became Temple University in 1907. Located in Philadelphia, Temple is a comprehensive public research university with 34,000 students, 8 campuses, and 300 academic degree programs. Notable alumni include Bill Cosby and Daryl Hall. Temple's nickname is the Owls and are fellow A10 Conference members.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

	Charlotte CHARLOTTE UNC Charlotte is one of a generation of universities founded in metropolitan areas of the United States immediately after World War II in response to rising education demands generated by the war and its technology. Now a research intensive university, UNC Charlotte is the fourth largest of the 16 institutions within the University of North Carolina system and the largest institution in the Charlotte region. The university comprises seven professional colleges and currently offers 18 doctoral programs, 62 master’s degree programs and 90 bachelor’s degrees. More than 900 full-time faculty comprise the university’s academic departments and the 2007 fall enrollment exceeded 22,300 students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the 49ers.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by udisit19 Becky, you have to go back to 2014. In 2014, the A-10 had Dayton at 56, GW at 59, and VCU at 69. The A-10 also had 3 top 100 teams in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2007, and 2006. You could say it is the second time since conference realignment when Butler, Charlotte, Temple, and Xavier left after 2012. 2006 - SLU (51), UD (56), Xavier (61) 2007 - UD (14), Xavier (34), SLU (43) 2010 - UD (12), SLU (58), Xavier (61) 2011 - UD (34), Xavier (72), SLU (82) 2012 - UD (19), Xavier (54), VCU (60) 2014 - UD (56), GW (59), and VCU (69) The A-10 had 5 top-100 teams in 2009. In the modern 25 point college volleyball era, 2009 is clearly peak Atlantic 10. 2009 - UD (20), SLU (27), Xavier (57), Temple (87), and GW (88).

This is great research. Thanks big time.

Working off a presumption you need to have an rpi of 42 or better to get an at-large bid...it’s pretty clear why there have been so few two-bid years.

	Xavier XAVIER MUSKETEERS Dayton's biggest rival dating back to the early 1900s. Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a Jesuit, Catholic university in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its three colleges offer 78 undergraduate majors, 43 minors and 11 graduate programs to 6,646 total students, including 3,961 undergraduates. The University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation and one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities nationwide. Xavier's nickname is the Musketeers and are fellow A10 Conference members.

	Temple TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple College became Temple University in 1907. Located in Philadelphia, Temple is a comprehensive public research university with 34,000 students, 8 campuses, and 300 academic degree programs. Notable alumni include Bill Cosby and Daryl Hall. Temple's nickname is the Owls and are fellow A10 Conference members.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

	Charlotte CHARLOTTE UNC Charlotte is one of a generation of universities founded in metropolitan areas of the United States immediately after World War II in response to rising education demands generated by the war and its technology. Now a research intensive university, UNC Charlotte is the fourth largest of the 16 institutions within the University of North Carolina system and the largest institution in the Charlotte region. The university comprises seven professional colleges and currently offers 18 doctoral programs, 62 master’s degree programs and 90 bachelor’s degrees. More than 900 full-time faculty comprise the university’s academic departments and the 2007 fall enrollment exceeded 22,300 students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the 49ers.

[udisit19]

I did A LOT of research in the past year or two, so I it didn't take me too much time to put the list of sub-100 teams together.

As far as RPI goes, the average RPI for the conference is currently lower than the averages at the end of 2018, 2017, or 2016. So this will be the best year for the conference since 2015, but still much higher than in 2012 before conference realignment hit the A-10. Conference realignment hurt A-10 volleyball and it is still trying to recover, but this year was encouraging. Saint Louis, GW, and La Salle were all bright spots with noticeable improvement over last year's performance.

AVERAGE CONFERENCE RPI for last 8 years:

2019 - 173.80 (incomplete - using figstats current rankings)
2018 - 186.00
2017 - 186.30
2016 - 185.30
2015 - 170.50
2014 - 171.40
2013 - 185.56
2012 - 158.58

And as far as the former A-10 programs, only one team has clearly benefited from the realignment. Over the last 13 years Temple has an avg. RPI of 137.08, but over the last 4 years has an RPI of 90.00. Butler shows only little improvement (Avg. 13 year rpi - 140.08 / Avg. 4 year rpi - 135.50), Charlotte fell (Avg. 13 year rpi - 191.15 / Avg. 4 year rpi - 211.25) and xavier's volleyball status fell the most since realignment (avg. 13 year rpi - 79.54 / avg. 4 year rpi - 113.50)

	Xavier XAVIER MUSKETEERS Dayton's biggest rival dating back to the early 1900s. Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a Jesuit, Catholic university in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its three colleges offer 78 undergraduate majors, 43 minors and 11 graduate programs to 6,646 total students, including 3,961 undergraduates. The University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation and one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities nationwide. Xavier's nickname is the Musketeers and are fellow A10 Conference members.

	Temple TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple College became Temple University in 1907. Located in Philadelphia, Temple is a comprehensive public research university with 34,000 students, 8 campuses, and 300 academic degree programs. Notable alumni include Bill Cosby and Daryl Hall. Temple's nickname is the Owls and are fellow A10 Conference members.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

	Charlotte CHARLOTTE UNC Charlotte is one of a generation of universities founded in metropolitan areas of the United States immediately after World War II in response to rising education demands generated by the war and its technology. Now a research intensive university, UNC Charlotte is the fourth largest of the 16 institutions within the University of North Carolina system and the largest institution in the Charlotte region. The university comprises seven professional colleges and currently offers 18 doctoral programs, 62 master’s degree programs and 90 bachelor’s degrees. More than 900 full-time faculty comprise the university’s academic departments and the 2007 fall enrollment exceeded 22,300 students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the 49ers.

[BeckysTXA]

I didn’t get this posted last week, so go up early to make sure it got done.

8-16-22-28-23-15 TXAM
10-10-13-20-12-16 FL
23-20-21-14-20-20 MO
26-17-8-19-22-10 Louisville
28-37-29-31-31-36 CIN
38-35-36-37-46-49 MI - WIN
48-51-53-60-65-61 VCU - TBD
50-45-45-50-38-39 tOSU
51-57-60-64-75-64 Dayton
53-62-68-76-100-70 SMU

98-121 Miami, OH - WIN
98-121 Miami, OH - WIN
112-81-92-118-103-120 ILL St - WIN
114-123-133-134-139-136 SLU - WIN
114-123-133-134-139-136 SLU - wIN
143-LaSalle - TBD

LaSalle moves up into the Top 150 just in time to play UD this weekend, but the two wins over GW dropped out of the Top 150. Also, GMU has been sitting on 300 for a couple weeks. It’s been many years since an A10 team finished in the 300s. Use to be LaSalle was always there. I’m hoping GMU pulls an upset, they have not won a conference match yet. It would be nice if SLU could move into the Top 100...they have the same schedule as UD, so it will probably take an upset of VCU to make it happen. Do you want two teams in the Top 50 or one team in the Top 50 + two in Top 100 for the conference? Not sure what is better.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

	Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

[Figgie123]

Dangit! Some Ohio State University took out Wisconsin in Columbus, 3-1. They have given themselves a bit of a buffer now. Argh! I might have to hide my Vespa....

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by Figgie123 Dangit! Some Ohio State University took out Wisconsin in Columbus, 3-1. They have given themselves a bit of a buffer now. Argh! I might have to hide my Vespa....

I saw that...but our loss to Cincinnati ended my end of the equation to win your Vespa. It was a tough loss for me. I really wanted a Vespa.

[BeckysTXA]

The “Win figgie’s Vespa” Challenge has been ove4 for awhile, but to officially wrap it up, tOSU sits at 14-16 with Iowa and NE left. They can beat Iowa, it I doubt they will upset NE - missing another NCAA Tournament with a record under 50-50.