The paradox of rankings

Within the span of one day, Nebraska volleyball was named the No. 1 team by the NCAA volleyball committee while remaining in the No. 2 spot in the AVCA Coaches Poll.

Courtesy Nebraska Athletics

Within the span of one day, Nebraska volleyball was named the No. 1 team by the NCAA volleyball committee while remaining in the No. 2 spot in the AVCA Coaches Poll.

The rankings introduce a unique paradox. How can a team be second in one poll but considered the best in the eyes of those responsible for tournament seeding in another?

The AVCA poll is largely about current form—how teams are performing on a week-to-week basis in the eyes of the coaches. It rewards dominance, but it also takes perceived flaws into greater consideration, no matter how small. 

On the other hand, the NCAA committee looks at the broader picture. They examine strength of schedule, quality of wins and overall potential to perform on the biggest stage: the NCAA tournament.

So, why Nebraska and not Pitt — the team at No. 1 in the AVCA poll?