The best of the best. Wisconsin and Nebraska women's volleyball finally take the court for a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup Saturday night in Lincoln.
The Badgers and Huskers have been two of the best teams in the nation over the years, meeting in the 2021 national championship where the Badgers earned their first title.
Now, the Big Ten rivals are at the top of the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll for the fifth straight week, with the top-ranked Badgers and No. 2 Huskers each bringing 18-0 records into the showdown. It's the best start ever for Wisconsin.
While Nebraska has a major advantage, hosting the game at a packed Bob Devaney Sports Center, the Badgers have the edge when it comes to court play. They're on a 30-set winning streak, sweeping all their Big Ten opponents. And they've won 10 straight matches against the Huskers, whose last win came in September of 2017.
Wisconsin has been playing without setter MJ Hammill and opposite Devyn Robinson for the past three matches, but the two were dressed out against OSU and will likely play Saturday. Their absence hasn't slowed the Badgers, as outside hitter Sarah Franklin picked up the slack by tallying 34 kills and 18 digs between two matches to earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors.
MORE: Watch Nebraska vs. Wisconsin volleyball live with Fubo (free trial)
The Badgers are third in the nation in hitting percentage, swinging at a massive .315 clip. The Big Red defense is nearly unbreakable, though. It leads the nation in opponent hitting percentage, limiting those across the net to a miniscule .123. With Lexi Rodriguez at the libero position, you see why. The Defensive Player of the Week averaged 4.86 digs through two victories last weekend and is one of the best back-row players in the country.
But does Nebraska have the experience to take over the best team in the country? Four freshmen are in the starting lineup – setter Bergen Reilly, middle Andi Jackson, outside Harper Murray and defensive specialist Laney Choboy. Even in their rookie years, they're some of the best players in their respective positions.
The Huskers unfortunately lose some needed experience without Lindsay Krause, who is out for the time being with an ankle injury. Junior Ally Batenhorst will step in to the second outside position and surely bring the fire.
One thing's for sure. Fans will bring the energy to Lincoln for this conference rivalry. Both programs' supporters know how to show up and show out; we saw it in August at Volleyball Day in Nebraska.
Here's everything you need to know about volleyball's No. 1 vs. No. 2 including TV channel and start time.
What channel is Nebraska vs. Wisconsin volleyball on today?
- TV channel: Big Ten Network
- Live stream: Fox Sports app, Fubo
Nebraska-Wisconsin will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Streaming options are available on the Fox Sports app or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Nebraska vs. Wisconsin volleyball start time
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
- Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
First serve will be at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local time) in the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb.
Nebraska volleyball upcoming schedule 2023
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Oct. 21 | vs. Wisconsin | 8 p.m. |
| Oct. 27 | vs. Maryland | 8 p.m. |
| Oct. 28 | vs. Rutgers | 8 p.m. |
| Nov. 3 | at Penn State | 8:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 5 | at Rutgers | 1 p.m. |
| Nov. 8 | vs. Northwestern | 8 p.m. |
| Nov. 12 | vs. Illinois | 3 p.m. |
| Nov. 17 | vs. Michigan | 9 p.m. |
| Nov. 19 | at Iowa | 3 p.m. |
| Nov. 24 | at Wisconsin | 4 p.m. |
| Nov. 25 | at Minnesota | 9 p.m. |
Wisconsin volleyball upcoming schedule 2023
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Oct. 21 | at Nebraska | 8 p.m. |
| Oct. 27 | at Michigan State | 7 p.m. |
| Oct. 29 | vs. Minnesota | 4:45 p.m. |
| Nov. 1 | vs. Purdue | 7 p.m. |
| Nov. 4 | vs. Illinois | 8 p.m. |
| Nov. 10 | at Maryland | 7 p.m. |
| Nov. 11 | at Penn State | 8 p.m. |
| Nov. 17 | at Purdue | 7 p.m. |
| Nov. 19 | at Indiana | 1 p.m. |
| Nov. 24 | vs. Nebraska | 4 p.m. |
| Nov. 25 | vs. Iowa | 8 p.m. |
