Column:
Two Missouri teams consistently inconsistent
Published Oct. 20, 2009
It's all about consistency in college sports. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to come by.
Take, for instance, two Missouri teams: volleyball and soccer.
Volleyball has a lone defeat at home and took apart Kansas at the Hearnes Center on Sept. 16. They are winless on the road in Big 12 play, and have a 4-8 record away from home sweet home.
Soccer came into the season ranked No. 16 in the nation and was picked to win the Big 12 (well, to share it with Texas A&M, but a win is a win).
By the end of non-conference play, the Tigers were 5-3-1 and dropping cover-your-eyes games to DePaul and Long Beach State. Now they're undefeated in Big 12 play at 5-0-2, including a tie against the Aggies.
You women are not ones to make it snoozers, either. There have been three games in double overtime (not to mention another overtime win) and a few others that have gone down to the wire.
Fortunately for the women's soccer team, it's turning it on at the end. The volleyball team, not so much. Its woes could go on for the rest of the season.
All I'm saying is these teams have to find some kind of balance. To the volleyballers: If you can't win on the road, you're screwed. To the soccerballers: If you can't win against non-Big 12 teams, you're screwed.
Just think if the Road Runner was inconsistent. He lets up one time and Wile E. Coyote catches him (with the also inconsistent ACME machinery). Coyote feasts on roasted poultry and there goes the cartoon series.
Things get ruined when there's inconsistency. Take the football team (I know, I just can't get away from it). First half equals awesome. We actually have hope that we can upset a team. Offense is clicking on all cylinders. Second half equals painful. Offense struggles.
As for the defense, it was just consistently bad all game. But on the bright side, it makes my job easier when we have to determine how the Tigers lost the game. So even being consistently bad has its props.
I can only hope that women's soccer can keep its streak going in the Big 12. They look great lately. This season has the potential to turn around and become just as special as last.
As for volleyball, the talent is there. That's obvious with the home wins. Maybe it's something they pump in at the Hearnes Center. All I can say is either hook it up in the other arenas or figure out a way to find a home away from home. Just find somewhere. Even just one summer home is great. Lawrence, Kan., would just be awesome.
Another note on football (the oval-shaped one, not the European one): You see what happens when you throw the ball downfield? It opens up the running game. If sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert can get his arm (and ankle, for that matter) under control, Missouri has the chance to regain that machine-like efficiency that has graced Faurot Field the past few years.
Next week: Midterm grades again! Be afraid.
