How Important is the Turnover Battle?

BryceC · 09-14-2006, 12:42 PM

In the last 5 games in the series, there has been no more of a deciding factor than the turnover margin. In fact, since 2001, ISU has forced 13 turnovers against Iowa while only giving up 5, for a +8 margin. That’s huge. ISU won the turnover margin every year except 2003, which was the most lopsided loss on ISU’s side for the recent series.

When ISU has won the turnover battle they have given up an average of 16.25 points per game. When they gave up more turnovers than Iowa in 2003, they gave up 40 points. ISU also scores an average of 21.5 points in games they have won the turnover margin against Iowa in the last five years. They also scored 21 in 2003, but a few of those were in garbage time.

In games that ISU has won the turnover margin in the last five years against Iowa they are 3-1, with the lone loss coming in 2004 when ISU lost 10-17 and missed 3 field goals. ISU is 3-0 when the turnover margin is +2.

The defense hasn’t been quite the ball hawks we have gotten used to in the past few years, so let’s hope that the team turns up the intensity this week and starts picking some passes off and stripping some balls. History has shown that if ISU expects to win this game, the defense better start creating some opportunities for the offense.

BryceC · 09-14-2006, 12:42 PM

I decided to only include the last five years because in years prior to that there was such a talent gap one way or the other it really didn't give a good representation.

St8Grad · 09-14-2006, 12:44 PM

As expected, the turnover margin is HUGE...especially for ISU. Turnovers are much like rebounds in BBall. If you win that catagory, you've put yourself in a good position to Win.

EggMcClone · 09-14-2006, 12:50 PM

No doubt it's crucial. Some of the biggest plays in those games have been turnovers from the picks last year to Steen's interception/fumble in 2001. I feel fairly confident about us holding onto the ball so hopefully we can get some from them.

BryceC · 09-14-2006, 12:57 PM

The INT/fumble was probably one of the biggest downers to highs I've ever seen in my life.

ISU_phoria · 09-14-2006, 01:14 PM

No Doubt about it!

ISUFan22 · 09-14-2006, 01:34 PM

Thanks for the stats Bryce...I always appreciate it when you bring facts to the table!

Couldn't be any clearer what a big key...if not THE key to the game is. Hopefully our defense can come through for us and our offense can protect the football.

ajk4st8 · 09-14-2006, 02:02 PM

I can't remember the football game ever played that turnovers weren't huge.

JJ4ISU · 09-14-2006, 02:59 PM

I am concerned about an ISU punt being blocked. It seems like our new punter is not getting the ball off very quickly. A blocked punt could be devastating (see 2003).

Drews79 · 09-14-2006, 10:50 PM

JJ4ISU,

I couldn't agree more. It takes our punter forever to get the kick off. I noticed this the first time he punted against Toledo. It's almost like he pauses before he is ready to kick. You can bet your money that Iowa has picked up on this and will be bringing the house when they have the op.

dbronco7sc · 09-15-2006, 12:23 AM

Yeah... if either team wins the turnover margin by 2 or more... I easily see that deciding the winner...