The importance of turnovers

West Virginia’s starting offense has yet to yield a turnover in three games this season, and that statistic could prove pivotal on Saturday against Baylor.

A massive emphasis exists in the Big 12 on turnovers, said Dana Holgorsen this week, explaining that’s part of why he brought in Joe DeForest from Oklahoma State.

DeForest understands that, said Holgorsen.

Holgorsen: “Zero turnovers is going to win you games, regardless of what is going on. Baylor has got that mentality. That mentality exists in the Big 12. That is all (Texas coach) Mack Brown talked about yesterday was turnover ratio. All they are working on is turnover ratio.

That is one reason Joe DeForest is our defensive coordinator because (Oklahoma State) led the country in forcing turnovers last year. They gave up yards and forced turnovers. We are going to give up yards, but we are going to force turnovers. Baylor has given up a bunch of yards, but they are forcing turnovers.”

***

Big 12 turnover margin:

                               |--Gained--||---Lost---|

TURNOVER MARGIN          G  Fum Int Tot Fum Int Tot Mar  Per/G

1. Baylor..............  3    4   6  10   0   4   4  +6   2.00

   Texas...............  3    1   6   7   1   0   1  +6   2.00

3. West Virginia.......  3    3   3   6   0   1   1  +5   1.67

4. Kansas..............  4    7   6  13   3   4   7  +6   1.50

5. Kansas State........  4    6   2   8   1   2   3  +5   1.25

6. TCU.................  3    3   4   7   6   1   7  +0   0.00

7. Texas Tech..........  3    0   2   2   3   1   4  -2  -0.67

8. Iowa State..........  3    1   4   5   3   5   8  -3  -1.00

9. Oklahoma State......  3    1   2   3   2   5   7  -4  -1.33

   Oklahoma............  3    0   1   1   3   2   5  -4  -1.33

*WVU's lone interception was thrown by backup Paul Millard vs Marshall.