TOs forced

[kingottoiii]

From 2009-today we are 99th out of 120 teams in forcing TOs. At some point we need to take a look into improving this. We cannot just sit back in a bend but don't break D. Our O isn't good enough to have to always go the length of the field for a score. The D needs to cause more TOs and not play such soft coverage. For comparison the rest of the BE is:

#4 RU
#10 UConn
#53 Temple
#58 Pitt
#65 USF
#73 Cincy
#96 Louisville


If we do not improve on this and our god awful STs play, there won't be much improvement in the W column. No matter how nice the O stats look.

 

[dollarbill44]

TOs tend to come from QB pressure and tackling fundamentals. When QBs are rushed, they are more likely to force a throw into coverage. Deflected passes also result, which are often picked off. Blindside hits often result in fumbles too. We haven't gotten very good, consistent pressure on QBs since the early '00s.

As for causing fumbles, tackling fundamentals are key. Wrapping up a guy allows for others to come in a rip at the ball. VT has always stressed this tactic. Having to rely on gang tackling doesn't tend to lead to fumbles. Neither does just trying to knock a guy off his feet. If you start to put the helmet on the football and wrap the ball-carrier, you start to see more fumbles.

But, I think QB pressure is our best bet to increase TOs.

 

[NineOneSeven]

It's not rocket science. Force more turnovers, give your team a better chance to win.

 

[Upstate]

While I don't agree with you that SU's offense isn't good enough to drive the field and get points, because they have proven they are, it helps out tremendously to force TOs, especially in keeping the D off the field to rest, which looked like a big problem vs. minny.

 

[Scooch]

More great data.

In any one year I think turnovers-forced can be a bit of an abberation. I recall we had a strong D in 2000 but forced an inordinately low amount of TOs and it killed us. Then in 2001 between Freeney and Quentin Harris we became a turnover-forcing machine and, along with James Mungro, practically carried us to 10 wins.

But looking at it over 3 1/4 years is stark.

I agree, it has to come from QB pressure.

 

[erog78]

From 2009-today we are 99th out of 120 teams in forcing TOs. At some point we need to take a look into improving this. We cannot just sit back in a bend but don't break D. Our O isn't good enough to have to always go the length of the field for a score. The D needs to cause more TOs and not play such soft coverage. For comparison the rest of the BE is:

#4 RU
#10 UConn
#53 Temple
#58 Pitt
#65 USF
#73 Cincy
#96 Louisville


If we do not improve on this and our god awful STs play, there won't be much improvement in the W column. No matter how nice the O stats look.

Good info KO. Where do we rank in turnover margin over the same time period?

 

[kingottoiii]

Interesting that this year we have been a lot better in 3rd and long. Last year was an utter disaster.

3rd and 7-9 we allowed 60% which was 83rd in the nation. This year we are 6th.

3rd and 10+ we allowed 53.1% which was 71st. This year we are 15th.

Huge improvements. The D is getting off the field much better thus far. Last year was a joke. That wasn't the O's fault as some like to claim. If the D was so tired they wouldn't have forced the 3rd and longs in the first place.

 

[Shenexon]

From 2009-today we are 99th out of 120 teams in forcing TOs. At some point we need to take a look into improving this. We cannot just sit back in a bend but don't break D. Our O isn't good enough to have to always go the length of the field for a score. The D needs to cause more TOs and not play such soft coverage. For comparison the rest of the BE is:

#4 RU
#10 UConn
#53 Temple
#58 Pitt
#65 USF
#73 Cincy
#96 Louisville


If we do not improve on this and our god awful STs play, there won't be much improvement in the W column. No matter how nice the O stats look.

Nice Stat...well, nice that you posted it even if the stat is nasty. Thanks...

 

[kingottoiii]

Good info KO. Where do we rank in turnover margin over the same time period?

TOs lost we are 75th over that period. Which is higher than I would have thought. For TO margin we are 97th. Compared to rest of BE:

#4 RU
#20 UConn
#29 Temple
#32 Pitt
#51 Cincy
#55 Louisville
#76 USF

So we aren't forcing TOs and we are committing quite a few. Hard to win games that way.

 

[PhatOrange]

it doesn't help that we are such a poor tackling team either lacking basic tackling fundamentals. When you tackle high and don't drive through the football you have less chance of causing a turnover. Arm tackling isn't putting a shoulder pad or helmet on the ball.

 

[orangenauburn]

RU was never an offensive juggernaut ... they turned their program around on very strong D and ST with a decent run game

that is the blue print

 

[GoSU96]

From 2009-today we are 99th out of 120 teams in forcing TOs. At some point we need to take a look into improving this. We cannot just sit back in a bend but don't break D. Our O isn't good enough to have to always go the length of the field for a score. The D needs to cause more TOs and not play such soft coverage. For comparison the rest of the BE is:

#4 RU
#10 UConn
#53 Temple
#58 Pitt
#65 USF
#73 Cincy
#96 Louisville


If we do not improve on this and our god awful STs play, there won't be much improvement in the W column. No matter how nice the O stats look.

Big problem, without a doubt. Close the gap a little though and those offensive stats will only improve.

As for ST's they are at neutral at this point. The coverage has improved significantly. Returns not so much. With this offense as long as they don't lose the TO battle to much and specials remain a wash going forward, they should do fine.

 

[GoSU96]

RU was never an offensive juggernaut ... they turned their program around on very strong D and ST with a decent run game

that is the blue print

No fans would rather a high scoring loss than a boring win. Didn't you know that.

 

[orangenauburn]

No fans would rather a high scoring loss than a boring win. Didn't you know that.

I believe Beamer did the same thing at VaTech

strong D and ST with decent run game

 

[SmilinBob]

I agree more pressure on the qb is needed, better technique and taking advantage of the opportunities when they happen, don't come close...make the play. What is the defenses sack to pass ratio and how is that compared to the rest of the schools? Is the defense not disguising their coverages well enough or just plain and simply receivers are finding too many seems? When Reddish played off a receiver for USC by almost 10 yards for a simple catch for a first, was that just a freshman mistake, line up error or was he told to do that?

What I've noticed is a lack of pressure and receivers running free and too open. Once you get that you have receivers who can catch the ball with confidence and are not hearing the pitter patter of a db about to crush them, much like a batter digging into the box without worrying about the pitcher putting one in his ear. You get less drops, a more confident qb and less turnovers.

This team has to penetrate the line of scrimmage to create havoc...Tackle wrap and rip and take advantage of opportunities that do arise. Oh and stop the stupid penalties.

 

[orangenirvana]

Studies have shown that the vast majority of "forced turnovers" are the result of pure dumb luck.

 

[OrangePA]

Good post.

We need TOs.

More pressure on QBs and harder by all defenders.

 

[All4SU]

Linebackers: we finally got faster LBs. next is Bigger LBs with speed.