Texas Tech football: Run defense, time of possession, takeaways keys vs. Wyoming

Texas Tech needs to win the turnover battle by at least two

It always feels corny to suggest that turnovers are going to be key to any football (or basketball) game.  Anyone who has played the game at even the lowest levels or who has watched for any amount of time knows that giving the ball away is a recipe for disaster.

However, it is worth looking at the importance of that stat in a game in which one team is favored by two touchdowns.  That’s because the best way for a double-digit underdog to pull off the upset is for that team to win the turnover battle decisively.

Tech was above average in regard to turnover margin a season ago.  Averaging +0.33 takeaways per game helped the team finish 38th nationally.  That was due in large part to an offense that gave the ball away only 15 times on the year.

Wyoming wasn’t as good.  Giving the ball away 0.15 more times per game than their opponents, the Cowboys ranked just 79th in the NCAA.

Despite having a good defense, Bohl’s team took the ball away only 14 times in 2022.  That is an indication that the defense could be lacking elite playmakers.

Tech has to protect the football on Saturday, as well as every week moving forward.  If the number of possessions in the game is limited, as expected, each opportunity with the ball must end with some type of kick.

It goes without saying that Tech will need to win the turnover battle just about every week so we won’t analyze that stat before every game.  However, when facing a team that is a significant home underdog, taking care of the ball takes on even greater importance.