Mizzou’s rallying cry on defense each day is, “It’s all about the ball,” a saying meant to put the focus on getting the ball for the Tiger offense. Through 2 games in 2010, that mantra has served Mizzou well, as the Tigers enter Saturday’s game against San Diego State tied for most turnovers gained in the nation, with 9.
Tied with Mizzou atop the rankings are Florida and Idaho, also with 9 turnovers apiece.
The big plays began against Illinois in the 2010 opener, when Mizzou nabbed 3 interceptions and 1 fumble in a 4-turnover day, and they continued last Saturday against McNeese as MU collected 3 more INTs and 2 fumbles.
Combined with the Tiger offenses’ ability to hang onto the ball (3 turnovers so far), MU’s turnover margin of +3.00 per game is currently 2nd-best in the nation (Ohio State is #1, at +3.50 p/g).
Mizzou ranked 50th in 2009 with 23 turnovers gained (15 fumbles, 8 INTs) in 13 games.
The 6 INTs so far in 2010 are already just 2 shy of the total of 8 INTs the Tigers forced in 13 games during 2009.
The 2010 ratio of 6 INTs in 54 opponent passing attempts so far is 1-in-9.0 attempts, compared to 1-in-59.4 attempts in 2009 (8 INTs in 475 opponent attempts).
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