Georgia Tech Football: Turnovers will ultimately decide Jackets’ fate in 2017
For Georgia Tech, the one thing that will ultimately decide their season in 2017 is turnovers.
One of the biggest factors in any college football game is the turnover battle. If a team wins the game, there is a solid chance that team also won the turnover battle. For Georgia Tech, their season will most likely be dictated by their ability to keep turnovers limited and their ability to force turnovers.
More from Football
- Georgia Tech Football: What the new ACC scheduling format means for the Yellow Jackets
- Georgia Tech gets six new commits to 2023 class after official visits
- Georgia Tech hosts a plethora of 2023 recruits this weekend
- Dontae Smith slated for big season in 2022
- Why Georgia Tech must move on from Andrew Thacker
So far this season, Georgia Tech hasn’t been the best about keeping the ball secure. The Yellow Jackets in three games have turned the ball over six times, all coming on fumbles. They’ve forced just four turnovers, a turnover margin of -2. While it isn’t a horrendous turnover ratio, over the course of the season, a total of 22 turnovers could plague a team and its chances of winning games. For the Jackets, turnovers have already cost them a win against Tennessee.
Against Tennessee, the Jackets had two costly fumbles including one in the final minutes of regulations. Both ensuing possessions coming off the turnovers ended up as Tennessee touchdowns. Without the two turnovers, the Jackets presumably win in regulation and are 3-0 heading into their game against North Carolina.
Over the course of their next four games, Tech’s opponents have so far caused a total of 17 turnovers while turning over the ball over 12 times. While they do face opponents who have been uncareful with the ball, those opponents are extremely good at causing turnovers.
Simply put, the Yellow Jackets can not have games like they did against Pittsburgh, turning over the ball four times. As Paul Johnson told the media, the Yellow Jackets simply wouldn’t survive against a good team. While the defense has looked stronger in the last two games against Jacksonville State and Pittsburgh, it would be well above expectations for the Jackets defense to perform at such a high-level week in and week out, especially when being on the field a potential four extra possessions.
If the Yellow Jackets hope to win the Coastal division this season, they must win the turnover battle going forward. If not, the Jackets could cost themselves another game or even multiple if they’re not careful.