Army is winning the turnover battle, committing just four fumbles all year while forcing opponents to commit 16 turnovers of their own. (AP photo)
“Win the turnover battle, and you win the game.”
It’s a line used so often it has almost become a cliche on each of the NFL and college football pre-game shows. (Although, I guess it’s better than having to listen to Tony Dungy serve as the moral authority on all things that ail this country. But, back to football.)
If the rule is true, then Army is setting itself up for a bowl game this year. The Black Knights have committed only four turnovers this season. Unfortunately, Army had to learn their lesson the hard way fumbling away what seemed like a certain victory against Hawaii.
Think about that. If Army wins that game, they are a stunning 5-1. 4-2 is impressive, but the Black Knights should be only one win away from bowl eligibility and it’s not even Halloween.
Army went three games without a turnover between Max Jenkins’ fumble against Hawaii and Trent Steelman’s fumble last Saturday against Tulane. It’s probably no coincidence that Army went 2-1 during that stretch and had every opportunity to beat Temple.
Ball security is going to come a bit easier to the Black Knights since they attempt so few passes in their triple-option offensive scheme. Air Force and Navy also have committed few turnovers, but Army is still ahead of the pack. Air Force has turned the ball over eight times, while Navy has committed six.
Meanwhile, Army is forcing their opponents to turn the ball over forcing 11 interceptions and five fumbles this year giving the Black Knights an impressive +12 turnover margin. Air Force has a -2 and Navy owns a +4 turnover margin.
Avoiding turnovers will be key if Army wants to upset Rutgers in New Jersey this weekend. (Oh no, now I sound like the football blowhards.)
