Why Forcing Turnovers Is the Key to Colorado’s Success
If the Colorado Buffaloes want to keep winning, defensive coordinator Robert Livingston says they need to tap into their defensive “superpower” — generating turnovers. Through seven games, Colorado has managed just three interceptions and three fumble recoveries, a number Livingston believes must improve for the team to find consistent success.
The impact of turnovers is clear in the Buffs’ record. In their three wins, they’ve forced four total turnovers (three interceptions and one fumble recovery). In contrast, their only takeaways during the four losses were two fumble recoveries by linebacker Martavius French against Georgia Tech.
Livingston emphasized the importance of this aspect of the game during a recent press conference.
“Our superpower is we’ve got to turn the ball over,” he said. “This is college football in 2025. There are going to be explosive plays — and yeah, it drives me crazy. Is my hair a lot greyer now? Absolutely. But if you take the ball away, you can win consistently.”
So far this season, safety Tawfiq Byard and cornerbacks RJ Johnson and DJ McKinney have each notched one interception. A year ago, Colorado averaged more than one interception and one forced fumble per game, highlighting the need to return to that level of production.
How Can Colorado Create More Takeaways?
Livingston acknowledged that there’s some luck involved in turnovers but also believes the team can take deliberate steps to increase their chances.
“I need to do a better job emphasizing it — second man in, going for strips, playing with vision, breaking on the ball,” he said. “If there’s a chance, it has to be your ball. You’ve got to own that mindset.”
Despite the inconsistencies on defense, Livingston is encouraged by the team’s recent progress. The Buffs held Iowa State to just 17 points in last weekend’s upset win and kept quarterback Rocco Becht from making big plays.
“A lot of teams in our position would’ve folded,” Livingston added. “But we didn’t. We had a great week of preparation, and that starts with Coach Prime — the attitude, the energy, the focus he demands every day. I’m excited to see where we go from here.”
As the Buffaloes move deeper into the season, unlocking their turnover potential could be the difference between close losses and key victories.
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