REPORTS: The turnover margin was a huge factor between wins and losses for the Miami football team
Turnover margin was a significant factor in the Miami football team’s wins and losses in 2024. The addition of quarterback Cam Ward is anticipated to reduce the number of interceptions Miami throws in 2024, although the Washington State transfer led FBS in fumbles lost during the 2023 season.
In their seven wins in 2023, Miami had a plus six turnover margin but was minus ten in their six losses. They had a positive turnover margin in victories against Texas A&M, Temple, Clemson, and Boston College, with a 48-7 win over Boston College resulting in a neutral turnover margin.
Miami had more turnovers in their wins over Miami (Ohio) and Virginia and in losses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Florida State, and Rutgers. They committed multiple turnovers in games against Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia, and North Carolina State.
The losses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and NC State were the most pronounced examples of turnover troubles. Miami had five turnovers against Georgia Tech, and four each against North Carolina and NC State. They finished minus three in turnover margin versus Georgia Tech, minus four against UNC, and minus two at NC State.
Asked Miami OC Shannon Dawson about Cam Ward’s past fumbling issues. Said it’s more of a focus issue than a ball protection issue. Dawson said he studied every single one of Ward’s fumbles and they’ve talked about it.
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) March 6, 2024
The loss to Georgia Tech was particularly notable for several reasons. Overshadowed by the infamous decision not to take a knee at the end of the game was Miami’s
The loss to Georgia Tech was particularly notable for several reasons. Overshadowed by the infamous decision not to take a knee at the end of the game was Miami’s 453 to 250 advantage in total yards during the 23-20 defeat in 2023. Miami also gained 482 total yards in their loss to North Carolina.
While the offense struggled with only 292 total yards in the loss to North Carolina State, Miami held the Wolfpack to just 231 total yards. Miami’s turnover issues were pronounced in these games, as 13 of their 22 total turnovers in 2023 occurred during the losses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and North Carolina State.
Quarterback Cam Ward threw 25 touchdown passes with only seven interceptions in 2023. However, he tied for second nationally with 11 fumbles and led the nation with seven lost fumbles. Under the guidance of Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson in 2024, Ward is expected to reduce his fumbling issues.
Miami ranked 97th in turnover margin and 108th in turnovers lost in 2023. The Hurricanes were 59th in turnovers forced, with 18 in total. To compete for an ACC Championship game berth and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, Miami must improve in forced turnovers, turnovers lost, and overall turnover margin in 2024.
