Turnovers

Big games often turn on turnovers. Michigan has done a masterful job of avoiding turnovers this season. For the year, the Wolverines have turned the ball over just ten (10) times with seven interceptions and three fumbles. That puts Michigan as the 3rd best team in the nation in avoiding turnovers and only one behind co-leaders Brigham Young and Notre Dame who have nine each this season. The fact that Michigan's offense has been so efficient in avoiding turnovers has helped the Wolverines achieve the #8 ranking in the nation in turnover margin (+1.09/gm). However, Ohio State has been even more productive this season and leads the Big Ten and is ranked 3rd nationally with a turnover margin of +1.27 per game. The Michigan defense is ranked 22nd in the nation in turnovers gained with 22 takeaways (11 fumble recoveries, 11 interceptions) on the season. As long as I'm speaking of turnovers (or the lack thereof), I would be remiss if I did not give an update on Mike Hart's streak. Although he has fumbled the ball twice this season, he did not lose the ball (technically) either time. Thus, his streak for consecutive touches without a lost fumble currently stands at 726. There is nothing that Coach Carr likes more than a player he can count on in a big game to hold onto the ball. Expect Hart to carry the ball almost exclusively on Saturday for Michigan. If a backup does get a few carries it will most likely be Jerome Jackson not Kevin Grady (who is recuperating from an injury and has had issues with holding onto the ball). Go Blue!