It’s hard to overstate the importance of the turnovers that the UCLA Bruins have forced this season. The team leads the nation with 27 turnovers, no other Power Four team has more than 21 and those turnovers have been crucial to the team’s 9-0 start.
Typically, turnovers forced can be a bit streaky, as it often requires a bit of good fortune to force takeaways but the UCLA defense is putting that belief to the test. Defensive coordinator Colin Hitschlerhas transformed the Bruin defense into a ball-seeking machine and the group hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down.
UCLA is averaging three turnovers per game this season but forced only one turnover against Illinois last week when Bruin defensive back Scooter Jackson picked off Drake Lindsey.
With UCLA backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach leading the offense, the extra possessions forced by the Bruin defense has become even more important. Even though UCLA hasn’t played in many close games this year (just one game within single-digits), the turnovers are a major part of why.
As UCLA concludes their regular season with three challenging opponents, facing Illinois, Michigan and USC, while it’ll be tough to keep up their three turnover per game pace, some extra possessions could be the difference between UCLA making or missing the College Football Playoff.
Linebacker Sammy Omosigho is tied for the NCAA-lead with five forced fumbles while safety Ta’Shawn James leads the team with four interceptions, which is tied for sixth in the country. UCLA is tied for 54th in the nation in team sacks, with Omosigho leading the team with 5.5 while defensive end Sahir West has added another 3.5.
The UCLA offense has shown signs of life this season but if the Bruins are going to make a deep run this postseason, it’ll be on the backs of their stellar defense.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA's forced turnovers have been a lifeline for the 9-0 Bruins
