FWST: TCU, Oklahoma struggling to get on proper side of turnover margin

The plays came in the fourth quarter of a lopsided contest, making them easy to overlook among the final statistics.

But to members of the TCU defense and coach Gary Patterson, last week’s interceptions against SMU by safeties Niko Small and Nick Orr represented attitude adjusters. Not only were they the first interceptions of the season by No. 21 TCU, but they also made the difference in allowing the Horned Frogs to win the turnover battle for the first time this season.

As any defensive-minded coach or player will confirm, turnover margin is among the most important statistic for any team with championship hopes. TCU finished plus-18 in turnover margin on its way to a Big 12 co-championship in 2014. Oklahoma posted a plus-9 mark while winning last year’s title.