Oklahoma State Returns To a Familiar Formula For Winning Big 12

This is not a super difficult concept: Of the last eight Big 12 champions, six have finished first in turnover margin within the conference. Only OU last year (3rd) and Baylor in 2013 (2nd) did not. OSU finished first both of those years but didn’t hoist a trophy. Other than that, you can draw a straight line from turnover margin champs to teams that win the conference.

It makes sense, too. In a league hell bent on scoring as many points as possible, a severe disruption of that (like a turnover) can wildly swing games. Mike Gundy has understood (and harped on) this for years. Field position matters in the Big 12, and Oklahoma State is dominating the field position game partly because of its kick and punt coverage but mostly because it is creating turnovers at an historic clip once again.

Let’s check in on how Big 12 teams rank in turnover margin so far this year.

And what about nationally?

So that’s pretty good. Oklahoma State has been pretty incredible when you look at other Big 12 teams. It has a big lead in this category and is one of just three teams with a positive turnover margin 66 percent of the way through the season. Not only that, but they’re doing something with it when they get it.

OSU ranks No. 12 in the nation in interception return yards with 192 on the year.

Ramon! pic.twitter.com/JD1zUTb4OW

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) October 29, 2016

It’s something they talk a lot about on both sides of the ball said QB Mason Rudolph on Monday.

“We just have to take care of the football and that’s something I’m trying to cut down on,” said Rudolph. “I think Coach Yurcich always emphasizes having two hands on the ball in the pocket and just making sure that I have good ball security, and then just reminding me that it’s OK to throw the ball away instead of forcing something, especially down in the red zone.”

Fumbles have been an issue for QB1, but interceptions have not been. He’s thrown just three picks in his last 14 starts. If he keeps that up with a defense that somehow has a knack for finding the rock when it needs it most, something special could be brewing for Oklahoma State to end the season.