Just saw someone try to argue that turnover margin is random luck and Texas should just ignore it. That is the laziest take in college football analysis. Texas finished 112th nationally in turnover margin last season. That is not bad luck, that is a systemic problem with ball security and takeaways.
The Longhorns gave away 24 turnovers last year while only forcing 16. That minus-8 margin is inexcusable for a program with Texas resources. You cannot tell me that is just bad bounces when you watch the tape and see fumbles on option pitches and interceptions thrown into triple coverage.
Here is what the data actually shows. Turnover margin has a 0.78 correlation with winning percentage over the last decade. That is higher than yards per play or third down conversion rate. Texas is leaving wins on the table by being sloppy with the football.
The good news is this is fixable. Spring practice should be all about ball security drills and defensive backs working on stripping the ball. Sarkisian needs to make this the number one emphasis because a team with Texas talent going minus-8 in turnover margin is leaving 2-3 wins on the table every season.
Fix the turnovers and this team jumps into the top 10 conversation immediately. It is that simple.