Why does nobody want to talk about what turnover margin actually means for LSU this fall? The Tigers finished at +9 last season which was top 25 nationally but that number is completely disconnected from the 8-5 record. Something doesnt add up.
Here is the problem. That +9 margin was heavily frontloaded. LSU was +7 through the first five games then basically played even the rest of the way. When the competition got tougher and the offense started pressing, the takeaways dried up. The defense forced multiple turnovers in only three games all season. That is not sustainable.
The real question nobody is asking is whether the new defensive staff can create takeaways consistently. Spring practice reports suggest the secondary is playing more aggressively on the ball but that has to translate when Clemson comes to town in September. A +9 margin looks good on paper until you realize half of those turnovers came against teams that combined for 12 wins.
Can someone explain why we keep pointing at that number like it proves something? Turnover margin is volatile year to year. LSU needs to actually force takeaways against quality opponents or that stat means nothing.