Miami Hurricanes Football: Huge factor Turnover margin factor between wins and losses for the Miami football team in 2024
In 2024, the turnover margin played a critical role in the Miami football team’s outcomes. The hope is that the arrival of quarterback Cam Ward will help reduce the number of interceptions Miami throws, although it’s worth noting that Ward led FBS in fumbles lost during the 2023 season while at Washington State.
In 2023, Miami was plus six in turnovers during their seven victories but was minus 10 in their six defeats. They had a positive turnover margin in wins against Texas A&M, Temple, Clemson, and Boston College, with the 48-7 victory over Boston College resulting in a neutral turnover margin.
In contrast, games against Miami (Ohio) and Virginia, which ended in wins, and losses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Florida State, and Rutgers, were characterized by Miami having a higher number of turnovers. They had multiple turnovers in games against Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia, and North Carolina State.
The losses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and NC State highlighted the impact of turnovers the most. Miami committed five turnovers against Georgia Tech, four against North Carolina, and four against NC State, finishing with a turnover margin of minus three versus Georgia Tech, minus four against UNC, and minus two at NC State.
Asked Miami OC Shannon Dawson about Cam Ward’s past fumbling issues. Said it’s more of a focus issue than a ball protection issue. Dawson said he studied every single one of Ward’s fumbles and they’ve talked about it.
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) March 6, 2024
The loss to Georgia Tech was particularly notable for several reasons. Beyond the controversial decision not to take a knee at the game’s end, Miami’s 23-20 defeat to Georgia Tech saw them outgain their opponents with a total of 453 yards to Georgia Tech’s 250. In their loss to North Carolina, Miami accumulated 482 total yards.
While the offense faltered in their 292-yard performance against North Carolina State, the defense limited the Wolfpack to just 231 yards. Notably, Miami lost 13 of their 22 total turnovers in 2023 during losses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and North Carolina State.
Cam Ward, who threw 25 touchdown passes with only seven interceptions in 2023, also had a notable problem with fumbles, tying for second nationally with 11 and leading with seven lost fumbles. With Miami’s new offensive coordinator, Shannon Dawson, in 2024, there is hope that Ward will improve in this area.
In 2023, Miami ranked 97th in turnover margin and 108th in turnovers lost, though they were 59th in turnovers forced with 18. For Miami to contend for an ACC Championship and a possible College Football Playoff spot in 2024, significant improvements in turnovers forced, turnovers lost, and turnover margin will be crucial.