Mississippi State football: 5 Areas where Bulldogs should improve most in 2020

No. 2: Turnover Margin

One thing Zach Arnett’s defense became known for at San Diego State was taking the ball away, while The Aztecs finished second in the nation with a +1.46 turnover margin on the season. While some of that had to do with them not turning the ball over, their 27 takeaways on the season were in the top ten in the nation.

Mississippi State was 53rd in the nation in margin (0.08) and 15th in takeaways with 24, but turning the ball over 23 times in the season really cost the Bulldogs. They’ll have to cut down on the turnovers to even that out somewhat, and Mike Leach will depend on his wide receivers and running backs to make good decisions.

Ball-hawking in pass coverage and putting helmets on the ball in the run game are something Mississippi State football fans should see a lot more of this season, and in turn, the offense should find their way to hanging on to the ball.