Miami Hurricanes turnovers in 2017 were by design not luck

In Diaz’s four seasons as the Defensive Coordinator for Middle Tennessee State, the Blue Raiders finished on average 28th nationally overall in turnovers, 33.5 in interceptions and 27.75 in fumble recoveries.

His second and fourth seasons they were particularly adept at taking the ball away from the opposition. The Blue Raiders finished 11th in forcing turnovers, 15th in interceptions and 30th in fumble recoveries in 2007. In 2009 MTSU was eighth, seventh and 17th.

They were also proficient at forcing multiple turnovers in a game. In four seasons at Middle Tennessee State, Diaz’s defenses forced two or more turnovers in a game 26 times.

After four seasons leading the Blue Raiders Defense Diaz left to lead Mississippi State’s Defense for new Florida Gator Head Coach Dan Mullen. Mullen was hired in Gainesville following eight seasons in Starkville. Diaz joined Mullen’s Mississippi State staff in his second season.

Diaz continued the trend of his defenses forcing turnovers. Before Diaz’s arrival in 2009 Bulldogs forced 25 turnovers, 17 through interceptions and eight by fumble recoveries. That improved to 28, 13 and 15 in 2010.

In 2009 MSU ranked in  29th in turnovers, 14th in interceptions and 78th in fumble recoveries. With Diaz taking over in 2010, MSU ranked 21st in turnovers, 53 in interceptions and tenth in fumble recoveries.