The turnover margin was a huge factor between wins and losses for the Miami football team in 2024. The addition of quarterback Cam Ward is expected to decrease the amount of interceptions Miami throws in 2024, but the Washington State transfer led FBS in fumbles lost during the 2023 season.
Miami was plus six in turnovers during their seven wins in 2023 and minus 10 in their six losses. Miami had a positive turnover margin in wins over Texas A&M, Temple, Clemson and Boston College. A 48-7 win over Boston College produced a neutral turnover margin for Miami.
Wins over Miami (Ohio) and Virginia and losses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Florida State and Rutgers came in games that Miami had more turnovers. Miami had multiple turnovers against Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia and North Carolina State.
The losses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina and NC State were the most extreme examples of Miami losing turnovers. Miami had five turnovers versus Georgia Tech and four each against North Carolina and NC State. Miami finished minus three versus Georgia Tech, minus four against UNC and a margin of negative 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 the most egregious for multiple reasons. What has gotten lost in the infamous decision not to take a knee at the end of the game was a 453 to 250 advantage in total yards in the 23-20 loss to Georgia Tech in 2023. Miami had 482 total yards in the loss at North Carolina.
Although the offense struggled with 292 total yards in the loss to North Carolina State, Miami held the Wolfpack to 231 total yards. Miami had 13 of its 22 lost turnovers in 2023 during the losses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina and North Carolina State.
Ward had 25 touchdown passes with only seven interceptions in 2023. Ward tied for second nationally with 11 fumbles and was first nationally with seven lost fumbles during the 2023 season. Expect Ward to limit fumbling playing under Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson in 2024.
Miami finished 97th in turnover margin and 108th in turnovers lost in 2023. The Hurricanes were 59th with 18 turnovers forced in 2023. The turnovers forced, lost and margin all need to improve for Miami in 2023 if they want to compete for an ACC Championship game berth and potential slot in the College Football Playoff.