How Do We Get The Turnovers To Return?

This is probably the best stat so far this season:

Against a top-10 schedule (currently #9 in the FPI SOS), the Illini are +1 in turnover margin (10 turnovers gained, 9 turnovers lost). That's good for 59th nationally, so right in the middle of the pack. Tough schedule + no turnover help typically = rough season. But we're 6-3.

On the flipside, Maryland is dominating the turnover world. The Turnover Fairy has changed her Facebook status to "in a relationship with the Terrapins." They are +11 in turnover margin all thanks to SEVENTEEN interceptions. And they're 4-5. All that turnover help and they've lost five in a row.

I mean, check out their turnover luck. Remember, the way to track turnover luck with interceptions is through passes defended. On average, 21% of passes defended are intercepted. So if you're exceeding 21% you've been a bit lucky and if you're not close to 21% you've been unlucky. Here's the stats for Illinois and Maryland: