SEC Stats: Defensive Thievery

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Yesterday, we posted the updated numbers for our “Ball Security” statistic.

Wanting to get a better idea for who’s holding onto the football, we use this stat to compare a team’s giveaways to the total number of offensive snaps that team has run.

You can find the results right here.

But what about on the other side of the ball?  Which teams do a better job of forcing turnovers?

Our method is similar to the “Ball Security” comparison. 

We look at the total number plays a defense has played and compare that number to their total number of takeaways.

We call this “Defensive Thievery.”  And here are the numbers through four weeks of the 2009 season.

Observations:

* The value of this statistic can be seen when comparing Tennessee and LSU.  Both teams have played four games.  LSU has forced 10 turnovers, Tennessee 8.  So the Tigers’ D wreaks more havoc, right?  Not when you factor in the fact that LSU has need 60 more plays to record those turnovers.  UT’s defense is actually more likely to force a turnover than LSU’s.

* Let’s look at the in-conference games for this week in terms of turnovers:


Alabama at Kentucky

When Alabama has the ball — Alabama turns the ball over just once every 94.33 plays.  Kentucky forces a turnover once every 38.60 plays.

When Kentukcy has the ball — Kentucky turns the ball over once every 40.80 plays.  Alabama forces a turnover once every 57.75 plays.

Advantage: Alabama


LSU at Georgia

When LSU has the ball — LSU turns the ball over just once every 80.33 plays.  Georgia forces a turnover just once every 91.33 plays.

When Georgia has the ball — Georgia turns the ball over once every 19.75 plays.  LSU forces a turnover once every 29.80 plays.

Big Advantage: LSU


Ole Miss at Vanderbilt

When Ole Miss has the ball — Ole Miss turns the ball over once every 31.50 plays.  Vandy forces a turnover every 26.80 plays.

When Vandy has the ball — Vandy coughs up the ball every 60.60 plays.  Ole Miss forces a turnover every 28.55 plays.

Slight Advantage: Vanderbilt


Auburn at Tennessee

When Auburn has the ball — Auburn turns the ball over once every 59.80 snaps.  Tennessee forces a turnover every 29.62 plays.

When Tennessee has the ball — Tennessee turns the ball over once every 24.54 plays.  Auburn forces a turnover every 23.58 plays.

Advantage: Auburn