More About Weber's Turnover Issues

I have just registered FireRonMcBride.blogspot.com.  I will wait until after the Sacramento State game before beginning to blog to it.

It has been as plain as the nose on Jimmy Durante's face that WSU has had a problem with Turnovers.  Turnovers themselves may not be bad.  But they put more pressure on your defense.  You also have to have the ability to score when you do not turn the ball over.  The Weber defense has really been up to the challenge as the Cats have been alive in every single game in spite of the turnovers.  The trouble is that many of WSU's turnovers have been particularly critical.  Here is an example from each game.

At Wyoming

Early in the third quarter in Laramie, Wyoming had a 16-7 lead.  The Cowboys first drive stalled and their punted.  There was an illegal block called on the punt return that put the ball at the ten yard line.  The very next play a Cameron Higgins pass was intercepted at the 18 Yard line that was returned to the 15.  Three plays later, the Cowboys had a 23-7 lead.  This was the most costly of five interceptions thrown by Higgins in this game as it led to the game winning touchdown for the Cowboys.  Otherwise, WSU dominated the game.

At Colorado State

The Wildcats held a 23-17 lead going into the fourth quarter and were driving for more.  They earned a first down at the Colorado State 19 yard line.  After Bo Bolen lost two yards, Higgins screen pass was intercepted and returned all the way to the Colorado State 44 yard line.  Five plays later, Colorado State took the lead 24 to 23.  Sure, Weber fumbled on the next drive, but the game winning field goal could have been scored on the prior drive.

vs Idaho State

Higgins, no interceptions and the Cats took control of an evenly played game in the second quarter.  It was the ISU turnovers that allowed WSU to blow the game open.

At Portland State

It was going well for the Wildcats deep in the third quarter.  WSU had the game under control.  A Bo Bolen touchdown catch had just given the Wildcats as 28-10 lead.  Then the wheels came off.  The ensuing kickoff was returned all the way for a Viking touchdown.  No problem because there was still an 11 point WSU lead.  It was then that the turnover bug big the Cats again.  A Higgins pass was returned all the way for a touchdown.  After a failed extra point, the WSU was now only ahead 28-23 and only 31 seconds had come off the clock.

Vs Montana State

In the first Quarter, the 'Cats go a nice gift from the Bobcats just after the opening kickoff, and the interception was returned to the Bobcat 9 yard line.  The results: 3 yards and field goal.  Later in the first half, there were seven other trips inside or just outside the red zone.  Here are the results: Interception, Field Goal, failed fourth down conversion, interception, fumble, Touchdown and missed field goal.  In the first half, a potential of 56 points turned into 13 and a added a safety gave them a 15-14 lead.  Easily the game could have been put away by halftime.

Conclusion

So the question, why so many turnovers.  Is it a problem with Higgins, or it is a problem on the sidelines.  Do you bench Higgins and give the ball to Mike Hoke or Joel Hancock?  At what point do you do it?

Yes, Higgins had interceptions last year.  So far this year, Higgins stats are not too bad at all.  He has a 137.5 passing efficiency so far this season.  These are All-American stats.  In addition to 10 interceptions, he has 14 touchdowns.  He threw interceptions last year.  The problem seems to be WHEN the interceptions are thrown, not how many.  They are being thrown in the red zone and at critical points of the game.  The turnovers seem to be turning the game the wrong way for Weber State.

For comparison, Max Hall at BYU has thrown a few interceptions as well.  Outside of the Florida State loss, BYU opponents have only 9 points off of Max Hall picks.  Max has also thrown 10 interceptions and 11 touchdowns.  One difference between BYU and Weber State, rushing touchdowns.  BYU has 9 and Weber State has 5.  Same for the others in the state.

The Utes: Terrance Cain has thrown six touchdowns and four interceptions while the team has four rushing touchdowns.

The Aggies: Diondre Borrell has 5 touchdowns and 1 interception.  While the Aggies have 10 touchdowns on the ground.  (Half of that output against SUU.)  Utah State, to their credit, not turning the ball over very often.