When I think about defensive stops in football, I generally think of forcing the other team to punt the ball. In Big 12 play BYU has only forced 5 punts out of 34 drives in three games. They have only forced two three & outs. By contrast, they have had eight 4th down stops and an incredible nine turnovers including two defensive scores and five more turnovers that gave the BYU offense the ball inside the 30-yard line (resulting in 45 of BYU's 113 Big 12 points). To me it would seem that the key to BYU's success so far this year has been largely dependent on these huge momentum plays on defense. All three games really seemed to turn on defensive plays (Kansas State turnovers on three straight possessions, interception on first play vs Baylor, back-to-back turnovers to start 2nd half vs Arizona).

I'm not sure if this is sustainable or what it means going forward but I just thought it was interesting. It would seem that the odds of continuing to force an average of 3 turnovers per game vs P4 foes is very unlikely to continue. What will happen when faces a team is able to hold on to the football?

Kansas State - 1 punt forced, 3 turnovers, 3 turnovers on downs, 8/17 on 3rd downs, 0/3 on 4th downs, one 3 & out, 10 drives
Baylor - 3 punts forced, 2 turnovers, 3 turnovers on downs, 3/13 on 3rd downs, 4/7 on 4th downs, one 3 & out, 13 drives
Arizona - 1 punt forced, 4 turnovers, 2 turnovers on downs, 11/19 on 3rd downs, 1/4 on 4th downs, no 3 & outs, 11 drives