The Duke Blue Devils lost to SMU in overtime on Saturday night despite creating six turnovers, and historical precedent makes that statistic somehow feel worse than it already sounds.
According to OptaSTATS, the Mustangs became the second team since 2000 to win despite turning the ball over six more times than their opponent. The only other occurrence came in 2011 when Memphis lost to Marshall.
In fact, according to The Athletic’s Matt Baker, teams with six giveaways in a game had only won 31 times since the turn of the century no matter what the final turnover margin was. That is, until Saturday’s misfortunate at Wallace Wade Stadium.
Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings ended the game with three interceptions and two fumbles lost, including a turnover within five yards of the end zone on his opening drive. His last three turnovers all came in his own territory with the score tied during the final nine minutes of regulation, but two missed field goals (one blocked, one pulled left) from Duke kicker Todd Pelino meant Jennings got away unscathed each time.
The Blue Devils didn’t score a point on any of their six possessions created by turnovers despite five of them coming within 60 yards of the goal line.