Georgia Tech will face a series of challenges against No. 9 Florida State Saturday, but stealing a possession by forcing a turnover may rank at the top.
FSU has turned the ball over just once in six games, a lost fumble in the season opener against Texas State. The FBS record for fewest giveaways in a season is eight, most recently by Notre Dame in 2000.
“That’s a real tribute to them and what they’ve accomplished,” Tech defensive coordinator Ted Roof said. “A real challenge for us, but that’ll be a big factor in the football game.”
The Seminoles have had a little bit of luck. They’ve fumbled the ball five times, which is still tied for seventh fewest in FBS, but have recovered all but one of them. They’ve attempted 185 passes with, of course, none intercepted. It’s a stunning break from 2014, when the Seminoles gave the ball away 32 times, second most in FBS.
“As good as I’ve ever heard of,” coach Paul Johnson said. “I mean, through six games, one turnover. That’s pretty good. Maybe they’re due.”
Tech rode a takeaway hot streak in the second half of the 2014 season, with 19 in its final seven games. However, the Jackets came up empty against FSU in the ACC championship game, a factor in the Seminoles’ 37-35 win.
The Jackets have 13 takeaways this season.
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