In its 35-31 win over UTEP last Saturday, Florida Atlantic committed three turnovers that led to 17 Miners points. It was uncharacteristically sloppy for the Owls, who had not turned the ball over more than twice since a 56-point loss to Kansas State in mid-September.
Against Old Dominion on Saturday, hanging on to the football will be even more important. The Monarchs enter leading Conference USA in both fewest turnovers on offense (6) and most takeaways on defense (21). They lead the country in turnover margin (plus-15).
Owls coach Charlie Partridge credited Old Dominion's defensive front seven with creating havoc.