Takeaways have been game savers and offensive enablers, and a big part of Oklahoma's late season push for a place in the College Football Playoff.
The sole purpose of a college football defense is to prevent the opponent from scoring on offense and get the ball back for your own offense. Stopping the opponent on third down, holding the opponent to field goals instead of touchdowns inside the red zone -- or better yet, no points at all -- and forcing turnovers by way of a pass interception or fumble recovery are the prime means of fulfilling that purpose.