Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State's last 3 wins against Ohio State have something in common

Published Oct. 13, 2015 6:12 p.m. ET

Marcus Hartman

Penn State football coach James Franklin on a five-game winning streak since opening the season with a loss to Temple, and the Nittany Lions mentor suggested one particular statistical category that has had a big impact.

"So far we're (tied for) eighth in the country in turnover margin," Franklin told reporters in State College on Tuesday.

Penn State is plus-8 on the year with 12 takeaways and only four giveaways.

Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions' next opponent, Ohio State, found itself on the other end of the spectrum during the first half of the season.

The Buckeyes are tied for 86th nationally at minus-2 in turnover margin. While they have made 11 takeaways, they have lost six fumbles and thrown seven interceptions.

While turnovers are usually key in deciding who wins football games, they have been particularly so in this series.

Penn State's three wins against Ohio State in the past 10 years have also been the three times the Nittany Lions have come out ahead in the turnover department.

"We preach that all the time, the importance of that statistic," Franklin said. "I think that's been huge in our development and our opportunities to be successful."