Western Kentucky coach Jeff Brohm didn’t undersell one of his team’s statistical accomplishments to this point.

“Leading the country in turnover margin is hard to do,” he said Monday.

After forcing five turnovers at Rice without a miscue, WKU leads the country in turnover margin and is plus-12 with turnovers this season.

“Without question, that’s a testament to our players and our coaches for spending so much time in practice on turnovers, and we actually do,” Brohm said. “We spend a lot more time on ball security on offense than any place I’ve been before. We spend a lot of time on creating turnovers on defense in practice.

“It’s talked about a lot, and normally when you put a lot of effort and talk into a simple thing as turnovers, it pays off.”

Brohm said “we don’t ever take it for granted” that WKU has been so good with turnovers this season.

He was quick to note that WKU has won the turnover battle in its four victories this year, and lost it in the only defeat at Indiana.

Brohm also said he’s been pleased with the fact that 11 different players have accounted for the Tops’ 15 takeaways on defense.

“To be able to get plays from a lot of players is great to see,” he said. “It means we are improving on defense. It means we’re getting more guys involved. Normally, when you play a lot of guys, you’re going to get a lot better work in practice. You’re going to get a lot more competition, and everyone’s going to truly believe they have a chance to play.”

Three WKU defenders have forced multiple turnovers this season – redshirt senior linebackers Nick Holt (two fumble recoveries, one interception) and Nick Newton (one FR, one INT), and redshirt senior cornerback Prince Charles Iworah (two INTs).

“First and foremost, glory be to God,” Iworah said. “And our coaches, too. They’re putting us in the right places and right positions to make these plays. Of course the players are making plays as well.”

— Zach Greenwell