Mel Tucker shares biggest point of emphasis for Michigan State entering fall camp

Mel Tucker is looking to keep things rolling right along for Michigan State coming off of an 11-win season in 2021. Heading into fall camp, Tucker made it no secret his point of emphasis for the Spartans this season.

According to Chris Solari with the Detroit Free Press, Tucker took to the podium for a press conference wearing an “All about the ball” shirt. Tucker went on to explain he and his staff are hammering home that turnover differential is a key factor in wins and losses.

He also knows the Spartans need to improve on taking care of the ball and taking the ball away on defense.

Tucker points to turnover margin as an emphasis for him and his staff. “The biggest determining factor for winning and losing is turnover margin. So you need to take care of it and you need to take it away (on defense).” https://t.co/7SJbTPXUYI

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 4, 2022

Last season, the Spartans averaged 1.3 turnovers and 1.5 takeaways per game, nearly a wash in terms of differential. Part of the issue included 10 interceptions thrown by QB Payton Thorne and just 10 interceptions produced by the defense.

If Michigan State wants to replicate last year’s success, they’ll need to keep turnover differential in focus.