Filed by Rich Kaipust at 8:35 a.m.

Despite going minus-eight in turnovers in one game (remember that 9-7 loss to Iowa State), Nebraska has managed to find itself back on the plus side in turnover margin with two games remaining.

One big reason: The Husker defense has accounted for 19 takeaways (12 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries). And specifically, members of the secondary have gathered 12 turnovers, led by safety Matt O'Hanlon with four interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Junior cornerback Prince Amukamara said it's been a work in progress since Bo Pelini took over as NU coach, Carl Pelini as defensive coordinator and Marvin Sanders as secondary coach.

"I think our secondary is starting to just become ball hawks like the whole defensive staff keeps stressing,'' said Amukamara, whose three interceptions include the game-changer against Oklahoma. "They keep stressing takeaways, and I think we're starting to just do what they preach and just starting to make plays on the ball.''

Nebraska has regularly played six defensive backs in recent weeks. And according to Amukamara, newcomer Dejon Gomes has taken his opportunity to add to that mentality. Gomes has intercepted two passes. He also knocked a ball loose from Kansas receiver Kerry Meier last Saturday that O'Hanlon recovered inside the Husker 10-yard line.

"He's definitely added a lot of takeaways to our team,'' Amukamara said of Gomes, "like how you saw him poke the ball out at KU. He does that every time in practice. Going after the ball is a big part of our defense.''

A year ago, the NU defense produced 15 takeaways in 13 games. Only six of those were credited to the secondary, all interceptions.

In 2007, the last season with Kevin Cosgrove as defensive coordinator and an entirely different defensive staff, Nebraska bottomed out with 11 takeaways. The secondary intercepted three passes.

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