What is a "turnover" in football?

A turnover in football refers to a situation where one team loses possession of the ball to the opposing team. This typically occurs through two main events: a fumble, where a player drops the ball and the opposing team recovers it, or an interception, where a pass thrown by the quarterback is caught by a defensive player instead of a teammate. Turnovers are critical moments in a game as they can significantly alter the momentum and outcome by giving the opposing team an opportunity to score.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of the game. Unsportsmanlike conduct is indeed a penalty, but it does not relate to possession changes. Scoring methods include touchdowns and field goals, not turnarounds in possession. An incomplete pass, while it relates to a failed completion by the offense, does not constitute a turnover unless it results in a failed attempt that leads to an interception or fumble. Thus, understanding a turnover is foundational for grasping strategies in football and the implications of losing the ball to the opponent.