JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Georgia’s penalties and turnovers killed any chance of success in the 41-17 loss to Florida Saturday.

And the problems have persisted all season. The Bulldogs’ minus-15 turnover margin (takeaways minus giveaways) rank 119th (out of 120) in the nation. The Bulldogs are 118th in penalties with almost 10 per game.

“That’s kind of the storyline of our season so far is shooting ourselves in the foot, pretty much,” said wide receiver Michael Moore. “Turnovers and mental errors like that have hurt.”

The Bulldogs threw four interceptions, three by starter Joe Cox. There were also nine penalties for 87 yards.

Georgia’s miscues were especially frustrating concerning most offensive categories. The Bulldogs converted 16 first downs, averaged five yards a play and kept up with the Gators in time of possession.

But the penalties and turnovers make the positive stats irrelevant.

“We were moving the ball well,” said Georgia tight end Aron White. “I feel like they weren’t stopping us, we were stopping ourselves.”

The penalties ambushed Georgia’s first drive of the game and were of the lack of focus variety. Flags were thrown for a false start and unsportsmanlike conduct. The drive stalled, and Florida went up 14-0 soon after.

“Getting a couple of penalties early on turned a couple of drives around and really hurt us,” White said.

The turnovers undermined the second half. Quarterback Joe Cox threw a pick on the first play of the half, giving the Gators a short field and eventually a three touchdown lead.

And he threw two more as the half unfolded, one on a third-and-two play-action pass and another grabbed after bouncing out of A.J. Green’s hands.

Florida scored 17 points from Georgia’s turnovers, quickly turning a once close game into a blowout.

“We have never won the turnover ratio this season,” coach Mark Richt said. “That’s not good. That’s pretty bad and frustrating at this point.”

Motivation boost falls short
Georgia has had black helmets and pants on the shelf for over a year.

Richt felt Saturday against the Gators was the best opportunity to show them off, saying, “We felt like this might have been the best chance to pull them out, with the victory over Vanderbilt and had a chance to play in this big ballgame.”

Similar to the blackouts of years past, where the Bulldogs wore black jerseys with the regular red helmets and silver pants, the players had no clue leading up to the game. They found out less than 15 minutes before kickoff.

“I loved the uniforms,” White said. “I feel like the coaches helped us out emotionally with the pants and the helmet.”

The team warmed up in usual attire before returning to the locker room to find the new equipment. Captains returned for the coin toss dressed the same, keeping the surprise intact for unsuspecting fans.

The emotional boost was short-lived, as Florida jumped out to a 14-0 lead.

“I think it’s a situation of us trying to find another way to get a little more juice,” Richt said. “I have no regrets doing that … If there’s any time I can get these guys more excited about playing ball I’ll do it.”

Boykin sets kickoff return record
On Georgia’s first kickoff return of the second half, sophomore cornerback Brandon Boykin set the school record for kick return yards in a season.

Boykin finished with 114 yards on six returns against the Gators Saturday,

He still has four regular season games to build upon the record, currently set at 714 yards on 28 returns, with a pair of 100-yard touchdowns.

Injury update
Richt did not address any specifics, but said in his Sunday teleconference that any injuries suffered against Florida would not keep any players out of action long.

Left tackle Clint Boling left the game with a knee injury. A.J. Green had the wind knocked out of him in the fourth quarter after a solid lick from Florida safety Major Wright. Linebacker Nick Williams was hampered by cramps.