Spring Break
Dogs continue to shoot selves in foot
FLETCHER PAGE
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: Sports
|
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.
