It was the exact start to the game that the Florida Gators had hoped to avoid.
Cornerback CJ Henderson suffered a lower-back injury on the Gators’ first defensive drive. Cornerback CJ McWilliams drew a delay-of-game penalty after taking the field with his uniform pants not covering his knees. Running back Jordan Scarlett fumbled the ball on Florida’s first offensive drive. And quarterback Feleipe Franks threw an interception the very next drive.
The No. 9 Florida never established a rhythm and fell to the No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs 36-17 on Saturday in Jacksonville.
The Gators’ (6-2, 4-2 SEC) dreadful first half culminated in just 23 rushing yards and 49 passing yards with two turnovers.