Shootout looms between Dogs, Aggies at Independence Bowl

By Bud L. Ellis

When Georgia and Texas A&M take the field for the Independence Bowl on Monday in Shreveport, La., the outcome very well could hinge on which team has the ball last.

Neither defense is first rate, and both offenses feature playmakers that can go up and down the field all night long.

Hopefully, the scoreboard operator gets a good night sleep Sunday night, because the points very well may be flying Monday afternoon.

Georgia ranks 70th in the nation in scoring defense and has given up 34 or more points five times during a shaky 6-6 campaign that led the Dogs to dump three defensive coaches before the game.

Texas A&M is 104th in the nation in scoring defense. Four times in 12 games, the Aggies gave up 47 or more points.

You get the idea. Both teams are coming off inspired performances, albeit exactly one month will have passed by the time kickoff arrives Monday from their last games. The Dogs upset Georgia Tech, rushing for 339 yards in a shocking 30-24 victory in Atlanta. The Aggies pushed unbeaten Texas to the limit before falling in a shootout.

The Dogs hope to end their rocky road on a good note and build momentum for next season. A victory also would make Georgia 7-2 in bowl games under Mark Richt. Meanwhile, the Aggies seek their first bowl win since 2001.

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Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 9:37 pm by bud

Tags: Georgia, Georgia Tech, Independence Bowl, Texas, Texas A&M