Georgia rode a 30-point second half to a 44-20 Advocare V-100 Independence Bowl win. The Dawgs caused two turnovers, returned a kickoff for a touchdown, blocked a field goal, and blocked a punt to help in the victory. The Bulldogs also rushed for 206 yards in the win while Joe Cox threw for two touchdowns, giving him 24 on the year. The total brought him within one of the school record which Matt Stafford set last year.
Georgia’s short-handed defensive staff helped hold the potent Texas A&M offense to just 20 points, six of which came against the backups late in the contest. The Dawgs intercepted Johnson twice in the second half, both times deep in Georgia territory.
The Bulldogs jumped on top of A&M to start the second half, scoring on their first five of six possessions after the Aggies had tied the game on the first drive of the half. A&M would not score again until their final drive of the game.
The Dawgs’ first touchdown of the second half was keyed by a bad snap by the A&M punt team which was recovered by the Aggies for a 24-yard loss. UGA took over on the Aggies 24-yard line and scored on their third play, a 24-yard touchdown reception by Aron White.
Later in the quarter, Reshad Jones picked off Johnson and returned it 59 yards to the A&M 28. Georgia went onto score six plays later with another pass to White, this one for two yards.
Caleb King finished the game with two touchdowns while Shaun Chapas rushed for a five-yard score.
The win sets Georgia up with a more positive tone to their off-season, pending their hiring off three defensive assistants. The Bulldogs won four of their last five games after a disappointing showing in Jacksonville. UGA came alive with victories over rivals Auburn and Georgia Tech as well as a resounding bowl win over Texas A&M.
ODDS AND ENDS
-The win gave UGA their eight of the season which gives them 13-consecutive seasons with eight wins or more.
-UGA is now 2-3 all time against A&M, winning the last two in the series.
-The Dawgs now have 26 bowl wins, third-most all time. UGA is tied with Penn St. and behind only USC (31) and Alabama (32).
-DT Brandon Wheeling was allowed to attempt the final PAT and missed badly.
-Washaun Ealey led UGA in rushing with 79 yards on 13 carries while King had 16 carries for 61 yards.
-Sanders Commings had his first career interception in the third quarter.
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