Dawgs Accept Bowl Bid

FOOTBALL

The Dawgs (7-5) were extended, and accepted, an AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl invitation today to face Texas A&M from the Big Twelve in Shreveport, La., on Dec. 28, 2009.

Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. ET and will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

The Dawgs have made one previous trip to the Shreveport bowl in 1991. Led by quarterback Eric Zeier, Ray Goff’s Dawgs defeated Arkansas, 24-15, in the Razorbacks’ final game as a member of the Southwest Conference. Arkansas joined the Southeastern Conference in 1992.

This will also mark the fifth meeting between Georgia and Texas A&M, the last coming in the Dawg's undefeated 1980 season. The Dawgs defeated the Aggies, 42-0, in Athens behind freshman sensation Herschel Walker. The 1980 game was Georgia’s only victory over A&M. The Aggies won all three previous meetings: 6-0 in 1954 in Athens; 14-12 in 1953 in Dallas; and 40-20 in the 1950 Presidential Cup bowl game in College Park, Md.

“We are delighted with the selection of our team to represent the Southeastern Conference in the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl,” said Director of Athletics Damon Evans who played wide receiver in the Dawgs only other trip to Shreveport. “It’s an opportunity to return to Shreveport after 18 years and play a team with great football history and tradition in Texas A&M. We are greatly appreciative of the Independence Bowl for the invitation and look forward to bringing our team and fans to Shreveport over the holidays.”

“I'm really happy for our team and especially our seniors to have this opportunity to not only play another game but also visit a destination that will be new to most of our people,” said head coach Mark Richt. “I know our team and coaches will prepare well to represent the Southeastern Conference against Texas A&M, a team with great football tradition who I’m sure will be at its best.”

This will be the Dawg's 45rd bowl game―sixth most of any team in the country. The Dawg's bowl record is 25-16-3.