The game was Georgia's second appearance in the bowl game. Their previous appearance in the game was a 24–15 victory over the University of Arkansas in 1991.
As for Texas A&M, the Aggies made their third appearance in the Independence Bowl and now hold an overall record of 1–2. Their last appearance resulted in a 43–41 overtime loss to Mississippi State on December 31, 2000, a game since nicknamed the "Snow Bowl" due to the unusual amount of snowfall Shreveport received that day. The entire game was played under extremely wintry conditions, a rarity for Shreveport.
The game was fifth time that the two schools have faced each other in a game. Texas A&M previously held the series advantage 3–1 (now 3-2). The last time, prior to the bowl that the two teams met was a 42–0 victory by Georgia in 1980. The two teams have played in a bowl game against each other once before, as they met in the 1950 Presidential Cup Bowl. The game, which was played in College Park, Maryland, was the only ever edition of the Presidential Cup Bowl, and Texas A&M was victorious by a score of 40–20.
Game summary[]
Georgia wore their home red jerseys, and Texas A&M wore their away white jerseys.
Georgia quarterback, Joe Cox threw for 157 yards and two touchdowns as the Bulldogs dominated Texas A&M to win their fourth straight bowl game. Tight End Aron White caught both of Cox's touchdown passes, one from twenty four yards out and the other a two yard catch on his way to being named the game's offensive MVP. Caleb King paced the Bulldogs rushing game with 61 yards on 16 carries and two touchdown scores. Special teams also played a huge part in the Georgia victory. The Bulldogs scored their first touchdown of the game on a kickoff return for a score. They would also block a punt, a field goal kick and receive the ball on the Texas A&M 24 yard line after a bad snap that went over the punter's head. Aggies quarterback, Jerrod Johnson did pass for 360 yards and two touchdowns but did also throw two costly interceptions. Jeff Fuller led A&M with 7 receptions for 101 yards in the losing effort. Georgia would tie an Independence Bowl record with six touchdowns scored and set a bowl record with 30 second half points.
Scoring summary[]
Scoring Play
Score
1st Quarter
No Scoring
TIE 0–0
2nd Quarter
A&M — Jamie McCoy 15 yard pass from Jerrod Johnson (Randy Bullock kick), 2:33
