Georgia defeats Texas A&M 44-20 in 2009 Independence Bowl

The first 27 minutes of the 2009 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl was a defensive struggle. But the last 3 minutes of the first half saw Texas A&M score, then UGA’s Brandon Boykin returned the kickoff 81-yards for a touchdown to tie the game. The Dawgs then blocked a punt to set up another score and a 14-7 halftime lead.

The Aggies tied the game on their opening possession of the second half, but Georgia answered with a Blair Walsh 49-yard field goal and never looked back. The Bulldogs went on to roll over Texas A&M 44-20.

Boykin set a school record with his 3rd kickoff return for a touchdown on the season. He also tied the SEC record.

Georgia also set a school record for points scored in a bowl game (44). Their previous high was 41 against the Hawaii Warriors in the 2008 Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs have now played in 13 straight bowl games and have won four in a row.

Joe Cox, playing in his last game as a Bulldog, completed 15-of-28 passes for 158 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Tight end Aron White caught both touchdown passes.

Playing in his first game since re-injuring his shoulder November 14, wide receiver A.J. Green caught six passes for 57 yards to lead the team. The Dawgs rushed for 208 yards and were led by Washaun Ealey with 78 and Caleb King with 60. Fullbacks Shaun Chapas and Fred Munzenmaier contributed 43 and 20, respectively.

The win against the Aggies brings the Dawgs closer in the overall series. Texas A&M now leads the series 3-2, and the Bulldogs have won two in a row.