Can Georgia Run Away with an Independence Bowl Victory Over Texas A&M?

Two tradition rich programs collide in the Advocare Independence Bowl on Monday when Georgia meets Texas A&M.

Judging by UGA's last performance, this game looks like it could be a run away for the Bulldogs. They stunned their in-state rival Georgia Tech 30-24 by running the ball for over 300 yards and holding the nation's second best rushing attack to just over 200 on the ground.

But I always go back to the motivation factor in lesser bowl games with traditionally power teams.

Was the Georgia Tech Win the pinnacle for Georgia this season?

Bulldog players went from the lowest of lows after losing to Kentucky to the highest of highs after beating Georgia Tech. But how does the team come back and prepare at a high level for a lesser bowl game against a .500 team?

Can Texas A&M take advantage of turmoil on UGA's defense?

The Bulldogs are in flux right now on the defensive side of the ball after firing three coaches, including DC Willie Martinez. The defense played better in their final three ball games, but it was not enough to keep Martinez's job.

This Aggie offense is nothing to take lightly, averaging over 30 points per game and 465 yards per game.

Can Georgia limit the turnovers?

The Bulldogs rank 119th in the nation in turnover margin, but they were plus one in the win over GT and plus two in the win over Auburn two weeks before. UGA is 3-1 when even or positive in turnovers this season.

The Aggies rank 60th nationally with an even turnover margin. A&M is plus 10 in their six wins.

I think you have to be careful and not place too much emphasis on the UGA win last time out. Yes, the Yellow Jackets had lost just one game at that point, but that game was clearly Georgia's best of the season and one of Ga. Tech's worst.

I think UGA will be able to run the ball with success on a defense that ranks 87th nationally against the run, but the Aggies balanced attack will also be able to move the ball on the Bulldogs.

I like Georgia in a shoot out, but closer than Vegas thinks.

Georgia 38 Texas A&M 34
3 of 34 points risked