Texas A an M vs Georgia Preview

Both Texas A&M and Georgia had mediocre seasons in part due to defenses that consistently struggled, but that could make for an exciting offensive showcase as the Aggies and Bulldogs meet in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., on Dec. 28.
While Texas A&M allowed more points (32.7) and total yards (431.3) per game than any other Big 12 team, Georgia's defensive woes prompted coach Mark Richt to fire three of his assistants, including defensive coordinator Willie Martinez.
Martinez had spent nine seasons with the Bulldogs, but his defense has had problems ever since Georgia was ranked No. 1 in the 2008 preseason.
The Bulldogs allowed more than 40 points in each of their losses during a 10-3 season last year, and they have been even worse in 2009, permitting an average of 26.4 points to rank 10th in the SEC.
"It was definitely not a one-year, knee-jerk reaction to one season, I can promise you that," Richt said of the personnel decisions. "It was more a decision that was made over the course of time, more time than just one year."
Martinez, defensive ends coach Jon Fabris and linebackers coach John Jancek all declined an offer to coach Georgia (7-5) in a bowl game before their dismissal, leaving Richt and defensive line coach Rodney Garner in control of the defense.
"Obviously, it's different," Garner told Georgia's official Web site. "I know it's different for the players also, but like I told them, the only thing they can control is what happens between the lines no matter what you feel about. ... What we've got to do is to be challenged to get these guys prepared to go to Shreveport and play probably one of the most prolific offenses we've faced all year."
The Bulldogs will have a tough task in stopping Texas A&M's Jerrod Johnson, who has thrown for 3,217 yards and 28 touchdowns with six interceptions while also rushing for 455 yards and eight scores.
The 6-foot-5 junior anchors the nation's fifth-ranked offense, which racks up 465.3 yards per game and boasts a potent ground attack led by freshman Christine Michael and sophomore Cyrus Gray.