SEC regains tie to Independence

The Southeastern Conference is back in Shreveport.

Filling a desire to obtain another bowl tie-in following the additions of Missouri and Texas A&M, the SEC on Tuesday announced a two-year agreement with the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl that will start this season. The SEC partnered with the Independence from 1995 to 2009, with Georgia throttling Texas A&M 44-20 in the '09 matchup.

"We were looking to expand our bowl lineup, and we are pleased to have the Independence Bowl back on our schedule," SEC commissioner Mike Slive said. "The Independence Bowl gives us a tie-in with the ACC, which will provide exciting competition in this high-profile game."

The SEC, which is 13-3 in Independence Bowls, and ACC also vie in the Chick-fil-A and Music City bowls.

Eight bowls will choose ahead of the Independence after BCS bowls have their pick of SEC teams: Capital One, Cotton, Outback, Chick-fil-A, Gator, Music City, Liberty and BBVA Compass. To make room for the SEC in Shreveport, the Mountain West ended its two-year relationship and signed on for two years with the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.