One of the most renowned postseason bowl games in college football is the Sugar Bowl. It is only surpassed in age by the Rose Bowl Game, making it the second-oldest bowl game in the whole country after the Orange Bowl and Sun Bowl.
Since 1935, the Sugar Bowl has been played every year, initially at Tulane Stadium. But in 1975, it relocated to the Superdome. The Sugar Bowl has a rich history spanning several decades and has seen many thrilling unforgettable matchups.
The top five Sugar Bowl games of all time
One of the most respected postseason bowl games is the Sugar Bowl, which has provided college football fans with many thrilling matches over the years.
- Sugar Bowl (1991)
One of the most thrilling comebacks in bowl game history occurred in the 1991 Sugar Bowl, between Tennessee and Virginia.
The Volunteers were having an awful time and at halftime the Cavaliers led 16-0. Tennessee’s performance in the third quarter was similarly lacklustre, as they were only able to secure a field goal. Nevertheless, the Volunteers won 23–22 after scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter.
- The Sugar Bowl in 1982
Georgia’s 1982 Sugar Bowl performance has significance for the national title. The Bulldogs were counting on Nebraska to upset Clemson in the Orange Bowl and needed to win against Pittsburgh.
In the second part of the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs led 17 to 20. Pitts had a play on the 33-yard line with a few minutes remaining. Dan Marino convinced head coach Jack Sherrill against attempting a field goal and hit John Brown for a touchdown throw to win the game 23–20.
- The Sugar Bowl in 1979
The 1979 Sugar Bowl, which matched No. 1 Penn State against No. 2 Alabama, was widely predicted to be a close and fiercely contested game, and it didn’t disappoint.
The game ended with few goals since both defences were playing well. In the fourth quarter, the Crimson Tide had a 14-7 lead and held on to win. One of the most memorable moments, though, was when Alabama resisted a late play by the Nittany Lions on the one-yard line.
- Sugar Bowl of 1973
Notre Dame vs. Alabama is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling Sugar Bowl matchups ever. It’s a game that enduring viewers of both shows may still remember.
Both teams took the lead at different points during the thrilling match. But the Fighting Irish led 21–17 going into the fourth quarter. Certainly one of the most intensely contested fourth quarters in history, as Notre Dame prevailed 24–23.
- The Sugar Bowl in 2006
One of the most thrilling games in college football history was the Sugar Bowl in 2006. It pitted Big East rival West Virginia against SEC champion Georgia.
The Bulldogs battled to narrow the deficit to 31-21 at the half after the Mountaineers had taken a 21-0 advantage in the first quarter. In the third quarter, Georgia pulled closer, with the score on the scoreboard displaying 31–28. After a fiercely contested fourth, the Mountaineers prevailed 38–35 win.