Sugar Bowl
|
|
|
The Sugar Bowl was first played in 1935, making it one of the oldest bowl games in the country. From 1935-1975, the Sugar Bowl was played at Tulane Stadium. The first Sugar Bowl featured a matchup between Tulane and Temple. Tulane won the contest 20-14. The game moved to the Louisiana Superdome in 1976. Traditionally, the game hosted the champion of the Southeastern Conference against a highly ranked opponent. When the Sugar Bowl joined the Bowl Championship Series, it was guaranteed to host the national championship game once every four years.
The first BCS title game at the Sugar Bowl occurred in 2000 with a matchup between Florida State and Virginia Tech. Led by Heisman winner Chris Weinke, the Seminoles defeated Michael Vick and Virginia Tech 46-29.
The Sugar Bowl was the site for the championship game again in 2004 when LSU defeated Oklahoma 21-14 to capture the BCS title. However, LSU had to share the national championship with USC, who was ranked first in the AP poll.
The Sugar Bowl was moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2006 because of the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina. The Louisiana Superdome was in no condition to host the game. West Virginia upset Georgia 38-35 in the Bulldogs backyard.
The Sugar Bowl returned to New Orleans the following year, featuring a matchup between LSU and Notre Dame. LSU crushed Notre Dame 41-14, elevating the draft stock of quarterback Jamarcus Russell who was taken with the first overall pick in NFL Draft.
The Louisiana Superdome is the site of the 2007 BCS title game. Because LSU could appear in that game, there is a strong possibility that this year’s Sugar Bowl may not involve a program from the SEC. In any case, the Sugar Bowl is one of the more prestigious bowl games in college football.
|
|
Print
E-mail
Del.icio.us
Digg
