What Teams Play in the Sugar Bowl?
The Sugar Bowl is one of the most prestigious and iconic college football bowl games in the United States, held annually on New Year’s Day in the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game has a rich history dating back to 1935 and has featured some of the most talented teams in college football. But, what teams play in the Sugar Bowl?
Qualification Criteria
The Sugar Bowl is a part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, which means that the teams that play in the game are determined by the CFP selection committee. The committee selects and matches the teams based on their performance throughout the season, including their win-loss record, strength of schedule, and various other factors.
Participating Teams
Traditionally, the Sugar Bowl features a team from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and a team from the Big 12 Conference. However, the selection process is not limited to these two conferences, as teams from other conferences, such as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten Conference, and Pac-12 Conference, have also participated in the game.
Recent Matchups
Here are some of the recent matchups in the Sugar Bowl:
| Year | SEC Team | Big 12 Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Alabama | Oklahoma |
| 2019 | Georgia | Texas |
| 2018 | Clemson | Alabama |
| 2017 | Auburn | Oklahoma |
| 2016 | Ole Miss | Oklahoma State |
Notable Matchups
Some of the most memorable Sugar Bowl matchups include:
- 1980: Pittsburgh vs. Georgia: This game is often referred to as one of the greatest Sugar Bowls in history, with Pittsburgh defeating Georgia 24-20 in a thrilling contest.
- 1997: Florida vs. Ohio State: This game featured two of the top teams in the country, with Florida ultimately emerging victorious 24-14.
- 2006: West Virginia vs. Georgia: This game was a high-scoring affair, with West Virginia defeating Georgia 38-35 in a thrilling finish.
Future Matchups
While the selection process is not yet complete, here are some potential future matchups for the Sugar Bowl:
| Year | SEC Team | Big 12 Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Alabama | Oklahoma State |
| 2024 | Georgia | Texas Tech |
| 2025 | LSU | Oklahoma |
Conclusion
The Sugar Bowl is one of the most exciting and prestigious college football bowl games, featuring some of the top teams in the country. While the teams that play in the game are determined by the CFP selection committee, tradition suggests that the game will feature a team from the SEC and a team from the Big 12. With its rich history and exciting matchups, the Sugar Bowl is a must-watch event for college football fans.
Additional Facts
- The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since 1935, with the exception of 1943-1945, during World War II.
- The game has been broadcast on television since 1967, with ESPN serving as the current broadcast partner.
- The Sugar Bowl has a unique tradition, with the teams playing a game of "Sugar Bowl Bingo" during the week leading up to the game.