The epic 1979 Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Penn State | College Football on ESPN

Joe Paterno's Penn State Nittany Lions met Bear Bryant's Alabama Crimson Tide in the 1979 Sugar Bowl to determine the national champion. The hard hitting, physically-demanding game was decided in an epic goal-line stand that lives forever. Watch "Saturdays in the South: A History of SEC Football" on the SEC Network.

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[boltactionshooter]

I has in high school and my dad took me to this game with tickets he got for his retirement. We sat on the 50 yard line. Although I knew I was witnessing greatness I really could not comprehend it all at that time but smile every time I think about being there.

[jaysnowden]

In late 80’s I met coach Paterno during a speaking event in Alabama. As Alabama fans we always admired his team and coaching skills.

[JB-vtsz]

Barry Krauss was before my time, but what an iconic Alabama legend.

[bulletbob]

Those were the days. Players loved the game and played like they did. RTR!!!

[michaelstallings]

still one of the best games ever played

[michaelstallings]

bama's schedule that year, opened with nebraska, in birmingham, , played at missouri{a prety good big 8 team} at washington {with warren moon at qb, and defending rose bowl champions} and usc {in birmingham, losing to usc} then beating no 1 unbeaten penn state in this game.

[tyjohnson]

“For the rest of you we will start practicing in a few weeks”. So savage and that’s what makes Bear Bryant and Saban so much alike. Their ability to always keep looking forward and focus on the next challenge. Roll Tide Forever!

[randyjames]

I watched this game as a kid, I only really remember the Goal Line Stand & Major Olgivie Touchdown....of course the Legendary Coaches and Keith Jackson call.

[randyware]

After that game, bear and joe Agreed on a ten year home and home contract for the 80s decade

[melodymakermark]

My dad being an alum, I grew up a Mississippi State fan at little 30, 000 seat Scott Field during the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, those were some lean years, even for M State, but it was THIS ‘79 Sugar Bowl that made me a college football fan. I sat and watched it with my father and beyond the love I’d always had for the pageantry and atmosphere of college ball, I fell in love with the game that night, and my team wasn’t even playing.
Bama rolled on into the fall of 1980 and by the time they came to Jackson, MS, were on a 28 game win streak and the undiluted #1, and my beloved dogs toppled the Tide 6-3. I thought we had really arrived. I think it took us 16 years to beat them again. 🤣

[Briguy]

I'm a Penn State homer. But Bear Bryant is the best coach of all time !

[rickrigsby]

Maybe the greatest Bama defensive play ever and without McNeal’s earlier save it would never have happened

[kevinkhoy]

The Game Barry Krause became a house hold name! In the State of Alabama!

[ezmoney]

Great one, I remember that Barry Krause goal line stand, also I think Bear Bryant is 4-0 against Joe Paterno, ROLL TIDE ROLL R.I.P Bear, you'll always be missed

[gutted]

Remember that game well. you could feel it in your bones. As JR would say...slobberknocker

[markjohnson]

Both Paterno and Bryant were bigger than life in the football teams who had a similar ending in that they died after they stopped coaching, but where they differ is their legacies are entirely different now whereas Paterno is disgraced and Bryant is respected.

[gordonhall]

only time i saw the final score painted on store windows here in south Mobile

[stevecorder]

I was sitting at field level at the goal line where the stuff play occurred. It sounded like there was a jet taking off it was so loud!

[kevinchandler]

Matt Suey got in on 3rd down!!@ There wasn't any instant replay, and I still believe Matt got in on 3rd down!!! Lol
Sorry, to be a salty Nittany Lions 🦁 die hard fan!!!!

[kevinchandler]

This game was insanely hard to take!!! Lol 🏈 😆
WE ARE