The 1979 Sugar Bowl was the 45th edition of the Sugar Bowl, which was played on January 1, 1979 in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Louisiana Superdome. The matchup featured the #1–ranked, 11–0 Penn State Nittany Lions and the #2–ranked, 10–1 Alabama Crimson Tide. A 14–7 victory gave Alabama head coach Bear Bryant his fifth National Championship. The game marked the official debut of Alabama's "Big Al" costumed elephant mascot.