EDIT: SURVEY RESULTS
Let me preface this by saying that I am no Joelestra. He gives us meaningful statistics and translates them for us. I conducted an incredibly flawed survey and will attempt to convince you that the results are meaningful.
That being said, here are the results:

Analysis: Not terribly surprised at the results. In our completely valid sample size, Michigan was the overwhelming favorite for being "The" Sugar Bowl opponent. FSU and Texas also had strong showings. Makes sense. One is the most recent visit to the bowl and had some drama to go with it, one was the gorram National Championship Game, and one was our historic first foray into a major bowl (you know, the one we won?). Auburn was just a disappointing game in which we provided fodder for a bogus co-national champion claim for the Tigers.
Conclusion: Michigan, much like Trump (too political?) benefited from being controversial, from generally short memories of the voters, and from all around confusion concerning how this whole polling process is supposed to work. If more people had remembered that the NC game was actually played at the Sugar Bowl, I suspect Cruz, er, FSU would have been the last man standing.

Analysis: Some real breaking news here. The further back the bowl game, the older you had to be to find it more significant than the others. There were Michigan voters who hadn't even been conceived when the Texas game took place (thought some of them may have been in the ensuing celebrations). And let's face it, the younger youtube generation saw countless replays of the catch and probably got about 5 minutes into the replay of the Texas sugar bowl before getting a head ache from bad quality.
Conclusion: The demographics of TKP clearly benefited Michigan. I don't have access to Joe's extensive dossiers on each of us, but I would assume there are a lot more millenials on here than Gen Xers and that showed in the age distribution of the votes.

Analysis: I thought this would be fun to graph because I honestly wanted to know why Auburn was my answer. This chart shows what percentage of people who voted for each game were students at Tech during said game. I know I was in school during the Auburn game and traveled down to the Big Easy for that one and I wanted to see if that had a significant influence on which game people chose. Turns out it really only mattered if we're talking about the Auburn game. As stated above, the other games had external factors for staying on people's radar.
Conclusion: The vast majority of people upon whom the Auburn game made the biggest impression, were probably at that game or languishing at home over winter break. Poor Auburn game.

Analysis: This is a different spin on the last graph. While that one looked at what percentage of each voting block came from hokies who were at Tech during the bowl, this one looks at what percentage of hokies who were at tech for each bowl actually voted for said bowl. At this point, I'm gonna call Auburn the Gerald Ford of Sugar bowl games: more than half the people alive during his presidency don't even remember he held the office.
Conclusion: being in school when a bowl happens carries some weight, but not as much as a controversial TD reversal, going into the third quarter with a lead in the NC, or sticking it to a national powerhouse on the big stage.
Other fun with the numbers:
- While FSU had a slight edge over Texas in general voting, Texas pulled 27% of votes from members of the Key Players club (compared to only 21% for FSU). Could be that Key Players as a whole are more likely to consider the NC separate from the Sugar Bowl. Could be that Key Players appreciate the historical implications of the Texas game more than the everyday TKPer. Could be that this was an incredibly small sample size where a couple votes makes for a large difference in percentages.
- The average age of voters in the poll was 34.25. The average age of Key Players who chose to vote in this poll was 36.8. Clearly, as a whole, Key Players are older than the rest of us.
- Of 110 members of the Key Players Club, only 33 chose to take the 5 seconds necessary to participate in this poll. I'm hurt, frankly.
- I did not take the time to compare team pie/cake to sugar bowl preference. I suspect that the cake-eaters all voted for Michigan, though.
- I also did not take the time to compare number of turkey legs to opponent preference. I would have done this if Joe still displayed everyone's totals on their comments like in the good old days. I'm just too lazy to click on each name, read who knows how many profiles.
I apologize to anyone who was offended by this poll, this summary, or by their exclusion due to my completely arbitrary end date for polling.
******************************************************************************************************************************

We are solidly in the doldrums of the off season. So...random useless time waster, ACTIVATE.
Give the first answer that comes to mind (spoiler, there are multiple "right" answers)
Who did we play in the Sugar Bowl?
What's your age?
What years were you a student at Tech (if applicable)?
So here's my entry:
Auburn
31
2003-2007
I got this idea from talking to a fellow hokie of a different generation. He mentioned that he had also gone to the Sugar Bowl and we got 5 minutes into the conversation before we realized we were talking about two completely different games.
When I get a good number of responses, I'll put together some tables, graphs, pie charts (because...pie), etc.

Comments
FSU
Forty something (you said first answer) - 48 when I stop to do the math.
86-92
Texas
55
1978-1985
Will never forget as we spent the holiday in Puerto Vallarta. Villa had satellite but had to watch the bottom screen crawl of ESPN to keep up with score because they were broadcasting futbol
Florida State
37
1997-2001
Texas
58
1975-1979 (BS), 1981-1983 (MBA, NoVA program)
Auburn
32
2001-2005
Pac-12 replay officials/Michigan
31
2002-2006
You said first one to come to mind, and as I was clicking on the link I thought it might be a critical analysis of if it was a catch, which it was.
Michigan
24
2010-2015
I was in a similar situation as bluehokie2006. Though it's likely recency bias for me.
Michigan
28
2005-2009
Texas
25
2009-2013
Michigan
25
2009-2013
Michigan
27
2009-2013
Texas, FSU
65
1968-1970, 1972-1975
FSU
24
2009-2013
Auburn
31
03-07
Michigan
30
N/A
FSU
31
03-07
I was hoping for a survey on if we thought VT would have gone on to win the game if the Michigan alum and President of the Sugar Bowl hadn't told the replay official it would not be ruled a catch.
No survey is necessary. WE ALL KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED
FSU
55
79-83
Auburn
30
2004-2009
Michigan
26
2008-2013
Auburn
34
2000-2004
Michigan
28
2005-2009
Michigan
33
01-06
It comes to mind first because it was the last one and most heart breaking. I was at the Auburn game and think that was the worst coaching job ever by Beamer.
FSU
35
98-02
Michigan
23
Didn't go to VT :(
No sad face, I didn't either. Still apart of the Hokie family :)
Damned straight. The reason I asked about age and years of attendance wasn't to single out people who didn't go to Tech, but to check correlation between when you were at tech and which sugar bowl stands out the most to you. If I just went by age, it would be skewed for people who did grad school at tech or went back to school later in life, or whatever. Mo data. mo betta.
Michigan....ugh
23
2011-2015
Michigan
25
2008-2012
Texas
30
2008-2010
Michigan ( I was at the FSU and Auburn versions, in person, but the Sugar Bowl that was stolen from us - and the most recent - is the one that comes to mind first)
See the next entry for a good guess!
1982 - 1986 Bruce and Dell .....
Florida State
24 (Almost 25)
2009-2013
I've blocked the Michigan game from my memory. The FSU game was the first "big" Tech game I ever remember watching so whenever I think Sugar Bowl I think of the '99 season.
Michigan
25
2008-2015
FSU
31
2003-2007, 2008-2011
First response: which one?
Honestly, because it's the most recent, Michigan.
27
2006-2010
FSU

29
Appalachian State 2006-2009
edit: thought it asked for age at the time of the game we remembered.
You're 11 and you graduate college in 2009, at age 4?
I think I just found a picture of you
Texas
50
1984-1986, 1995-1997
The one with Peter fucking Warrick
36
98-02
I still hear those FSU twits chanting his praises near the end of that game. PETER.......WARRICK, repeated ad nauseum.
Like their F'ing war chant. Where is the puke bucket?
Michigan
29
2006-2009
Texas
Timeless
'87 - ???? I still identify as a carefree, clueless frat bro. Cool story, right?
Michigan
Age 39
1995-2000
Upon closer reflection, the Sugar Bowl against Free Shoes U should've been the first answer to pop up, given that it was my (redshirt) senior year at Tech and I actually attended the game, but in my mind, I always refer to it as the National Championship Game, rather than the Sugar Bowl. I had also completely forgotten that the Sugar Bowl was where we played both Texas and Auburn. I guess it goes to show that the memory does indeed gravitate toward the most recent occurrences first.
CRIMA-NOLES
69
Brevard Community College, UCF, Rollins College (It took awhile, but I got the damn diploma)
I lived in brevard county n worked at harris for 22 years (now in christiansburg). Enjoyed it! Glad to see other hokies that lived in cfl. And yes, I was sick of hearing bout fsu n gators every frigging day...
me too. for 10 years in the spook world.
@ Harris?
Yes. 1980-1990.
FSU
27
Didn't go to Tech (#1 regret in life)
Michigan
Old enough
'02-'07
My mind immediately went to FSU, but really, I refer to that as the National Championship Game. The Texas game was too far back, and that Auburn game, I would just rather forget, as it was a fairly forgettable game that suffered from yet another offensive crapfest. The Michigan game though....
IT WAS A GODDAMN CATCH
Tough call (no pun intended), but I would have to say Texas. Like many others I tend to associate F$U with the National Championship more than the actual bowl itself. The Auburn and Michigan games were not as impactful, even if they were more recent.
38
1996-1999
Auburn
33
'01-'07
Auburn
33
2001-2007 (I had too much fun to leave in 4)
Semenholes
29
2007-2010
Auburn
24 (tomorrow)
N/a
Happy early birthday!
Ayyyye
Florida State & Texas were the first ones that came to mind. Freshman year and (second) senior year.
39
95-99
Michigan
Over 25
07-12
Michigan (forever burned in my mind, and now the feeling of rage is fresh)
30
2003-2012 (just couldn't leave, so I got a couple degrees :)
Auburn is a very close second. I love that 2004 team.
The 04 Squad is on of my favorites, too! Love Randell @ QB with Imo & Humes in the backfield! Besides, who can forget this...

That team was just tough. I loved them. Not only did they end up having a great season, but that WVU game is seared in my memory. If only everyone could experience a game like that during their time at VT. And to top it off, Bryan Randall is an awesome guy. He stayed well after the ACC championship pep rally signing autographs and posing for pictures. I have a picture of him with a group of my friends that was taken after nearly everyone was gone, and there he was, all smiles and making good conversation with each and every one of us. Truly a cool guy, very easy to root for.
I have a similar story about Randall. I was at the VT football camp before my Sr. year of HS and Bryan was out there watching the 7on7 games. After it was over I asked him if I could have his Nike headband (they were the "thing" back then). Without any hesitation he just gave it to me. He replaced Jim Drunkenmiller as my favorite VT QB that day.
Michigan
24
2010-2014
#itwasacatch
Michigan
22
2011-2016
So I was thinking Michigan when I clicked the link, but when I read the question, I thought Auburn.
29
04-10
Auburn
23
2010-2014
That season was full of firsts for me. First season where I got really into Tech football and watched every game. First time I'd been to Fedex. First time I harassed a referee (that OPI against USC was horseshit). First time I ever verbally assaulted a TV screen (NC State). First time I ever won a bet on sports (band teacher was a WVU alum). And, during that Auburn game, the first time my grandma ever heard me say fuck.
Classic!
Michigan
23
2011-2016
Auburn
26
2008-2012
I think it's odd that Auburn is the one that first came to mind for me since the only one I was at was Michigan. I think of the National Title game as just that, not necessarily the bowl affiliation. The Michigan game all I can think of is that damn catch, so the bowl took second thought.
FSU
27
2007-2011
I was 11 at the time of the championship game and cried at the end of the game. It's stuck with me. Can't wait until the day I have championship tears of joy.
Texas
55
1978-1985
(2 major changes n coop ed - to help pay the bills)
Michigan
26
2008-2012
How much bourbon is being consumed by tkpers? I have watched a lot of football but Virginia Tech never played that team up north in football. 2011 ended with a loss to Clemson in our bowl game. /s
Michigan
23
Didn't go to tech unfortunately!
Auburn
32
2001-2007
Gosh darn Ronnie Brown & Cadillac Williams! Oh yea... and that "offensive PI" call. Different game, same season, but you all know what I'm talking about...
FSU
49
1985-1989 Finance
FSU
35
99-03
Michigan
21
Don't attend VT, but bleed orange and maroon
Michigan. I was at that game and I don't know how they had enough to overturn it especially cause they ruled it a catch...still salty about it.
25
2009-2013
Texas
41
93-97
My wife says
Texas
29
87-91
Errrr, 29?
Oh yeah, "ducks".
Texas
20
Only reason this came to mind was because I used to watch it all the time when I was sick. I was a little over a month old when this game was actually played...
Michigan
24
2010-2016
Michigan
40 (I'm a man!)
1993-1998
Michigan
38
'96 to '02
texas
32
2002-2004
Michigan...ugh
24
2009-2014
Michigan (I also blame the thread title and PAC-12 officials, or I might have said Auburn)
36
Didn't attend. Why am I here? Heavily recruited by Mike Vick and the 1999 title run.
I would argue that if the thread title made you think of Michigan, then Michigan is the right answer for you...
Texas
58
1976 - 1980
One hour after getting off the plane, got food poisoning and it was not the best trip, but we still kicked the Longhorns butt and put the program on the map.
Michigan
23
2011-2015
I don't know how they could overturn the catch. We already played Tech Triumph. You can't overturn a Tech Triumph.
Texas
39
1994-1998
I love that the Hokies whipped the Longhorns the only time they have played each other.
Texas
64 (yes, 64, what can I say? Am I the oldest one on the site?)
1969 - 1977
Texas
30
2004-2008
I went to the game against Michigan, but to me the 1995 game against Texas was the coming of age party of the program. I don't even consider the FSU game as a Sugar Bowl game, it was the National Championship game, and I forgot that Auburn was the Sugar Bowl even though I have a picture from my freshman year where somebody spelled out SUGAR BOWL with about 20 lbs of sugar in the front landscaping at Merriman. I guess we had so many Orange Bowls I thought Auburn was one.
It should have been, if the BCS natty hadn't displaced us that year.
Texas
44
1990-1995
Wow those numbers are hard to write down....
Free Shoes
37
1997-2001
Michigan
22
2012-2016
FSU
46
'88-94'
Michigan
26
'07-'11
Something else that might be relevant for your poll - older siblings at VT? For instance, I'm the oldest, while my younger brother has the same Sugar Bowl, because I helped indoctrinate him properly.
FSU
33
2001-2005, 2005-2006
Texas
32
Appalachian State 2002-2007
I grew up being a Hokie considering my entire family went to Virginia Tech (I even lived in Blacksburg for a short period of time in the 80s) Stayed in state because it was cheaper
+1 for a fellow "good" Mountaineer! Seems like we were in Boone at the same time! One of the reasons I chose ASU was because it reminded me of Blacksburg and the football team is awesome! GO, FIGHT, KICK ASS!
86 responses so far. I was hoping to get to an even hundy so I'll wait a few more days to publish results.
Michigan
33
2001-2005
I went to the last two sugar bowls. So, really both popped into my mind. But, maybe the recency of the Michigan heartbreak over a very good Hokie team, but better Auburn team pops out first. A lot more emotion from the Michigan game.
In HS and MS for the other two, but I'll always think of the FSU game more as the Nat'l championship than an ordinary Sugar Bowl.
Michigan
26
2007-2011
Texas
42
1991-1996
Michigan (Followed almost immediately by a mental "hey, wasn't '99 FSU a sugar bowl too)
44
2000-2002 (MBA) lived in the burg in 2003.
I don't really understand the question....I was at all three, so my first instinct is to ask "which one?" Only one was enjoyable however.
Maybe you're confused since VT has played in four Sugar Bowls........
It's funny how that works. I went to the first two, and although the Texas experience was by far the most memorable for me, first big Bowl game, first time in New Orleans, first pro stadium, I still couldn't think of the one without the other, FSU. Truly, the first time was so exciting, and ultimately satisfying for me, and if we didn't harp on the Michigan game on this site so much, and yeah, I agree, he did, I'd be hard pressed to come up with the other two opponents. This has been an interesting poll, good job setting it up.
Actually the reason I though of FSU first is I have a big super comfortable sweat shirt that has been a favorite Saturday morning shirt for over a decade that says 2000 SUGAR BOWL in huge letters over a VT helmet. I had completely forgotten about the Auburn one until reading other replies.
Who did we play in the Sugar Bowl? FSU
What's your age? 35 (Jesus...how did that happen?)
What years were you a student at Tech (if applicable)? 99-03 (I feel like I timed that right) Pritchard Hall then Foxridge represent!
Auburn (spent 5 days in New Orleans for the game, it was awesome)
33
Edit: 2002-2005
2002-2015?
Talk about maximizing your college experience...
Aside from my date blunder, should have footnoted as I thought someone would catch that, transferred from JMU after freshman year.
Texas
41
1992-97
I asked my wife and she said Florida State (41, ETSU 1992-95). It's interesting because (like some others above), I don't even identify the FSU game as a Sugar Bowl game...I have always denoted it as the National Championship Game to the point that I completely forget it was the Sugar Bowl.
Texas
61 (today!)
1973 - 1977
Happy Bday!
texas
48 on tuesday
86-92
Michigan
29
2007-2011 (lived in Blacksburg 2006-2011)
Michigan
23
2010-2014
But I remember all of them except Texas.
Auburn
23
2013-2015
Michigan
34
2000-2005
boom, #100. I'll post results when I get a chance to write it up over lunch.
Free Shoes University
42
92-97, pre-Vick(s)
FSU
27
2007-11
results posted
Orange Bowl next to see how the numbers compare?
It might be interesting to see a survey on the Chick-fil-a/Peach Bowl, since we've been there about as much as the Sugar Bowl, and there hasn't really been any controversy around those. Yeah, we've been to the Orange Bowl as many times too, but 3 of those came in a 4 year span, and sort of run together.
Yeah that was something kind of cool about the Sugar Bowl: there was at least one generation (in college years) between each appearance so they spread out over a couple decades and had the potential to stick out to four different demographics. Not so much with the orange bowl.
Maybe someday in the future we can do this again and ask "who did we play in the national championship game?"
You mean as a way to see how well one remembers who they beat vs. who beat them?
Is there a way to accurately graph the number hearts broken after 2007 rain game and the 2010 Boise loss?
all of them
Comparable to, but not quite as bad as:
I chuckled at this.
I said Michigan because it stood out to me the most: both most recent and most controversial. I had totally forgotten that we played Auburn in the Sugar, even though that was the only one that happened while I was a student. Both the Texas and FSU Sugar Bowls were before my time as a student, but I hear more about the Texas game because it was the one that put us on the map.
Nicely done on the survey, 07me, thanks for it.
I need to comb back through the list and run the numbers on how many people voted for a game despite being in school for another one.
EDIT: Done. Yay for sitting here watching step files convert...