The 1988 Sugar Bowl was the 54th edition to the annual game. It featured the fourth ranked Syracuse Orangemen, and the sixth ranked Auburn Tigers. The Syracuse Orange entered the game unbeaten for the first time since winning the national championship in 1959. The game was a defensive battle, and ended in a 16–16 tie, helping Syracuse cap an unbeaten season. Don McPherson was given game's Most Outstanding Offensive Player award, going 11-of-21 for 140 yards and one touchdown. He was sacked five times by the Auburn defense.