West Virginia's upset victory bolstered the Big East's profile in the wake of losing three members to the ACC, and likely preserved the conference's automatic inclusion in the BCS.

[2] The game was played in Atlanta, Georgia, as its traditional site, the Louisiana Superdome, was unfit for use in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The freshmen-led West Virginia team stunned Georgia—playing in what amounted to a home game in the Georgia Dome—by opening a 21–0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

With 1:26 remaining in the game and facing a 4th-and-6 near midfield, West Virginia's Phil Brady ran for 10 yards on a fake punt to seal the win.

West Virginia's freshman running back Steve Slaton was named the game's MVP, having rushed for a Sugar Bowl-record 204 yards and 3 touchdowns, including two separate scores of 52-yards each.