re: Pre 1970 was the Sugar Bowl a lot less prestigious?

The Sugar was one of the 4 old line New Years's day bowls that also included the Cotton, Orange and the Grand Daddy of them all- Rose.

You have to understand, back in the 1940's and 1950's and even into the 1960's, the "National Champion" was declared many times prior to the bowl games. That being said, the Sugar has had more than its fair share of big games since 1934. Games that have pit#1 teams vs other highly ranked teams, ex: 1952 #3 Maryland( nat. champ for 1951 reg season) vs. #1 Tennessee ( also nat champ in many polls), 1960's Alabama claimed 2 of their national championships at Tulane stadium ( if memory recalls).