National Football Foundation

SEC Champion Alabama defeated Southwest Conference Co-Champion Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl, marking the Crimson Tide’s first MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Paul “Bear” Bryant, Alabama finished 11-0 after a 10-3 victory against the Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl. The Sugar Bowl was the first ever meeting for the two schools, now SEC rivals. The 1961 Alabama team featured Hall of Famers Lee Roy Jordan and Billy Neighbors.

Representing the pinnacle of team achievement in college sports, the trophy was the gift of an anonymous donor, who commissioned Tiffany & Co. to craft it from 400 ounces of silver, in honor of NFF founder General Douglas A. MacArthur. It took eight months to make, and the trophy features MacArthur's famous quote: "There is no substitute for victory."