National Football Foundation

Big Ten Champion Michigan State tied Notre Dame, resulting in the first joint MacArthur Bowl presentation. It marked the Spartans’ second consecutive MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Duffy Daugherty, finished 9-0-1 after a 10-10 draw in the final game against Notre Dame in what is considered as one of the greatest college football games in history. The 1966 Michigan State team featured four Hall of Famers: halfback Clinton Jones, defensive end Bubba Smith, wide receiver Gene Washington, and linebacker George Webster.  The Spartans also fielded 1968 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and wide receiver/safety Allen Brenner.

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."