National Football Foundation

Big 8 Champion Nebraska defeated SEC Champion Alabama in the Orange Bowl, marking the Cornhuskers’ first MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Bob Devaney, Nebraska finished 13-0 after a 38-6 victory against the Crimson Tide in the Orange Bowl. Nebraska won 12 of their 13 games by a margin of 24 points or more. The 1971 Nebraska team featured Hall of Fame defensive tackle Rich Glover and Hall of Fame halfback Johnny Rodgers.

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."