National Football Foundation

Pac-8 Champion USC defeated Big Ten Co-Champion Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, marking the Trojans’ third MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer John McKay, USC finished 12-0 after a 42-17 victory against the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl. McKay became the first coach to claim the MacArthur Bowl outright three times. The 1972 USC team featured five Hall of Famers: fullback Sam Cunningham, running back Anthony Davis, wide receiver Lynn Swann, linebacker Richard Wood, and tight end Charles Young.

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."