National Football Foundation

Notre Dame defeated SEC Champion Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, marking the Fighting Irish’s third MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Ara Parseghian, Notre Dame finished 11-0 after a 24-23 victory against the Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl. The 1973 Notre Dame team featured Hall of Fame defensive end Ross Browner and Hall of Fame tight end Dave Casper, also a 1973 NFF National Scholar-Athlete. The Fighting Irish also featured 1974 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and wide receiver Peter Demmerle.

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."