National Football Foundation

Pac-8 Champion USC defeated Big Ten Co-Champion Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, marking the Trojans’ fourth MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer John McKay, USC finished 10-1-1 after an 18-17 victory against the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl. McKay became the first coach to claim the MacArthur Bowl outright four times. The 1974 USC team featured four Hall of Famers: running backs Ricky Bell and Anthony Davis, offensive tackle Marvin Powell, and linebacker Richard Wood. The Trojans also fielded 1974 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and starting quarterback Pat Haden, now USC’s athletics director.

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."