National Football Foundation

Notre Dame defeated Southwest Conference Champion Texas in the Cotton Bowl, marking the Fighting Irish’s fourth MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Dan Devine, Notre Dame finished 11-1 after a 38-10 victory against the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl. The 1977 Notre Dame team featured Hall of Fame defensive end Ross Browner and Hall of Fame tight end Ken MacAfee. The Fighting Irish also fielded 1977 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and guard David Vinson, and 1978 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and punter/safety Joseph Restic.

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."