National Football Foundation

SEC Champion Alabama defeated Penn State in the Sugar Bowl, marking the Crimson Tide's second MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Paul “Bear” Bryant, Alabama finished 11-0 after a 14-7 victory against the Nittany Lions in the Sugar Bowl. Alabama’s costumed “Big Al” mascot officially debuted at the Sugar Bowl. The 1978 Alabama team featured Hall of Fame defensive tackle Marty Lyons.

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."