National Football Foundation

Miami defeated Big 8 Champion Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, marking the Hurricanes’ first MacArthur Bowl. Coached by Howard Schnellenberger, Miami finished 11-1 after a 31-30 victory against the Cornhuskers in the Orange Bowl. The 1983 Miami team was one of two national champions at the time to gain more yards passing than rushing.

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."