National Football Foundation

Notre Dame defeated Lambert Trophy winner West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl, marking the Fighting Irish’s fifth MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Lou Holtz, Notre Dame finished 12-0 after a 34-21 victory against the Mountaineers in the Fiesta Bowl. The Fighting Irish passed USC for most MacArthur Trophies with five. The 1988 Notre Dame team featured Hall of Fame defensive tackle Chris Zorich.

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."