National Football Foundation

Big 8 Champion Colorado defeated Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, marking the Buffaloes’ first MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Bill McCartney, Colorado finished 11-1-1 after a 10-9 victory against the Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl. The Buffaloes ended a four-year streak of independent MacArthur Bowl recipients. The 1990 Colorado team featured Hall of Fame defensive end Alfred Williams and 1992 William V. Campbell Trophy recipient Jim Hansen.

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."