National Football Foundation

Big Ten Champion Michigan defeated Pacific-10 Co-Champion Washington State in the Rose Bowl, marking the Wolverines’ first MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Lloyd Carr, Michigan finished 12-0 after a 21-16 victory against the Cougars in the Rose Bowl. The Wolverines defense allowed no fourth quarter points or second half touchdowns in the first eight games of the season. The 1997 Michigan team featured 1997 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and quarterback Brian Griese, and 1999 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and nose tackle Rob Renes.

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."