National Football Foundation

SEC Champion Tennessee defeated ACC Co-Champion Florida State in the Fiesta Bowl, marking the Volunteeers’ first MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee finished 13-0 after a 23-16 victory against the Seminoles in the Fiesta Bowl. The 1998 Vols beat eight bowl teams, including six January bowl teams, four top-10 teams, and three BCS bowl-bound teams.

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."