MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A resolution proposed by Alabama Senator Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) calls for Auburn University’s athletic department to claim 9 football national championships; seven more than are officially recognized.

The resolution specifically notes the undefeated 1913 team, the one-loss 1983 team, and the undefeated 1993 team coached by Terry Bowden that was ineligible for postseason play because of violating NCAA rules as examples of “special seasons that are held close in the hearts of Auburn coaches, players, and fans and should be embraced by the university as championship seasons.”

The other instances that the bill sponsors believe the Auburn football team proved itself to be the “best team in the nation” are the one-loss 1910 team, the 1914 team with a scoreless draw with Georgia, the 1958 team that tied Georgia tech, and the undefeated 2004 team that the BCS did not select to compete for the national title in favor of undefeated USC and Oklahoma.

The resolution was referred to the Senate Rules committee where it will likely die at the end of the Special Session tomorrow.