A resolution congratulating the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team for winning the 2011 Bowl Championship Series National Championship.

Whereas the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team won the 2012 Allstate Bowl Championship Series (referred to in this preamble as BCS) National Championship Game, defeating Louisiana State University by a score of 21–0 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on January 9, 2012;

Whereas this victory marks the second BCS title in the last 3 years and the 14th national championship in college football for the University of Alabama;

Whereas the victory by the University of Alabama was the first shutout in any BCS bowl game since the system was created in 1998 and the first shutout in the championship game since the 1992 Orange Bowl;

Whereas the 2012 BCS National Championship Game was the 59th postseason bowl appearance and the 33rd bowl victory for the University of Alabama, both of which extend existing NCAA records for the University of Alabama;

Whereas the victory by the University of Alabama marks the sixth consecutive BCS national championship for the Southeastern Conference and the third consecutive BCS national championship for the State of Alabama;

Whereas the University of Alabama gained 384 yards of total offense in the BCS National Championship Game, while holding the offense of Louisiana State University to 5 first downs and 92 total yards, the second lowest yards of total offense in BCS history;

Whereas A.J. McCarron completed 23 of 34 passes for a total of 234 yards without a turnover and was named offensive player of the game;

Whereas senior linebacker Courtney Upshaw recorded 7 tackles, including 1 sack, and was named defensive player of the game;

Whereas Trent Richardson, winner of the Doak Walker Award, finished with 20 carries for 96 yards and 107 all-purpose yards and scored the only touchdown of the game;

Whereas Jeremy Shelley successfully completed 5 field goal attempts, setting a BCS National Championship Game record and tying an NCAA bowl record;

Whereas in 2011, the defense of the University of Alabama led the nation in rushing defense, passing defense, scoring defense, and total defense;

Whereas 4 members of the Crimson Tide football team were recognized as first-team All Americans by the Associated Press;

Whereas the 2011 Crimson Tide senior class compiled a 48–6 record, tying a Southeastern Conference record for class victories;

Whereas the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, whose dedication and commitment to excellence instilled in his players a sense of integrity, pride, sportsmanship, and perseverance, inspired both his team throughout the season and the Tuscaloosa community following the devastating losses in the April tornadoes;

Whereas President Robert Witt and Athletic Director Mal Moore have brought tremendous academic success and national recognition to the University of Alabama athletic department and the entire university; and

Whereas the players, coaches, and support staff of the University of Alabama football team showed tremendous determination throughout the season and brought great honor to the University of Alabama and the State of Alabama: Now, therefore, be it