[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 31, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S213-S214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 361--CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA CRIMSON 
   TIDE FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2011 BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES 
                         NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mr. SHELBY (for himself and Mr. Sessions) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 361

       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

[[Page S214]]

     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
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commends the University of Alabama for winning the 2011 
     Bowl Championship Series National Championship;
       (2) recognizes the achievements of all the players, 
     coaches, and staff whose hard work, dedication, and 
     persistence helped the Crimson Tide win a national 
     championship; and
       (3) requests the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an 
     official copy of this resolution for presentation to--
       (A) the President of the University of Alabama, Dr. Robert 
     Witt;
       (B) the Athletic Director of the University of Alabama, Mal 
     Moore; and
       (C) the Head Coach of the University of Alabama Crimson 
     Tide football team, Nick Saban.

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