Chris "Mad Dog" Russo believes the Auburn Tigers are out of line for one of their four recent claimed college football national championships: the 1983 title that the Miami Hurricanes are officially recognized for winning.
Specifically, in his Long Island accent, Russo proclaimed the Tigers a "fricking disgrace" for it.
Russo referenced Auburn's 9-7 win over the Michigan Wolverines in the 1984 Sugar Bowl as evidence the Tigers' claim is bogus. Meanwhile, Russo celebrated the Hurricanes' 31-30 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 1984 Orange Bowl as reason there isn't a discussion.
“Miami jumped from five to one, they’re the national champions that year,” Russo said Wednesday on "First Take". “Auburn yesterday said ‘Nonsense, we’re the champions.’ No you’re not, Auburn. What a disgrace. You barely beat Michigan, 9-7. Miami in ’83 was the legitimate national championship. Take that banner down… That is a frickin disgrace. For you to disparage Miami and that great game by saying now, you deserve the championship. Nonsense. Miami beat No. 1 Nebraska, jumped five to one, they deserve it.”
AU has ruffled some feathers this week. Retiring Cam Newton's jersey number was the good PR move that preceded the mockery and scorn from claiming an additional four national titles from the three other recently announced unrecognized, unofficial championships.
It may be unpopular, but it's probably a genius marketing move on the recruiting trail.
Auburn Tigers football recognizing more titles is genius
Any school that could pull this off and make a case for old championships should do it. Recruits who visit stadiums will always remember how they feel when they leave, and seeing a wall of titles, titles that not every recruit will look into the finer details of, is a nice touch.
Besides, it's not like the Alabama Crimson Tide doesn't do it...
Brilliant move by Auburn to claim additional natty’s….might cause some to go see how many of Bama’s claimed titles are phony 👀
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) August 19, 2025