It has been nearly 66 years since Missouri football went undefeated in a season, and it's finally recognizing the program's all-time team.
The university will now recognize its 1960 football team as national champions, the school announced Friday, Aug. 28. Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt introduced the resolution on the Senate floor on Aug. 6, and it was passed unanimously.
"We appreciate Sen. Schmitt and the U.S. Senate for recognizing the accomplishments of our 1960 football team and for bringing renewed attention to a remarkable group of Tigers,” Missouri athletic director Laird Veatch said in a announcement. “The 1960 team has an important place in Mizzou history, and after reviewing the historical record, we believe it is appropriate to honor that team as national champions."
The 1960 Tigers finished 11-0, winning the Big Eight and defeating Navy in the Orange Bowl. While Missouri technically went undefeated, it lost the regular season finale to Kansas, which had to forfeit its win due to using an ineligible player.
Missouri finished No. 4 in the final Coaches Poll behind No. 1 Minnesota, No. 2 Iowa and No. 3 Ole Miss, all three of which also claim the 1960 national championship.
“Coach Dan Devine and Danny LaRose led the Mizzou Tigers to an undefeated season in 1960 — and now, the Senate has unanimously recognized them as the 1960 College Football National Champions,” Sen. Schmitt said. “For too long, fans and players who proudly represent their school in the Black and Gold have been deprived of this glory.
"More than six decades later, the Tigers are now taking their rightful place in history. Their championship was earned. Their record remains perfect. And Kansas still lost.”
Missouri will honor the national title on Sept. 19 when it faces Troy at home.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missouri football claims 1960 national championship after Senate resolution
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