CLEMSON — I guess in this day and age, when we give everyone a trophy, it makes sense that Auburn awarded itself seven more national championships in football.

On Tuesday, Auburn claimed seven more national championships, adding to their already recognized 1957 and 2010 championship seasons. The seven latest titles represent Auburn teams that were awarded the national championship in a particular poll or service.

Those years include 1910, 1913, 1914, 1958, 1983, 1993 and 2004, giving the program nine overall. For the record, only Auburn’s 1957 and 2010 national championships are recognized as official national champions by the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

I get it, sort of.

If you can claim a national championship to make your school look better, then why not do it. In 10 years, it’s doubtful anyone will question it.

However, in the moment, it looks ridiculous. It also gives off the wrong message.

It makes it seem as if Auburn does not believe it will win another national championship anytime soon.

I am not just beating up on Auburn here. I am sure they got tired of Alabama claiming the “Johnny Johnson” national championship from back in the day. No disrespect to the Johnny Jonhson’s of the world.

Alabama claims 18 national championships, however, 12 are recognized as AP or AFCA Champions. I get what Auburn is doing, 18-9 is a whole better than 18-2 when comparing national championships to your rival.

I see the appeal of making your program look better, especially if your Auburn where the last few years have been rough, both on and off the field.

Clemson can possibly benefit from this if it wants to.

John Heisman’s 1900 Clemson team went 6-0 while pretty much beating the brakes off everyone. Those Tigers produced four shutouts and outscored their opponents 222-10. I am sure someone somewhere had that Clemson team as the best in the land.

In 1948, Frank Howard’s ninth Clemson team produced an 11-0 record, which included a win over Missouri in the 1949 Gator Bowl. Those Tigers produced five shutouts. But despite going undefeated, Clemson finished No. 11 in the final AP Poll.

Why can Clemson claim a title in 1948?

The Tigers were the only team in the country to produce a perfect 11-0 record that season. They also had six first place votes and won the SoCon over North Carolina (9-0-1), who finished No. 3 in the final poll.

Then there is Clemson’s 1950 team. Those Tigers produced a 9-0-1 record, which included a win over No. 15 and previously unbeaten Miami in the Orange Bowl.

Howard’s last undefeated team produced four shutouts and finished No. 10 in the final AP Poll. The Tigers received nine first place votes that season, so again, someone thought they were the best team in the country.

I think Clemson should claim all three of those years as national championship seasons.

Why not? Auburn just did it. UCF claimed one in 2017, when they were the only undefeated team in the country. They even had a parade.

Six national championships on the façade at Memorial Stadium would look better than three. I’m just saying!

And unlike the Auburn and Alabama rivalry, South Carolina’s football program has never had an undefeated season or national championship caliber team to claim.

So, there’s that.