They wouldn’t do this, right? (They better not.)
Alternate uniforms have been en vogue for quite some time, from the NFL to the NBA, from college basketball to college football - North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Georgia, and Tennessee all wore them in the last two weeks to varying degrees of success. But there are teams that appear to be immune to the fads of sports fashion and impervious to the pressures of hulking apparel sponsors. Oregon is not one of those teams. But Ohio State appeared to be. Until now.
Oh god! Please, no.
Pat Forde mentioned it earlier this week and some brief scouring of message boards reveals the image to out left. Are the Buckeyes about to break out new jerseys to help their mojo? It bears mentioning that other than pictures appearance on an Ohio State-related site, there is no evidence to suggest that it was designed to be worn by THE Ohio State University, say, during a game against Penn State, in early November, three days now. None. It could belong to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for all I know.
Is that a ‘Block O’ at the bottom of the neck? [/sigh]
Let’s just assume that this is, in fact, the “alternate” road uniform the Buckeyes are going to trot out on Saturday afternoon. It’s bad, to be sure. But what about the pants? Are those going to be red?! That could be a pure disaster.
I have already pontificated about the meaningless, derivative, and largely uncool “red” end zones. If these uniforms happen, I may lose it. Is anyone at Ohio State paying attention? How would this get past the people that it has to get past?
This is not to say that I oppose all things outside the bounds of the norm. I think retro uniforms could be amazingly cool, perhaps even inspirational for the team. And there is plenty for the program to draw from (see below). What about the 1954 unis, with some appropriate updates (like a face mask, for example)? I think Tressel would go for that and it would not look like a rejection from a UFL trunk sale.
Evolution of Ohio State Uniforms
Update (3:15pm): 1460 just read a statement from Nike that did not confirm or deny the possibility of alternate uniforms. Apparently The Fan contacted Nike for a comment and the following was provided: “We are always looking for ways to innovate and inspire - so stay tuned.”
Has everyone heard about the unveiling of a new uniform for our Buckeyes vs. Michigan? So many of the loyalists are upset. Why? It’s time for a change. Maybe football philosophy will change along with it. Hey folks! It’s time we come into the Twenty-first century. Buckeye fans say “we don’t need to change. We have the best looking uniform in college football (and I agree).” Just don’t totally change it. It’s not like our uniforms look like the uniforms Pete Stinchcomb and Chic Harley wore. The Buckeye uniform has changed dramatically over the years. Just check out the uniforms of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and early 60’s. You would never know they were Buckeye uniforms. Therefore, don’t talk to me about tradition and the uniform. That’s our problem. We don’t accept change too readily. It’s time to change our mindset. I hope this unveiling is something symbolic of change we’ll see in our team on the gridiron. Also keep in mind it’s only for one game. We’ll still maintain those beautiful scarlet and gray uniforms. GO BUCKS!!!!
It’s funny but I had been approaching the OSU coaching staff with an idea for an alternate uniform that we might wear during non-conference clashes and bowl appearances. I’d like to know what you think. Please visit the following link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bosshawk/?saved=1
I have not heard about the possibility of us rolling out new jerseys for the Michigan game. I do know that now that the NCAA has done away with the rule that penalizes a team a timeout for wearing their home colors on the road it would be possible for there to be a scarlet vs. blue clash this November in Ann Arbor. I wouldn't mind seeing that. As for the alternates that you've put forth I applaud your creativity but consider me not a big fan.
Come on! You're kidding. Might i add. Get over it! It's time for Columbus and our Buckeyes to come out of the "Dark Ages" and into the 21st Century. Lose the antiquated mindset. Please discontinue Neanderthal thinking. I like the idea of an additional uniform. No one is saying get rid of what we have but add to our arsenal. We are (or should be) one of the preeminent programs in the country. However, we're in a time warp in Columbus. We are not doing anything progressive. That unfortunately includes our play calling and selection.
I believe the new look will be refreshing and invigorating. Change is needed. I am so happy to see Dervier Posey take a pitch and roll left and throw a beautiful bomb to Sansenbacher. I love to see an alternate uniform to go along with the prettiest uniform in college football (scarlet and gray). We're suppose to have plenty! After all, we are THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY. Go Bucks!!!
Strike my previous comment, it appears that the Buckeyes will be rolling out in Ann Arbor in an alternate uniform that salutes the 1954 championship team. Also, I believe that the tradition of Ohio State has always been to have very simple yet recognizable uniforms. The one's you have designed, while creative, are just a bit too flashy for my tastes.
Cassius, I can respect your feelings on that. Did you by chance see the Georgia-Florida game on Saturda?. I was really upset! They stole my design. Georgia rolled out a uniform very similar to my design. They took a real whippin' but they looked good in the process (my opinion).
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/7830/osuuni.jpg
You might as well get ready to see them in two weeks. There's the final product coming out of the boxes.
I agree with you. The '54 helmet had no number on it. They shouldn't have placed the number on it.
I loved everything about those uniforms. The numbers on the helmets were great, especially being black. Bad to the bone, class of 93′