The Univ. of Oregon’s newest addition to their “vast wardrobe could be described as a series of forward-moving tweaks,” as their uniforms for the Rose Bowl “represent an upgrade to the Nike Pro Combat system,” according to Aaron Fentress of the Portland OREGONIAN. The design includes “a larger number font with iridescent sheen that allows the numbers to change color as they move through light.” Most striking “is the new helmet,” which includes “bright, silver wings with almost a mirrored appearance atop what Nike is calling a ‘LiquidMetal black finish never before seen on the field.’” Oregon's "O" appears in the “top-center portion of the helmet, and like the wings, has a mirrored finish.” The stark black helmet “with a slick shine and the use of black paint on the middle portion of the face mask give it a Darth Vader vibe.” Fentress: “Darth Vader meets the Black Swan might be the best way to describe the uniforms -- particularly the helmet.” Nike sees the designs as the “proving ground for its latest equipment innovations that will possibly show up in NFL locker rooms” (Portland OREGONIAN, 12/28).
HEAD GAMES: In Portland, Allan Brettman noted Nike used “at least nine different types of fabric in the jersey” but it is the “helmet's design that may generate the most Internet buzz.” That is because of “its glossy finish on the shell, facemask and chin cup, and the placement of the Nike-designed ‘O’ on the top, front and back of the helmet with ducks wings -- and not the ‘O’ -- on the sides.” Helmet makers Riddell and Schutt “made most of the helmets,” but Oregon-based Hydro Graphics Inc. “worked with Nike in recent months to achieve the unique helmet appearance" (OREGONLIVE.com, 12/27). YAHOO SPORTS’ Matt Hinton wrote of the Ducks’ uniforms, there is only “one notable deviated from the norm: The helmets” (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 12/27). Oregon coach Chip Kelly called the new look “unique,” but “downplayed the uniforms’ influence in Oregon’s recruiting.” Kelly: “I think it gets interest, but I think that’s just the tip of the iceberg, to be honest with you.” In Oregon, Adam Jude notes traditionalists, such as UO TE David Paulson, “weren’t entirely thrilled with the helmet’s new design.” Paulson: “I do like the ‘O’ on the side. But if we win the game, they can put the ‘O’ where ever they want” (Eugene REGISTER-GUARD, 12/28).
