Ohio State "will wear a traditional scarlet and gray" uniform combination for next week's CFP National Championship, while Oregon is "wearing white helmets with silver wings, white jerseys and gray pants," according to Andrew Greif of the Portland OREGONIAN. Nike said that OSU's jerseys are "supposed to echo the program's look" from '68, when it "beat Oregon and went on to win a national championship under coach Woody Hayes." The company added that the logo on UO's "sweat-wicking undershirt is placed at a 27-degree angle ... to represent the 27 bowls games in Ducks football history" (OREGONLIVE.com, 1/5). ESPN’s Jesse Palmer said Oregon's jerseys were not “up to Oregon’s standards." Palmer: "That’s what I envision them practicing in. I’ll say this: In years past, they’ve always made a statement with their [uniforms] in big games. ... Maybe this is a statement to say we’re going to let our play on the field do the talking” (“College Football Live,” ESPN, 1/5).
DUCKING TRADITIONAL COLORS: FS1’s Ryan Field said Oregon’s uniforms "are always attention-grabbers from week to week, so perhaps it comes as no surprise the Ducks will not have any green or yellow” in what they wear during the title game (“Fox Sports Live,” FS1, 1/5). USA TODAY's Litman & Myerberg note nothing about UO's attire "features team colors, except for maybe the Nike swoosh on the socks." The "only piece of gear that’s been used before is the white helmet." The jerseys "are new, and although the Ducks have worn gray pants before, they haven’t worn this specific pair that says 'Fighting Ducks' on the leg." UO Assistant AD/Athletic Communications Andy McNamara said that the school "was given first choice on uniforms and chose white-white-grey because it never doubles up combinations in the same season, and this one hasn’t been used yet" (USA TODAY, 1/6). Fashion expert Sam Saboura said, "It's a little bit of a letdown for the fans who are really expecting to celebrate with their team colors. We’re definitely missing the green, we’re definitely missing the yellow here. It's a really strong look -- I like the silver, I like the wings, I like that little diamond swoosh there. But we’re missing that team spirit.” Meanwhile, ESPN's Stan Verrett noted Ohio State is "embracing tradition" with their jerseys. Saboura said, "This is what the fans are expecting. I love the crimson. I think the gray stripes are traditional and the gray helmet." He added, "Both players look really strong, but I do think we're missing that color over there (with Oregon).” Verrett said, “Ohio State wins the style war” (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 1/6).
RINGING UP AT THE REGISTER: ESPN.com's Darren Rovell reported Nike "has made Oregon jerseys to sell at retail in the No. 8," as worn by UO QB Marcus Mariota, this year's Heisman Trophy winner. Nike "will sell the No. 15" for OSU, perhaps for RB Ezekiel Elliott, but it "also might be for the year." The jerseys will retail for $160 (ESPN.com, 1/5).
