Nike's announced the new look for Oregon, and for this old school Duck, it's a muddled disaster. It gives Robert Smith and Craig James one more reason to laugh at us. The SEC traditionalists will have a field day with this out-there combination.
The lime green fluorescent socks are atrocious. That's not a school color. Juju forbid that it ever become a school color. It has the potential to be a more ruinous jinx than the grello helmet.
The designers at Nike are the most talented sports apparel people in the country, but they missed on this one. The Pro Combat look they created for the Beavers in the Civil War was sleek and classic, echoing their proud past at just the right time and in just the right way. This design looks confused and weird. It matters way more whether B.J. Kelly and Danny Shelton like it, but for old school Duck fans anticipating the biggest game in University history, it's a wtf of the worst order. It's the uniform equivalent of Jake Locker kissing his mother on the lips.
For the national championship, after thirty years of hard-won progress and heartbreak, the Ducks ought to wear a look that echoes their tradition and their journey of success. a look that honors Rollin Putzier and Kenny Wheaton and Matt Smith. If their was ever a time for Oregon to wear traditional green and yellow and the throwback interlocking UO or the walking-through-the-block-O crabby fighting Duck, this is it. Particularly playing Auburn, a school with 118-year-old symbols and 11 undefeated seasons. They'll look foolish. The other part is, the look isn't all that fresh and original. It's largely the same design they wore for Oregon State, with a weird undershirt and some ugly socks. Why wear the gray helmet when the green iridescent one is so cool and distinctive?
Ultimately the game will be decided by character and talent of the players in the uniforms, but this one is a gigantic huh? for a school that has achieved so much and done it with such style.
Or maybe I'm just getting old.
Actually, I like the look. "Embrace Change!" GO DUCKS!!!!!!! W.T.D.!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't disagree more. These look good. Not much different than the current unis and I really like the current ones.
ReplyDeleteAnon, Spinseeeker:
ReplyDeleteWell, the people have spoken. Obviously I'm outvoted here and elsewhere. Apparently I am an old fuddy-duddy. I've become the crochetedy old fool my daughter warned me about.
If they win in them, I'll think they are beautiful. Can't get over the socks though. Ugliest socks since the '63 Denver Broncos.
Dale
I respect your opinion, Dale. But, I did not expect for a moment that Nike would do a throw back uniform for the biggest stage of all. Like it or not, the whole uniform thing is about being cutting edge, or forward-thinking. I like that these uniforms aren't completely different than this season, however. They still need to scream 2010/11, which they do. That being said, the neon green "O" on the helmet and the trim around the numbers pop a whole lot better than the similar Civil War unis. My eyes nearly "popped" out of my head when I saw the socks!! But, the "blurring" of the socks with the cleats is a very interesting concept. Overall, I like them. In the end, I just hope we win the game!! Go Ducks!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are almost the same. We are the away team otherwise im sure they would've chosen something slick. Just focus on the game and not the light absorbing mouthpiece.
ReplyDeletewtd
The socks are ugly. The uni is ok, nothing special, but the day-glo socks don't belong.
ReplyDeleteThe green metallic helmets should be worn. They say Oregon football. The rest of the uni can change, excepting for allowing fugly day-glo socks, but the helmet should stay the classic metallic green.
Hi Dale. I think you nailed how the older Duck fans feel about the uniforms. Count me among them... But, it's apparent that the "kids" love them and if that's what gets the attention and recruits so be it. Don't much like the socks of this getup but overall it's OK.
ReplyDeleteAnd seriously, the iridescent green helmets are the BEST in college football and I can't believe we don't wear them. Especially in this game.
Go Ducks !!!
Dave--
ReplyDeleteThe blur might be cool on television, that's true. It definitely makes a statement. Nike and Oregon have had a very successful partnership that's created a lot of buzz and identity for Duck football.
Doug--
Agree with you that being the away team limits the options. All is definitely forgiven if the socks prove to be lucky.
Anon--
I absolutely love iridescent helmet. The mallard green effect was brilliant design. This new stuff is too cutting edge for me, but it's clear I'm in the aged minority.
GD58--
You're definitely right to point out that if the kids love them, that's the decider. Can't believe the bright neon colors of the '90s are already back in style.
Thanks guys for weighing. It's telling that uniform issues draw more comments than anything on Duck sites. Clearly it gets our attention.
Dale