But, the change of season that officially happens following Kent State's bowl game will usher a season of real hope for Purdue's football program. I'd argue this is the first time we've really had something to look forward to in about eight years. Sure, as fans, our hearts wanted to see big things in the September of Joe Tiller's career and when an under experienced successor was hired, we pulled for him as well...but our logic nudged us another direction. One not of cautious optimism, but extremely-managed expectations at best...and a negative outlook at worst.
So with the change, Hazell says he'll open up practices and invite fans to come watch...he wants to see guys earn their positions...and he wants to change the culture of the program. As we saw yesterday, he has his work cut out for him. But a guy who truly knows what it's like to be around a winner and has the combination of Xs & Os knowledge with a bit of rah-rah sprinkled on top, might be exactly what Purdue needs to not only become a competitor again, but to do it in a season or two.
We've been beating the drum of Purdue wearing a matte black helmet as an alternate for a few years...and we still like the idea. The matte black looks tough...and unlike most programs in America who roll out the dull finish for special games, Purdue actually has black in its colors. Plus, players love to see alternate uniforms and changes in unis. So while you might be an old guy who doesn't think it matters, it kinda does to a 19 year old...and it'd be pretty fun to see some change.
So, to go along with a new coaching staff, let's pull for a change to the uniforms...
If you follow us on Twitter, you've already seen these...so this is a bit redundant. But, our reach on the site is a bit larger than that on Twitter, so here goes:
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| Matte black helmet, gloss P, gloss single stripe, black chin strap and trim on the back. |
This along with a slight tweak to the uniforms would be a pretty solid improvement- same general design, but no italicized numerals...traditional block.
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| A tweak, not a radical change should do the trick below the neck. |
If you agree or disagree, weigh in. If you really like what you see, forward the link to Burke, Hazell or whomever else you think might appreciate the concept.
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| Purdue helmets circa 1949 |
One more thing- black helmets for Purdue aren't something that Fred Akers invented. Purdue has had black helmets four times in the program's history...But gloss black with a gold P and twin white stripes surrounding a gold stripe were Coach Akers' brain child. That look still makes me wanna throw up a bit in my mouth...but I like the black/black look much more.
I'm a fan of the matte black with the gloss gold P
ReplyDeleteI say we don't let them wear helmets at all until they learn their positions!
ReplyDeleteNot sure getting hit in the head will help anyone retain new schemes.
ReplyDeleteAfter yesterday, I don't care what they wear if they are competing for championships. If pink tutus and fairy wings make them win, I'd be ok with them wearing it. That said, the prototype you showed looked pretty good. I think the matte black looks much better than matte other colors. Black or gold metallic P on the helmet would both look pretty cool
ReplyDeleteI dont like the three stripes of the 1949 helmet. But, that is Old Gold; not the metallic beige or Vegas urine the guys wear now. Can we get the Old Gold back please Nike?? I mean, it is officially one of Purdue's colors, right?
ReplyDeleteI think Purdue would have to switch over to Russell, Adidas or UA to get the gold they want. Nike pushes the metallic beige pretty hard.
ReplyDeleteI hate the single stripe. Doesn't look good with the motion P. I say take the stripe off as well.
ReplyDeleteI like the black on black helmet, but if it's going to be a permanent change, I would prefer a gold P. Black on black is fine for special occasions. Most importantly though, the numbers on the uniform HAVE to change. The tiny slant numbers we have now are weak. Big block numbers like in the picture above is a huge improvement.
ReplyDeleteNO, NO, NO to the three stripes. Leave them in Ann Arbor and Newark, Deleware where they belong. Though I'd like to see three sets of uniforms, if they bring back the gold jersies they should have black numbers so they can be seen in the sunlight. It would be neat if at least the black jersies had "UCLA" shoulders. Model them on what the Colts wear, just change the colors. If they have stripes, then they should all match: helmet, shoulders, and pants. Yes! Yes! Yes! to large block numbers. The white jersey should be the reverse of the black one, and if you want a high-tech look, the gold jersey with a special weave would fill that role. If there is a logo on the helmet, then it should be visible. It's probably too idealistic to ask the current breed of athlete to "play for the name on the front," so give him a uniform with his name on the back. Purdue is probably the most conservative school in a traditional conference. Their uniforms should reflect that, with the exception of a high-tech gold jersey. Lastly, I don't have a problem with the lighter shade of gold. PLEASE don't go to that chrome look which Michigan State wore the last time they played in Ann Arbor!
ReplyDeleteAnd PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, Mr. Burke, please schedule Louisville after you play Cincinnati twice.
ReplyDeleteAs we've said from the get-go, we do NOT advocate black helmets as a permanent thing. We like the idea as a once or twice a year special alternate.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad SOMEONE else agrees with me on the numbers... Italicized numbers have no place on a football uniform. The lack of symmetry has made my OCD go nuts ever since those were announced.
ReplyDeleteI say they go for a full blackout with the matte black helmets for a night game...
...oh wait, I forgot that we didn't fire Burke.