Whether it is to reminisce in the past, imagine the future, or try to make headlines, more college football programs are going to an alternate uniform, whether it be once in a while or even for every game, such as the University of Oregon has done in recent seasons.
Arguably the most recognized alternate uniform in college football, it has been brought out for special occasions over the years. Without these uniforms, no one else may have ever done this.
2. Clemson Purple
These all-purple uniforms are usually worn for big games, whether it is a rival such as Georgia Tech, Florida State or South Carolina. The Run Down the Hill is electrified with these uniforms.
3. Oregon BCS Championship Game
When Oregon played in the 2011 BCS Championship Game, it chose to wear this uniform combination. Since the school has been wearing different combinations for every game, part of the excitement of any Oregon game is how the team will be dressed.
4. Maryland Pride
First worn against the University of Miami in 2011, this uniform was reviled by its critics. It was memorable because Maryland won only two games in the 2011 season.
5. Syracuse All-Orange
Sporting these all orange uniforms and helmets, Syracuse really takes its “Orange” nickname to a whole new level.
First worn for “senior night” against UCLA in 2010. It has become a staple for the Huskies.
8. Missouri Beast
First worn for the 2009 Border War game against arch-rival Kansas, this uniform offers a new look and lets opponents know that the Tigers will bring a fight to the field.
9. Ole Miss Red Uniforms
With a red jersey and gray pants, Ole Miss lets it fans know that a big game is taking place at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
10. Pittsburgh Pro Combat
Pittsburgh wears these uniforms to show its pride by making the “PITT” that appears on the helmet and uniforms look like steel beams.
11. Alabama Next Wave
Worn against rival Mississippi State on Nov. 13, 2009, the numbers in this uniform feature the houndstooth pattern based on the fedora that legendary coach Bear Bryant wore on the sidelines.
12. LSU All-Whites
This all-white combination was worn for its 2009 matchup against rival Arkansas. Its inspiration comes from LSU’s 1940s uniforms and its scoreless tie with Arkansas in the 1947 Cotton Bowl, known as “The Ice Bowl.”
13. TCU With Ice In Its Veins
This uniform by the saying of legendary coach Dutch Meyer. TCU first wore this uniform in 2010 against Oregon State.
14. Cal Golden Bears All-Golden
Shouldn’t the Golden Bears be decked out in all-yellow every so often? These uniforms are a departure from the blue and yellow mix they are most known for wearing.
15. Boise State All-Orange
These uniforms are a great departure from the all-blue look while running around the blue turf. Makes watching on television just that much easier.
Utah’s attempt to honor military service was expressed in this uniform. These uniforms are great for Utah because they are such a departure from its standard home red uniforms.
17. Northwestern All-Purple
As the Big 10’s only private university, Northwestern is known much more for its academics than athletics. However, these uniforms are much more exciting than stodgy uniforms it usually wears.
18. Washington State All-Grey
Though they are from the Evergreen State, the Washington State Cougars’ grey uniforms are a great change from the drab red and white uniforms from the past.
19. Baylor All-Whites
In 2011, these all-whites first appeared for Baylor for road games. For Baylor, it will also be remembered as the season it produced its first Heisman Trophy winner, Robert Griffin.
These uniforms are much better to see the football team rather than the powder blue uniforms that it is known for sporting.
21. Duke Black
Being the Blue Devils, this is the darkest thing we have ever seen from Duke. If the basketball team can get away with them on occasion, why can’t the football team?
22. Stanford Black
Stanford donning black uniforms is an easy way out for a third jersey, but what else could it get away with?
23. Kentucky Black
Even though it represents the Bluegrass State, it is great to see Kentucky wear an all-black uniform that is fun for its fans to see.
24. Tennessee Black
All you have to say is that the Vols will look like chess pieces once they get into the end zone. 2009 was the first season since the 1920s that Tennessee donned black for a game.
These uniforms are worn for home games and are a departure of mixing the gold with West Virginia’s traditional blue uniforms.
Edwin Alexanderis a Florida State University alumnus and Seminole fan. He earned a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Supply Chain Management from Florida State University in 2009.
