At the very least, projected money in additional jersey sales because the "it's about recruiting" justification doesn't hold up to much scrutiny.
To uphold my tradition of making too much of things, the 2002 redesign might've represented a turning point. This was basically pre-alternate era. We were just getting into the era of uniform design as fashion/revenue generator. Some schools--Auburn, Texas, Michigan, USC, etc.--decided they valued their classic look more than the potential of modern curb appeal from those not all that invested in the program. Nebraska decided it was open to change, and here we are. Not that there aren't other peer programs who eventually made the same decision. Oklahoma and Notre Dame have played around a bit and still had success.
In the end, you've just got to win, no matter what you're wearing.
My heart tells me no, but my brain tells me yes. A lot of the problem with a uniform redesign is there are so many stakeholders involved, but ultimately it comes down to a handful of people having to decide "are we changing or not?" If yes, the best action at that point is probably to turn the dials to extreme change. Do something nobody's done before--this basically put Oregon on the map--rather than aiming for the most change you can get away with without alienating traditionalists. All you do in the middle is fail to please the modernists AND the traditionalists. No half measures.
There has to be money involved in some way . . .
At the very least, projected money in additional jersey sales because the "it's about recruiting" justification doesn't hold up to much scrutiny.
To uphold my tradition of making too much of things, the 2002 redesign might've represented a turning point. This was basically pre-alternate era. We were just getting into the era of uniform design as fashion/revenue generator. Some schools--Auburn, Texas, Michigan, USC, etc.--decided they valued their classic look more than the potential of modern curb appeal from those not all that invested in the program. Nebraska decided it was open to change, and here we are. Not that there aren't other peer programs who eventually made the same decision. Oklahoma and Notre Dame have played around a bit and still had success.
In the end, you've just got to win, no matter what you're wearing.
Yep, the bottom line, regardless. "Just win baby, win."
I will not be satisfied until we have a helmet that is this color... (minute 5:05 on the video) https://youtu.be/1nzxeI_vfi8?si=4X00WodoeoBF7D4P&t=305
My heart tells me no, but my brain tells me yes. A lot of the problem with a uniform redesign is there are so many stakeholders involved, but ultimately it comes down to a handful of people having to decide "are we changing or not?" If yes, the best action at that point is probably to turn the dials to extreme change. Do something nobody's done before--this basically put Oregon on the map--rather than aiming for the most change you can get away with without alienating traditionalists. All you do in the middle is fail to please the modernists AND the traditionalists. No half measures.
Ooh, I've been waiting for this! Thanks for giving in to the urge, Brandon.
Thank you, Amy. I needed the validation that this at least appeals to someone.
I was really hoping you would have thoughts to share on this disaster. Great analysis, as usual. Disappointing to see them screw this up.