What is the "uniform surprise"?

[jason_h537]

Recruits like it. Players like it. What's to argue here? Isn't that all that matters?

Fans do realize this uniform is just for one game right? This isn't a beta or demo thing. This is just a fun change-up for a one off game. Chill the **** out.

 

[dshans]

The helmets are ugly. The socks are comic. The stripe on the pants is poorly done and an unnecessary waste of thread and material.

Adding pink to the uniform in respect for victims of breast cancer and as a call for continued research to find a cure is a worthwhile "tweak." A patch or a band to honor a recruit, player or coach who has died is honorable. Anything else is marketing fluff and wasted effort.

Should we reach a point where recruits choose to commit or not commit to ND because of the uniforms we will be going after the wrong people. If players are not motivated to give their all because they're disappointed with the "swag" then we've signed the wrong young men.

I have no doubt that some players and some recruits "like" the change of pace, but just how many potential and current players would refuse an offer or refuse to play were ND to hold fast and true to "traditional" uniforms. Take a poll. Did players who transfered in or transfered out list flash and splash (or the lack thereof) as a reason?

There is a trend toward uniform providers to dictate the actions of schools in order to maintain lucrative contracts. Not a good thing.

I'm with you, Wooly, in this great divide.

 

[IrishGiant]

The helmets are ugly. The socks are comic. The stripe on the pants is poorly done and an unnecessary waste of thread and material.

Adding pink to the uniform in respect for victims of breast cancer and as a call for continued research to find a cure is a worthwhile "tweak." A patch or a band to honor a recruit, player or coach who has died is honorable. Anything else is marketing fluff and wasted effort.

Should we reach a point where recruits choose to commit or not commit to ND because of the uniforms we will be going after the wrong people. If players are not motivated to give their all because they're disappointed with the "swag" then we've signed the wrong young men.

I have no doubt that some players and some recruits "like" the change of pace, but just how many potential and current players would refuse an offer or refuse to play were ND to hold fast and true to "traditional" uniforms. Take a poll. Did players who transfered in or transfered out list flash and splash (or the lack thereof) as a reason?

There is a trend toward uniform providers to dictate the actions of schools in order to maintain lucrative contracts. Not a good thing.

I'm with you, Wooly, in this great divide.

100% this. Please, people choosing us because our uniforms have "swag" whatever the eff that is? I dont mind changing things up now and again, but this unifrom effort sucked big time. Horrible helmet design, the rest is passable though, but the reason for this has nothing to do with the team, and everything to do with merchandise $

 

[NDinFL]

Fans do realize this uniform is just for one game right? This isn't a beta or demo thing. This is just a fun change-up for a one off game. Chill the **** out.

Yup.

I agree

 

[peoriairish]

We aren't saying that recruits are choosing us solely because of the uniforms. There is a two-fold reason for them. First, it gets the people talking. Now recruits who didn't know ND was playing in Ireland before the morning CFB games on Sept 1 know they are. This brings the attention, good or bad, to our beloved football team. Now all the boys need to do it win the game. Second, it shows that ND has the lengthy tradition and is still the school it is, but can keep up with the times and isn't afraid to push the envelope and not be a stuffy, stuck in the glory days institution. These single game alternate uniforms are good for the university and for the football team.

 

[irishfanjho15]

We aren't saying that recruits are choosing us solely because of the uniforms. There is a two-fold reason for them. First, it gets the people talking. Now recruits who didn't know ND was playing in Ireland before the morning CFB games on Sept 1 know they are and may turn on the game to see the 'ugliest uniforms ever'. This brings the attention, good or bad, to our beloved football team. Now all the boys need to do it win the game. Second, it shows that ND has the lengthy tradition and is still the school it is, but can keep up with the times and isn't afraid to push the envelope and not be a stuffy, stuck in the glory days institution. These single game alternate uniforms are good for the university and for the football team.

Again, ND is not wearing these in Ireland, just for the Miami game at Solider Field in Chicago.

 

[peoriairish]

Again, ND is not wearing these in Ireland, just for the Miami game at Solider Field in Chicago.

You are 100% correct and I knew that. My post is adjusted. Thanks.

Still, even though we aren't wearing the jerseys, we are the only game on at 9am ET I believe. Now they know to turn it on.

 

[ShamrockOnHelmet]

LOTS of strawman going on in this thread... Lots of it.

 

[irishfanjho15]

LOTS of strawman going on in this thread... Lots of it.

You should visit this thread---->>>> http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/leprechaun-lounge/69266-just-out-curiosity-president.html


......and this is why we can't have nice things

 

[irishtrain]

The helmets are ugly. The socks are comic. The stripe on the pants is poorly done and an unnecessary waste of thread and material.

Adding pink to the uniform in respect for victims of breast cancer and as a call for continued research to find a cure is a worthwhile "tweak." A patch or a band to honor a recruit, player or coach who has died is honorable. Anything else is marketing fluff and wasted effort.

Should we reach a point where recruits choose to commit or not commit to ND because of the uniforms we will be going after the wrong people. If players are not motivated to give their all because they're disappointed with the "swag" then we've signed the wrong young men.

I have no doubt that some players and some recruits "like" the change of pace, but just how many potential and current players would refuse an offer or refuse to play were ND to hold fast and true to "traditional" uniforms. Take a poll. Did players who transfered in or transfered out list flash and splash (or the lack thereof) as a reason?

There is a trend toward uniform providers to dictate the actions of schools in order to maintain lucrative contracts. Not a good thing.

I'm with you, Wooly, in this great divide.

Under the disguise of hey its just for 1 game lets be real here-this program is in bad shape-and this type of thing confirms it. Learn how to win and try that first before you become clown like. Maybe Miami will laugh themselves silly and not wake up until the 4th quarter. In a word BAD.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Under the disguise of hey its just for 1 game lets be real here-this program is in bad shape-and this type of thing confirms it. Learn how to win and try that first before you become clown like. Maybe Miami will laugh themselves silly and not wake up until the 4th quarter. In a word BAD.

lol it's amazing how bad of a shape the Oregon program is because of their uniforms. Or Wisconsin because they have an odd alternate jersey this year too. NDNation.com | Notre Dame Football and Basketball News Plus

 

[BGIF]

lol it's amazing how bad of a shape the Oregon program is because of their uniforms. Or Wisconsin because they have an odd alternate jersey this year too. NDNation.com | Notre Dame Football and Basketball News Plus

By your "But Everybody's doing it!" logic, ND should be in a conference, too.


Doesn't matter how popular the unis are, dshans still nailed it, "ugly".

Maybe next year, ND can wear baggy pants hanging below their jocks, that's popular.

 

[NDdomer2]

Wanna know the worst part?




This will all come back up as the Miami game gets closer....Yay Red Stripe Hooray!

 

[Irish To The Core]

It is not a big deal, just one game, so I am not all that concerned about it. But...somebody actually received money for designing that helmet? Did they just go straight to the designer of those Maryland state flag rags just to make sure they got something truly ugly?

 

[dshans]

Maybe next year, ND can wear baggy pants hanging below their jocks, that's popular.

... but the baggy pants, dragging on the turf (be it natural, artificial or a mix) would slow the players and provide opponents a bonus "schematic advantage." Bell bottoms would be retro peachy keen dandy neat-o cool far out! Hell, if the pants only covered the area between the j-strap and the top of the knee, they would reflect retro short shorts. There would also be a cost savings on material costs that could be shuffled to one time costs of creating ongoing once-a-year (SMH) helmets, which ain't cheap, by the way.

Too soon?!

A bowl game is a once a year thing as well. Do we allow Adidas to dictate that we field a team decked out in a uniform design of their questionable choice?

Dance with the one that brung ya.

 

[BGIF]

It is not a big deal, just one game, so I am not all that concerned about it. But...somebody actually received money for designing that helmet? Did they just go straight to the designer of those Maryland state flag rags just to make sure they got something truly ugly?

The Maryland designer had a handicap (do I have to say sartorially challenged for the PC set?). He/she has to work for the complex design of the Maryland as a base.

The ND designer had to work for a base that personifies the K.I.S.S. principle.

As Dr Saturday wrote about the ND unis:

But where the whole uniform loses it, where it becomes The Fonz on water skis, is the helmet. What is that? It's half Vegas galore and half boxing Irishman. It's the Two-Face of helmets. Granted, this isn't the first time the Irish have used the gold glam on their helmets. Last year's Shamrock Series game against Maryland featured all-gold helmets with giant green shamrock stickers. Even though those helmets looked a little goofy, I definitely liked them better than these identity crisis helmets.

Honestly, I like Notre Dame's tradition gold helmets which are simple, plain, Notre Dame. And I even liked them with the throwback uniforms the Irish wore against Michigan last year.

I appreciate that Notre Dame is trying to spice up uniforms that have been the same since the Byzantine Era, but honestly, why mess with one of college football's great traditional uniforms?

Notre Dame outdoes itself with new Shamrock Series uniforms (and not in a good way) | Dr. Saturday - Yahoo! Sports

 

[Wizzle32]

I like the uniforms a lot but i wish they would of went with the all gold helmets. I do digg the logo though. I love the fact ND is starting to get with the times and appeal to the younger generations. I believe people will eventually grow to like these more and change their minds on these uniforms after the "initial shock" wares off (wooly being the exception lol)

Wooly, you say you dont care that our recruits and a bunch of 17-18 year old kids like them? Well im glad they do because thats the same kids I cheer for when they put on that ND jersey. Maybe it wont help with recruiting in any sort, but the players and recruits love the uniforms so it does give some kind of a positive outlook in some way, even if its the slightest bit, and believe it or not it does give the payers a little bit more of an adrenaline boost. Teo said it best "Look good, feel good then you play good"

some players like the excitement of change in uniforms instead of wearing the same uniform every game. Why not let them have fun with it for 1 game? I respect your opinion man, I really do, but is it really that devastating to you? why cant you throw away your morals as simple as what our jersey looks like for 1 game and just let the players swag out? They are excited and amped up to wear these jerseys at soldier field and honestly thats all that really matters to me.

 

[jason_h537]

Maybe next year, ND can wear baggy pants hanging below their jocks, that's popular.

Dude, that hasn't been popular since like 2000.

 

[aubeirish]

Kids love them that is what is really important in the end. It's all about recruiting perks. A win will be more important for us in the end. They could wear cleveland brown uniform for all I care as long as we get the W.

 

[MacadamianNut]

Ugh, good thing it's only for one game

I wonder if next year's iteration of the Shamrock series will continue the pattern and make this year's helmet look awesome by comparison

Awesome gloves though

 

[kmoose]

Kids love them that is what is really important in the end..

Horsehockey!! Do you think kids like two-a-days? If that's all that matters, then why still have them? People wonder why these kids seem to have a sense of entitlement? I would rather be a perennial 8-4 team, and maintain the tradition of humble players who are good people, than to sell out for a NC every 5-10 years and have a bunch of egocentric punks on the team.

 

[aubeirish]

Horsehockey!! Do you think kids like two-a-days? If that's all that matters, then why still have them? People wonder why these kids seem to have a sense of entitlement? I would rather be a perennial 8-4 team, and maintain the tradition of humble players who are good people, than to sell out for a NC every 5-10 years and have a bunch of egocentric punks on the team.

I was talking more in terms of recruiting. This is the kind of stuff that get the attention of recruits. Things have changed. Besides, I am not sure how having a cool uniform once a year is really selling out. Lower academics to a SEC level would be selling out, but that is not going to happen.

 

[kmoose]

I was talking more in terms of recruiting. This is the kind of stuff that get the attention of recruits. Things have changed. Besides, I am not sure how having a cool uniform once a year is really selling out. Lower academics to a SEC level would be selling out, but that is not going to happen.

Changing the helmet is selling out. I'm not against the uniform changes, in general, for special games. It's really not unlike breaking out the green jerseys. But the helmets are iconic. However, even beyond that...... I'm tired of hearing about "the kids want", "the kids like", "the kids don't like". This is about Notre Dame, the University. These kids choose to come to ND because they want the benefits that ND affords them. If you want the benefits, then you can honor the traditions. Especially when those traditions are as solid as ND's.

 

[GreatGolson]

Dude, that hasn't been popular since like 2000.

This

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

By your "But Everybody's doing it!" logic, ND should be in a conference, too.

Completely different situations. One is changing everything about a program. The other is doing something for the players for one game.

Doesn't matter how popular the unis are, dshans still nailed it, "ugly".

The people that are wearing them don't think so. The players are what's most important because without them there isn't a program. Of course people here care much more about fashion than the players.

Maybe next year, ND can wear baggy pants hanging below their jocks, that's popular.

No it's not. It hasn't been since The Wire was on TV.

 

[50milesSE ND]

It's for one damn game so please just get the f**k over it. Some of you act like you go to practice, and play in the games. These kids, and coaches are the ones putting in the work so if for one game they want to have fun then so be it. I played in college not for Notre Dame unfortunately, but I do know how much time, and effort goes into it. Something people on here need to realize is that the season can sometimes start to drag, or wear on the players/coaches especially with the season we have lined up. Therefore let them have this little change because it can be reenergizing in a tough season. I'm all for it even though I love our traditional uniforms. Change is always occuring, and sometimes it's for the better. I doubt if Notre Dame returns to glory people will be bitching about the uniforms.......

 

[tko]

disgraceful behavior taking place over this.

 

[FLDomer]

^ Reps 50. Well said!

 

[Rocket89]

When Ara put stars on the helmet for much more than one game, did people complain that they didn't want players on the team who thought such swag was cool?

I don't care if the uniform or helmet is ugly. Notre Dame has worn many ugly things in the past. I want the people who are so against this one game uniform to start proving why this suddenly means Notre Dame has lost its way, ruined its brand, and sold its soul.

Back it up. I don't care if you don't like it or think it's ugly. I don't like the helmet either. Just someone step up and prove why this will have any legitimate negative repercussions.

And by the way, here's what we'll be wearing at every single home game this year:

Does anyone have a leg to stand on?

 

[Bogtrotter07]

100% this. Please, people choosing us because our uniforms have "swag" whatever the eff that is? I dont mind changing things up now and again, but this unifrom effort sucked big time. Horrible helmet design, the rest is passable though, but the reason for this has nothing to do with the team, and everything to do with merchandise $

Look, quick, Dshans, someone else on this thread loves you!