Then again, the Wisconsin uniform looks like a masterpiece compared to Notre Dame's latest Shamrock Series design, which the Fighting Irish will unfortunately wear on Nov. 12 while facing Army at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
By now everyone understands the basic idea behind the Shamrock Series uniforms: The Irish normally wear one of college football's most conservative, traditional designs, so for one game each year they get to cut loose and wear some sort of wacky superhero costume. It's like the premise behind the "Purge" movie series -- an annual day of mayhem, just to take the edge off.
If you like that approach, then you'll love this year's Shamrock Series uniform. Since the opposing team is Army, the Irish are wearing olive instead of their usual shade of green. Unfortunately, this color really puts the "drab" in olive drab -- sort of a down-on-your-luck of the Irish.
As is typical for this type of uniform, there are lots of details that seem geared more for a press conference than for a football game. The helmets and sleeves, for example, feature an archway with a "God, Country, Notre Dame" inscription, which can be found at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the Notre Dame campus. Take a good look at them now, because they'll probably be reduced to a blur when you're watching the game.
This type of uniform almost resists critique because it's not really intended to be a uniform -- it's intended to create the feel of a comic book, or even a movie. If that's your thing, then by all means, reach for the popcorn. If not, well, the Irish will be wearing their regular uniforms for their other 12 games.
