SO FRESH & SO CLEAN: CSU RAMS GET NEW UNIFORMS

New era, new coach, new look. Seems to all fit together, right? Colorado State football made a subtle, yet significant statement today by unveiling their 2012 uniforms. The newest iteration of Ram wear can most aptly be described as ‘simple.’ Anyone hoping for a jersey with flash or flare, sorry to disappoint but these babies are about as sexy as Britney’s return to the stage in ’07. 

They won’t be confused for Oregon or Boise State or Maryland, but entering a new era,’ the Rams have made a clear statement with their newest uniforms that they are getting back to basics. This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise given coach Mac’s former employer and their penchant for simplicity in unis. The Tide have always had a very basic uniform, opting to let their performance on the field speak louder than some 32-combinations wardrobe. In Mac’s world, it’s a very simple equation... put on your pads, pull on your uni-color jersey, go knock someone around and win a football game. I love it! In fact he was even quoted during media day as preferring the practice jerseys over anything else! How old school is that? It’s like having Bear Bryant, Vince Lombardi, Knute Rockne and Eric Taylor rolled into one. No glitz, no glamour... just football. You might have to google that last name. Side note - I wish Eric Taylor was real and coached my life... I feel like I could do anything with his guidance and wisdom. CLEAR EYES, FULL HEARTS, CAN’T LOSE!

A couple of quick thoughts on the uniforms:

1. Obviously they harken back to a simpler time, and in CSU’s case a more successful time. I like the idea that Rams football needs to keep it simple, get back to fundamentals and earn their flash. I think there’s a symbolism behind these uniforms, and one that speaks to how beautiful football can be when it’s played the right way - simple and clean. Execute properly, don’t make mistakes, don’t be distracted... all of these elements seem to lend themselves to a crisp, un-cluttered uniform. Play like you look! It’s very obvious that the entire football program is going through a re-invention, and this uniform is a fitting byproduct of that process. 
2. There are rumors and talks that CSU athletics might work with a new apparel provider after this season, and I think a lot of people are hoping for that. There’s no doubt that some cool looking uniforms are great for fans and beneficial in the recruiting process, but I still think where they are right now is a good starting point. For now, this jersey fits the Rams and where they need to be from a football perspective. In the future, I hope they start going to bowl games on an annual basis and the uniform pizzaz will follow. There is something charming about the idea of a team earning their stripes. Hell, if they turn in a few 9 win seasons they can roll in elmer’s glue and glitter bomb their jerseys for all I care. Be-dazzle that shit! 

Are they that boring? Cleaner is better in this case. Check out more photos here.
(Courtesy of Dawn Madura/The Coloradoan)

Overall, I give these uniforms a solid B. They are a dramatic improvement over last year’s abominations, and I think the whole classic-look, classic-football thing has some merit to it. I think this team will be able to rally around a style of football, and I think their jerseys accurately reflect what that style will be.

Three years from now, who knows what the jersey situation may be, but for now I gotta say... you can’t really go wrong mimicking Alabama football.

What are your thoughts on the Rams newest togs?