The real story of the upcoming Superbowl
January 21st, 2013 at 12:57 PM ^
I think that there is no question but that the winged helmet design, featuring leather patches in the general "wing" and "stripes" configuration pre-dated Crisler at Princeton, and Michigan, by several years.
January 21st, 2013 at 1:13 PM ^
I think you are missing the subtlety of the story. Spalding helmet was not a winged design. It was merely a construction. Crisler expanded the mere construction of the helmet into a painted design. This made the helmet distinctive from an appearance standpoint, and also had the added effect of making receivers more visible to the QB.
When helmet technology moved past the Spalding construction, all teams that used it effectively abandoned any remote resemblance to the Michigan Design.
Says so here:
http://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/helmet/mhelmet.htm
January 21st, 2013 at 8:42 AM ^
January 21st, 2013 at 8:54 AM ^
January 21st, 2013 at 9:08 AM ^
The real story is whether or not Chipotle will be repeating their 50% off burritos for the Superbowl.
Will root for the 49ers (Jim Harbaugh, J.Goodwin, M.Manningham (although he probably won't be playing). The 49ers O-line will dominate the Ravens front 7 anyways.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:12 AM ^
If he was a free agent I'd shop him as the lucky charm for a championship.
January 21st, 2013 at 9:29 AM ^
January 21st, 2013 at 10:41 AM ^
Whatever sort they are, he should be shedding them in prison.
January 21st, 2013 at 1:33 PM ^
He is for sure going to fake cry during the national anthem because it happens every game.
January 21st, 2013 at 9:44 AM ^
but the Deleware blue is more historically accurate for Michigan.
January 21st, 2013 at 9:59 AM ^
January 21st, 2013 at 10:37 AM ^
KC Keeler, the just-recently-fired Delaware HC (went into "numbskull decision of the year" category), had this to say about the helmet. When he was first hired, his then-AD told him, "there are only two things you can't mess with as Delaware head coach. First, you can't mess with the schedule." (read: don't play Delaware St.) (which of course they later messed with). "Second, you can't mess with the helmets."
So these helmets are now tradition at Delaware.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:15 AM ^
January 21st, 2013 at 10:39 AM ^
The Harbaugh pic shows something I think of every time I watch a game but don't think I have ever heard commented on: how the stripes on the helmets have changed. See how the three stripes are close together on Harbaugh's helmet? Check out some photos of current helmets. The stripes are more widely spaced. At times, we have had different stripe configurations on the field at the same time. I have assumed this was because of changes in helmet design and because there were multiple helmets being used in the same season. Anyone have any insight?
January 21st, 2013 at 10:56 AM ^
The newer helmets have vents in them that would break up the stripes, so they were moved a little bit.
Interesting helmet fact: The yellow stripes are not painted on a blue helmet. Rather, a blue background that creates an outline of the stripes is painted on a yellow helmet.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:02 AM ^
Now I know.. thanks!
January 21st, 2013 at 1:40 PM ^
The MORE interesting fact is that its ONE GUY who puts all the tape on every UM helmet to create the wings -- that is, he applies the tape over the all-yellow helmet, to create a mask (masque?) for when the blue paint is applied. He might also be responsible for the stripes, IIRC.
Point is, this isn't some mass-manufactured decal that is applied by machine. It's done with love by human hand. But you also might see a bit of non-uniformity, as a result.
Other point is, this guy isn't a spring chicken. Not sure they have a backup plan.
(Now, when we get YELLOW CHROME helmets with MATTE BLUE stripes for homecoming some year in the future, I'm sure an evil robot will be responsible for that.)
January 21st, 2013 at 10:49 AM ^
I really have to move on.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:00 AM ^
We really need to have Deleware come play at the Big House on a bye-week. After a few tailgate beers, most people won't know the difference. It will be a big hit, and extra revenue for the AD.
One of those 15 new AD marketing associates needs to get on this, fast.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:48 AM ^
Perhaps we could do a doubleheader with Appalachian State in 2014.
January 21st, 2013 at 12:23 PM ^
Get Dave Brandon on the phone.
January 21st, 2013 at 8:19 PM ^
Michigan originated the brilliant maize wings on a powerfully hued blue helmet, paired with boldly minimalist jersey and pants and a gorgeous block 'M' monogram. And then proceeded to play hard-nosed, exceptional football for more years and more wins than anyone in the land ... and they did it with class and integrity, and they've been doing it ever since, in front of the largest stadium in America, to the greatest fight song in history.
Go Blue.