Wolverine Devotee

November 20th, 2013 at 5:55 PM ^

Yes, but do they have iconic uniformz that have the WOW factor?

They would have been somewhat better if they had wore Maize pants.

jsquigg

November 20th, 2013 at 6:19 PM ^

Where's Texas?  I'd put them in there before USC.  I also like Florida State.  Not a bad list in terms of traditional looks, but I'm not a fan of Penn State or Alabama's unis personally.

M-Dog

November 20th, 2013 at 9:05 PM ^

Agreed.  

You can't have it both ways.  ND wants to be one of the traditional icons of CFB, yet they want to be a shiny object to teenagers too.  

So you get what they wear now:  Christmas tree ornaments on their heads and moldy gold pants that don't match each other.

Their old uni was worth being on this list.  The new uni is just Maryland-light.

 

MSHOT92

November 20th, 2013 at 7:18 PM ^

Mass of recognition: This is one of the biggest factors that makes an image iconic. It should be so well-known that it becomes the norm for everyone to have seen it. They are recognizable regardless of their age and time. Most iconic photos outlast the author and the person (if applicable) in the image. http://charityholloway.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/what-makes-an-image-ico… there's more to the whole process, but the above description fits in my mind. While ND has flecked their helmet in recent years, the uniform is still reminicent and related to uniforms of early football. Same with Bama and PSU. I would say UCLA too with the shoulder stripes but USC is pretty old school. Probably considering our wings resemble the old leathers I can see where we fit, but Bama and PSU still look like the uniforms of the 50s and 60s to me...

M-Dog

November 20th, 2013 at 9:11 PM ^

Which is why they switched the order of the teams.

A few years ago, we were at the top of all these lists.  But that gets boring.  How many times can you put out the same list with Michigan at the top?  So they put out the same list, this time with Alabama at the top.

Victor Hale II

November 20th, 2013 at 9:15 PM ^

Can ND uniforms really be "iconic" when Navy's look identical? In my mind, "iconic" implies that it's unique as well. Thus, I agree with PSU uniforms on this list, even though I think they're bland. Like BJR said, it's not necessarily about the coolest or prettiest looking uniforms. It's more (IMO) about instant recognition and a popular brand.

M-Dog

November 20th, 2013 at 9:27 PM ^

It's all about the helmets.  If Michigan had a block M on the helmet, it would be just another uni.

Here's an interesting thought:  What are the iconic unis in CFB without considering the helmet?  Are there any at all?  Maybe the distinctive colors of UCLA, UNC, or Texas.  That might be about it.

 

justingoblue

November 20th, 2013 at 10:31 PM ^

Texas, USC, FSU, UCLA. I have an irrational love of Michigan pants because they have the M on them, but I don't know if that's awesome because it's awesome or awesome because it's Michigan and anything would be great. That said, I think we're in the top five on colors alone.

Other than that, maybe Oklahoma, Alabama, Notre Dame and OSU.

BlueInOH

November 20th, 2013 at 10:59 PM ^

Watching last weekend's Tiebreaker and remembering how great our unis loooked with the black shoes and white socks makes me wish for UM to resurrect this traditional, classic look.  Like most everyone on the blog, I will always maintain that UM Football has the best uniforms on the planet regardless of sport, but I'm not a big fan of the blue socks/black shoes.  Alabama, PSU and USC still sport the white socks which fully preserves all components of their traditional uniform and distinquishes them from everyone else.

DenverBuckeye

November 21st, 2013 at 11:00 AM ^

For me, "Iconic" means that when you see that team on TV, you know immediately who it is without seeing the team listed or the announcers saying who it is.

I can't really put it in order, but here are the top schools IMO:

Michigan

Ohio State

UCLA

Texas

Penn State

LSU

 

I've confused Bama and Oklahoma at a glance before. Same for Florida and Boise. When you see players in a burnt orange jersey, winged helmet, purple and gold, or a helmet covered in Buckeye leaves, you know what school that is instantly.