Ohio State's Nike Uniforms: Check out Buckeyes' Special Uniforms for Wisconsin

The Ohio State Buckeyes have struggled all year to do almost anything right. They can't score points or win games and, for whatever reason, they can't stay out of trouble.

But it may not be the players or the coaches. Maybe it's the uniforms they have been wearing.

In this weekend's big game against the Wisconsin Badgers, the Buckeyes will wear their new Nike Pro Combat uniforms. This will be the third straight year they have worn the uniform, but the first time it will be against a team other than the Michigan Wolverines. 

With the scarlet jersey and white block lettering, the uniform is supposed to honor their undefeated 1961 team.

The sleeves on the player's undershirt have a gray bark pattern, inspired by the Buckeye Grove.

The rest of the uniform consists of gray pants and a silver helmet that has a scarlet stripe running down the middle of it, while an inscription of the year "1961" is on the socks, neckline and sleeves.

"I think it's a good thing. I really do," first-year head coach Luke Fickell said. "It brings some excitement, different things, whether it's a marketing thing or a recruiting thing. Our guys enjoy it. We enjoy it."

But it brings up the point that if every school is doing these uniform changes, doesn't it defeat the purpose of a recruiting advantage? It can't be an advantage if every school is doing it.

"I think a few years ago when Coach [Jim Tressel] brought it up to me, I was against it. I'm not a guy that likes a whole lot of change. I've seen how the young men, the guys like it, the team likes it. I think it's a part of our culture now. I'm sure there's a lot of traditionalists that don't."

It is becoming part of the college football culture, as every major football program is now wearing special uniforms at some point in the year.

As for Ohio State, if they are able to pull off the upset over Wisconsin this season, they may stick to these uniforms for a while.

It may be the uniforms after all.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

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