Ohio State Football Uniforms: Going Retro Was Right Decision by Buckeyes

When the Ohio State Buckeyes took the field against Wisconsin on Saturday, the first thing everybody noticed was the new Nike Pro Combat uniforms. While most teams have decided to go with new, outlandish jersey sets, Ohio State decided to honor the 1961 championship team (Associated Press).

And it worked out great.

Even though they had a modern flair that made them unique, the makeover didn't go completely overboard like some teams have done. When a school has as much history and prestige as Ohio State, going radical is rarely a good decision.

Instead, the Buckeyes stuck close to tradition with scarlet jerseys and gray pants with helmets that featured black numbers. The entire uniform had a perfect flow to it and was able to capture the Ohio State feel.

For teams like Maryland, which have struggled to remain competitive in football in recent years, making headlines with jerseys isn't a bad idea. It allows them to get publicity for the team, even if it is of the negative variety. All publicity is good publicity, as the saying goes.

That's not the case for Ohio State. If the Buckeyes were to run out of the tunnel with a monstrosity like college football fans have witnessed this season, the long-time supporters of the school would be up in arms about the change.

Add to that the fact they are honoring the Football Writers Association Champions of 1961, and the jerseys will be huge sellers whenever they become available to the general public. Especially among the school's alumni.

Change is a buzz word in today's society and it's something Ohio State and Nike managed to avoid with the jersey featured today. The Buckeyes proved that while change is sometimes necessary, keeping things the same can sometimes be just as impressive.

At the end of the day, going retro was the best decision they could have made.