In 2015

[OrangePA]

Do you really think that, say, the 16-24 demographic is where Nike and UA get the majority of their revenue from?

Hint: the answer is no.

But that's not the point.

The point is that our current uniforms blow. I say that as someone who likes cool new uniform designs. I'm not pining for us to return to the 80s SU unis. If Nike came up with something like this I'd be doing cartwheels in excitment:

But they didn't, they gave us this garbage:

I just don't see much difference between the awfulness of the Oregon State uniforms and the SU v. Duke uniforms.

 

[anomander]

Just don't agree.

No player or prospective player tells Alabama or Texas or USC what uniforms those teams should wear. And nobody at those schools care what some player might think.

I don't know about you, but I do feel that it is my Program. My family and I have invested in the Program financially and emotionally for decades.

And I frankly don't care what some snot nosed kid from Florida thinks about the uniforms. I just don't. If he doesn't want to play in our uniforms then go to Rutgers or Wake Forest for all I care.

This year we saw the results of what the players think. And it was an indecipherable mess. The uniforms were ugly - they didn't identify Syracuse University and they certainly didn't prompt the players to play better. Are you suggesting that had the players wore the traditional uniform we would lost the three games we won? Of course not.

The uniforms are for the fans and benefactors of the Program. The players should feel honored to wear our uniform as far as I'm concerned.

And as far as Scott Shafer's press conference is concerned, it seemed to me that he gritted his teeth and took the company line. He seemed basically acknowledged that the issue was out of his control - that he would prefer the traditional uniforms.

And I understand that. What's he going to say in that situation?

So, I understand your points.

But I just disagree.

I'm curious what kind of uniform do you want? At first I tried really hard to like these uniforms, but I just couldn't force myself to like them. I thought the gray was pretty nice for a one off, but not something I would like to see them wear more then once a year. I am also totally for a new design, just not the one they came up with. Staying with the "traditional" uniform imo would have been just as bad. I actually thought we were really onto something Nassib's Sr. year. Those were probably my all time favorites. The blue pants didn't bother me, but those helmets with the blue to orange was awful. So when you say traditional what exactly do you mean?

I also don't by the load of crap that the kids picked out the design. This is a Nike design. Are we supposed to believe it's a big coincidence that Miami, Illinois, and others have pretty much the same design as us? Not sure what the point was of lying, and putting the blame on the kids for the terrible uniform design.

 

[RMH44]

Notice how the white Oregon State Uniform looks so much like ours. I saw 12-15 teams wearing that design this year. It's not our uniform. It's Nike's. Their brand is what's being advertised.

BINGO...we have a winner.

 

[TheCusian]

Just don't agree. No player or prospective player tells Alabama or Texas or USC what uniforms those teams should wear. And nobody at those schools care what some player might think. I don't know about you, but I do feel that it is my Program. My family and I have invested in the Program financially and emotionally for decades. And I frankly don't care what some snot nosed kid from Florida thinks about the uniforms. I just don't. If he doesn't want to play in our uniforms then go to Rutgers or Wake Forest for all I care. This year we saw the results of what the players think. And it was an indecipherable mess. The uniforms were ugly - they didn't identify Syracuse University and they certainly didn't prompt the players to play better. Are you suggesting that had the players wore the traditional uniform we would lost the three games we won? Of course not. The uniforms are for the fans and benefactors of the Program. The players should feel honored to wear our uniform as far as I'm concerned. And as far as Scott Shafer's press conference is concerned, it seemed to me that he gritted his teeth and took the company line. He seemed basically acknowledged that the issue was out of his control - that he would prefer the traditional uniforms. And I understand that. What's he going to say in that situation? So, I understand your points. But I just disagree.

And that's the root of the problem. You want a say in the uni because you've been a fan a long time. Well, that's nice. Unless you're a Phil Knight level supporter you don't get a say. You just don't.

That snot nosed kid from Florida gets a say because he's actually wearing the thing. And he and his teammates get to hoist the trophy, not the fans. Because they are on the field. They are not your employees or cattle. They work all year to give you something to cheer - but you can't - because you can't identify who is who?!? C'mon. It's their team while they are here.

If I were a player and read this thread I might choose to play for some other fans. Actual, appreciative fans.

 

[Scotty44]

No player or prospective player tells Alabama or Texas or USC what uniforms those teams should wear. And nobody at those schools care what some player might think.

SU isn't on par with those schools or has the history of those schools. Bad comparison

 

[Scotty44]

And that's the root of the problem. You want a say in the uni because you've been a fan a long time. Well, that's nice. Unless you're a Phil Knight level supporter you don't get a say. You just don't.

That snot nosed kid from Florida gets a say because he's actually wearing the thing. And he and his teammates get to hoist the trophy, not the fans. Because they are on the field. They are not your employees or cattle. They work all year to give you something to cheer - but you can't - because you can't identify who is who?!? C'mon. It's their team while they are here.

If I were a player and read this thread I might choose to play for some other fans. Actual, appreciative fans.

I agree. It's not about us old guys. It's about the kids. It's their program and they are on the field. If they want to pick the uniforms go for it. As I said in my earlier post, we can't compare our history to that of Texas, USC, or Penn St. They have a better history and a far richer football tradition. They don't need to change uniforms they can say this is it take it or leave it. Syracuse, not on that level, has to do whatever it takes to attract kids to the school. If that means going with funky uniforms then so be it

 

[OttoMets]

Notice how the white Oregon State Uniform looks so much like ours. I saw 12-15 teams wearing that design this year. It's not our uniform. It's Nike's. Their brand is what's being advertised.

This troubles me: SU is giving away something of enormous value (hundreds of hours of nationally-televised advertising to Nike throughout the fall and winter) for free.

And we're allowing our own brand to deteriorate in the bargain.

 

[TheCusian]

This troubles me: SU is giving away something of enormous value (hundreds of hours of nationally-televised advertising to Nike throughout the fall and winter) for free. And we're allowing our own brand to deteriorate in the bargain.

They are not that similar. They are both white. And they are for football.

 

[Full_Rebar]

Things I would love someone from Football or SU Athletics to respond to after NSD:
How many of the 2015 recruits are coming to Syracuse because the new uniforms were a positive factor for Syracuse?
How much money was made in FB merchandise sales this Fall and how does that compare to 2014?
(Honestly I've seen less than 10 people wearing a new football jersey since their release, not to mention that I still haven't seen a gray or white option available for sale)

 

[TheCusian]

Things I would love someone from Football or SU Athletics to respond to after NSD: How many of the 2015 recruits are coming to Syracuse because the new uniforms were a positive factor for Syracuse? How much money was made in FB merchandise sales this Fall and how does that compare to 2014? (Honestly I've seen less than 10 people wearing a new football jersey since their release, not to mention that I still haven't seen a gray or white option available for sale)

Go on Twitter and ask recruits. Not that hard. Or you could go over to the recruiting side and ask the three sets of parents that post there.

 

[Full_Rebar]

Go on Twitter and ask recruits. Not that hard. Or you could go over to the recruiting side and ask the three sets of parents that post there.

Sorry, but I'm of the belief that no one my age should be interacting with HS recruits. I'll follow some players when they are done at SU, but that's it. It's not a NCAA thing, just a personal choice.

As far as parents, I've seen the posts from bambrewer where he's made it clear that he's an Under Armour fan, so I'm sure that uniforms had little to do with Shy's commitment.

Also, I want to hear from Gross or his PR guru on the impact of selling off on the brand to Nike.

 

[KaiserUEO]

She works at SUNY Cortland as an advisor.

I think they went too far with the uni - I wish we'd found a happy medium between the two extreme sides (McNabb era vs Tron).

I don't care to argue about how we are or are not those programs. Some change is good (I like the "S" on the helmets) but don't care for the numerals on the jerseys of the current iteration.

People are taking everything to the extreme. I'm just saying that it's likely that kids like the uni's, that it plays a part however small in the decision, and that I don't mind giving some choice to the kids who actually have to wear them.

I also can't believe I'm the only one who finds Kaiser's comments beyond the pale. Whatever.

cattle

 

[TheCusian]

cattle

Not really.

I got it and find the term offensive.

 

[TheCusian]

Sorry, but I'm of the belief that no one my age should be interacting with HS recruits. I'll follow some players when they are done at SU, but that's it. It's not a NCAA thing, just a personal choice. As far as parents, I've seen the posts from bambrewer where he's made it clear that he's an Under Armour fan, so I'm sure that uniforms had little to do with Shy's commitment. Also, I want to hear from Gross or his PR guru on the impact of selling off on the brand to Nike.

Guess we'll never know the truth.

I'd bet Shy's done some thinking on what he'd look like in the uni playing in the dome, Under Amour or not.

 

[KaiserUEO]

Not really.

I got it and find the term offensive.

i find it offensive that you dont think that the kids should be happy as pigs in shlit to even be invited to play football for Syracuse.

and once invited they will be happy no matter what the uniform looks like and that they will say & think its cool.

and the Head Coach will say nothing but positives to the public about a uniform, one in which he really wouldnt have to say jack squat about...unless the uniform was an absolute travesty to begin with and he had to comment.

and remember...they stay invited at the pleasure of the current Head Coach and academia and if me pointing that out with a harsh word for you causes you to lose focus on the situation...then what can i do??

sorry??

but ultimately, its the school that has failed us in regards to uniforms, not the cattle.

 

[TheCusian]

i find it offensive that you dont think that the kids should be happy as pigs in shlit to even be invited to play football for Syracuse.

and once invited they will be happy no matter what the uniform looks like and that they will say & think its cool.

and the Head Coach will say nothing but positives to the public about a uniform, one in which he really wouldnt have to say jack squat about...unless the uniform was an absolute travesty to begin with and he had to comment.

and remember...they stay invited at the pleasure of the current Head Coach and academia and if me pointing that out with a harsh word for you causes you to lose focus on the situation...then what can i do??

sorry??

but ultimately, its the school that has failed us in regards to uniforms, not the cattle.

That's the problem. You are living in the 50's or something. You assume that the players should just be happy to be invited to play here?

Are you oblivious to the amount of money that is flowing into college football right now - that the player see zilch of? The O'Bannon case flipped the switch. This is not the olden days and it's not the military and you're not boss hog wrangling your cattle (or worse?)... The dynamic is that we're doing all we can to bring in quality kids who care about education and leadership - and yes how they look and what chance they have at the NFL. In some ways we are at the mercy of the talent. That doesn't mean you cede control to the players in everything - but it does mean you bend towards giving them more say in their experience.

You're a fan of bad analogies so indulge me. Happier worker - under the thumb, this is how we do it or hit the road OR Hey, we got you a new coffee machine for the break room and think casual fridays is a good idea? Treating your workforce with respect and giving them say, build loyalty and connection and A TEAM. Saying "My way or the highway" leaves you with miserable workers and substandard product. I'm not saying let them decide to change your company name or whatever - just invite them in to the process.

It's a balancing act - and it's recently been tilted away from what the old guys like - and now they are upset. Aww. Buy a retro-jersey to wear to a game and have some coffee and cookies to talk about the good old days before money ruined your sporting experience.

 

[wfschrec]

i find it offensive that you dont think that the kids should be happy as pigs in shlit to even be invited to play football for Syracuse.

and once invited they will be happy no matter what the uniform looks like and that they will say & think its cool.

and the Head Coach will say nothing but positives to the public about a uniform, one in which he really wouldnt have to say jack squat about...unless the uniform was an absolute travesty to begin with and he had to comment.

and remember...they stay invited at the pleasure of the current Head Coach and academia and if me pointing that out with a harsh word for you causes you to lose focus on the situation...then what can i do??

sorry??

but ultimately, its the school that has failed us in regards to uniforms, not the cattle.

If I were a kid lined up to play for SU and for instance I was slated to wear #5 #54 or even #8 I'd kill to have those 90s uniforms ... looking like Freeney, McNabb or Harrison running around .. all these kids know who those guys are.

 

[TheCusian]

If I were a kid lined up to play for SU and for instance I was slated to wear #5 #54 or even #8 I'd kill to have those 90s uniforms ... looking like Freeney, McNabb or Harrison running around .. all these kids know who those guys are.

Yea - but when they think of them from when they were kids they think of Colts and Eagles uni's.

 

[wfschrec]

That's the problem. You are living in the 50's or something. You assume that the players should just be happy to be invited to play here?

Are you oblivious to the amount of money that is flowing into college football right now - that the player see zilch of? The O'Bannon case flipped the switch. This is not the olden days and it's not the military and you're not boss hog wrangling your cattle (or worse?)... The dynamic is that we're doing all we can to bring in quality kids who care about education and leadership - and yes how they look and what chance they have at the NFL. In some ways we are at the mercy of the talent. That doesn't mean you cede control to the players in everything - but it does mean you bend towards giving them more say in their experience.

You're a fan of bad analogies so indulge me. Happier worker - under the thumb, this is how we do it or hit the road OR Hey, we got you a new coffee machine for the break room and think casual fridays is a good idea? Treating your workforce with respect and giving them say, build loyalty and connection and A TEAM. Saying "My way or the highway" leaves you with miserable workers and substandard product. I'm not saying let them decide to change your company name or whatever - just invite them in to the process.

It's a balancing act - and it's recently been tilted away from what the old guys like - and now they are upset. Aww. Buy a retro-jersey to wear to a game and have some coffee and cookies to talk about the good old days before money ruined your sporting experience.

Your analogy doesn't work ... kids don't go into a classroom at a University and tell the prof what book to use or what they should be teaching ... these kids playing football are auditioning and developing skills for a future career just like a physics student and they are only there 4 years (5 with redshirt) and shouldn't be driving decisions that can impact a program for long periods of time. This isn't a my way or highway scenario ... or a black belt kaizen event we are talking about here. This is football not six sigma for the workplace.

 

[wfschrec]

Yea - but when they think of them from when they were kids they think of Colts and Eagles uni's.

so with our era of youtube and ESPN you are saying they haven't seen McNabb or Freeney or Harrison in an SU uniform right? An idiot with google can do that in 2 mins.

 

[rrlbees]

And that's the root of the problem. You want a say in the uni because you've been a fan a long time. Well, that's nice. Unless you're a Phil Knight level supporter you don't get a say. You just don't. That snot nosed kid from Florida gets a say because he's actually wearing the thing. And he and his teammates get to hoist the trophy, not the fans. Because they are on the field. They are not your employees or cattle. They work all year to give you something to cheer - but you can't - because you can't identify who is who?!? C'mon. It's their team while they are here. If I were a player and read this thread I might choose to play for some other fans. Actual, appreciative fans.

Pfft. We have 85 kids. We have about 20 new ones each year. How do you account for all those opinions? You say the captains maybe designs them? They get offered multiple designs and pick the ones they like? Nobody lets kids decide. And I don't think OPa is saying he himself gets a vote or say.

 

[rrlbees]

Go on Twitter and ask recruits. Not that hard. Or you could go over to the recruiting side and ask the three sets of parents that post there.

Yea, let's keep promoting recruiting violations.

You keep promoting the wrong thing too. It's not whether a kid says they like the uni or not (they'll never say they don't). The right question is do you like A, B or C. No recruit has ever been given choices.

 

[JarHeadJim]

You know who has a really sharp uniform ... the Marine Corps.

Odd that they haven't changed it for 239 years. And they don't have a problem getting recruits.

and hot women!

 

[TheCusian]

Your analogy doesn't work ... kids don't go into a classroom at a University and tell the prof what book to use or what they should be teaching ... these kids playing football are auditioning and developing skills for a future career just like a physics student and they are only there 4 years (5 with redshirt) and shouldn't be driving decisions that can impact a program for long periods of time. This isn't a my way or highway scenario ... or a black belt kaizen event we are talking about here. This is football not six sigma for the workplace.

We are talking about uniforms, not offensive systems or playcalling - or athletic department budgeting. Besides the best teachers meet their students half way, build relationships, make exceptions and offer choices in the small things. You know like "pick a famous author and write a 20 page paper on x."

 

[TheCusian]

so with our era of youtube and ESPN you are saying they haven't seen McNabb or Freeney or Harrison in an SU uniform right? An idiot with google can do that in 2 mins.

You think a 17 year old kid is googling McNabb and Syracuse?

Man - you guys are out of touch. If it's not a current player - they are not discovering SU greats on their own.