I remember when I first discovered Uni-watch. I wondered if there could ever possibly be enough material to keep it worth a revisit once in a while. Well, Oregon, Maryland, and uniforms in general have only become more of a conversation topic since then so yes, it is worth a visit. I have generally found the editorial comments about uniforms (a very subjective topic) to be in line with my opinions. This is no exception.
I hope Fleck is very successful here. I have nothing against him. Regardless if he is successful or not, I will STILL dislike his personal brand being on everything here. I remember well how "Row the Boat" was plastered everywhere at W Mich when we hired him. I'm sure it immediately felt goofy for the locals there when he left. At the time I thought to myself "I sure hope he doesn't do all that here." Of course he did and now we have big, dumb oars on our helmets. The bricks on the previous uniforms were nothing like this. There was team history playing in brick stadiums, the pattern was very understated, and it didn't leave with the coach. In fact, if the oar and compass pattern that is on the numbers of these new uniforms were the only reference to row the boat - I'd be totally fine with it. It is mentioned in the article in the same way: if it were a subtle addition to the helmet bumper, etc. it would be okay. But this is different - and when it is combined with white suddenly becoming the main color for the numbers and "anthracite" that has become boring gray - we have a bit of a mess on our hands. Just top it off with Baylor reflective helmets and it actually becomes tired AND boring AND a mess.
And I don't believe this is just "old guy" opinion stuff. If it was, I'd want Penn State uniforms and that would be the end of it. I usually love new uniforms. I just don't love THESE new uniforms.
Some of the combos are okay by my taste. Some are downright comical. I would have loved to see them keep the same base uniforms from the Kill era and mix in some new helmets, special game day uniforms, etc., rather than completely overhaul everything to a new base that says as much about the man in charge as it does the University it represents.