OU to Debut Alternate Uniforms at WVU

NORMAN, Okla. – The No. 4 Oklahoma football team will debut its alternate “Rough Rider” uniforms this weekend in its matchup at West Virginia, head coach Bob Stoops has announced. Against the Mountaineers, the Sooners will be donning their crimson wood grain helmets, cream jerseys and crimson pants.

The modified version of Oklahoma's iconic crimson helmet features an enlarged interlocking OU above each earhole with the distinctive wood-grained design embedded into the protective outer shell. Never previously utilized on a football helmet, this touch of timber provides a very tangible link to the weathered texture of the Sooner Schooner, a Conestoga reminiscent of the pioneer mode of travel employed by the hearty souls who settled Oklahoma Territory around the time of the 1889 Land Run.

Anthracite was chosen for facemasks, gloves and socks to match the traditional feel of black Nike Vapor Talon Elite cleats. These accoutrements evoke images of a nickname bestowed upon the Oklahoma squad in its 1890s infancy – “The Rough Riders.” While the exact origins of that moniker are unknown, Teddy Roosevelt's 1st U.S. Cavalry – composed primarily of college students, cowboys and ranchers from Oklahoma and other nearby areas – also adopted “The Rough Riders” name as they fought in the Spanish-American War.

Form, function and elevated design are seen in the crimson and cream alternative jersey choices, as well. For the first time, the word “OKLAHOMA” replaces “SOONERS” across the front chest plate of the Nike Pro Combat jersey. These jerseys feature high-impact durability, stretch-woven fabrics and meshed ventilation to provide optimal thermoregulation and moisture management, as well as a shrink-wrap fit.

“47 Straight” emblazoned on the inner Nike Flywire neckline, serving as a tangible reminder of the college football's incomparable victory streak.

Both jerseys also feature subtle touches such as “47 Straight” emblazoned on the inner Nike Flywire neckline, serving as a tangible reminder of the college football's incomparable victory streak amassed during Bud Wilkinson's tenure. In addition, the wood-grained element is carried over to shoulder plates, outer necklines, numerals and lettering, as well as the vertical crimson stripes on the Nike Pro Combat pants which include an OU logo.

The uniform chassis serves as a complete system-of-dress where base layer, padding, jersey and pant work in concert in order to provide the ultimate in lightweight speed and protection for the athletes. Lightweight padding is integrated directly into the crucial “hit zones” in the base layer. Innovations include Nike Chain Maille Mesh technology, which is incorporated into the back and under the arms for exceptional ventilation and durability. Nike Flywire technology is integrated into the neckline for reduced weight and better lockdown fit over pads; increased sleeve articulation provides better range of motion; and all-over four-way stretch fabrication provides a streamlined shrink-wrap fit.

Oklahoma and West Virginia kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday on FOX with Gus Johnson and Charles Davis on the call and Molly McGrath reporting from the sidelines.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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