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LSU Unveils Incredible Uniforms That Honor Fallen Troops and Change Colors

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A century ago, the Great War had effects so far-reaching that no part of the world was untouched.

That first great cataclysm of nations of the 20th century wiped out a football season at LSU, as the boys from Baton Rouge were beholden by honor and patriotism to give their lives in the bloodiest meat grinder in human history.

Now, 100 years removed from America’s role in triumphantly tilting the balance of World War I in favor of the Entente, LSU is honoring its fallen heroes with new football uniforms to commemorate the “Silent Season.”

The reveal video is as epic as it gets; kudos to the school for putting this one together.

The uniforms, trimmed in purple and gold as LSU football has worn since 1893, are part of a proud legacy.

No nameplates appear on the jerseys, a tribute to the many unknown soldiers who gave their lives in the trenches.

The jerseys have an oak pattern motif that honors the 30 oak trees planted to commemorate the 30 fallen soldiers at LSU’s Memorial Oak Grove.

And for the wow factor, the shiny helmets change color from purple to gold under stadium lights.

While coach Ed Orgeron betrayed a traditionalist streak in his admonition that the school not to go overboard with the uniforms, he was nonetheless impressed with the work that went into their creation.

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“I like the traditional (uniform), obviously,” Orgeron said. “But I think most years it’s OK, especially for this occasion. It’s an honor, and it means a lot to us. It’s a wonderful uniform. I love it. It’s always good for recruiting. I think once a year it’s good.”

Orgeron may have a point here; if you’re going to do special occasions, don’t do them just to sell merchandise but to create something meaningful.

Then sell merchandise.

Do you like LSU's Silent Season tribute uniforms?

The unis will be part of LSU’s home date Saturday against Mississippi State (4-2), a game that has critical ramifications for the Tigers (6-1) if they want to have any hope at all of keeping pace with Alabama in the SEC West and sneaking into the College Football Playoff.

On that front, it’s possible the uniform switch will help the Tigers avoid a letdown game. After all, this has trap game written all over it; the fifth-ranked Tigers host No. 1 Alabama on Nov. 3.

With the ghosts of the fallen soldiers of the Memorial Oak Grove looking on, the players will be dressed to do them proud.

And it should be one heck of a ballgame in the bayou.

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Boston born and raised, Fox has been writing about sports since 2011. He covered ESPN Friday Night Fights shows for The Boxing Tribune before shifting focus and launching Pace and Space, the home of "Smart NBA Talk for Smart NBA Fans", in 2015. He can often be found advocating for various NBA teams to pack up and move to his adopted hometown of Seattle.
Boston born and raised, Fox has been writing about sports since 2011. He covered ESPN Friday Night Fights shows for The Boxing Tribune before shifting focus and launching Pace and Space, the home of "Smart NBA Talk for Smart NBA Fans", in 2015. He can often be found advocating for various NBA teams to pack up and move to his adopted hometown of Seattle.
Birthplace
Boston, Massachusetts
Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of Nevada-Reno
Location
Seattle, Washington
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Sports




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