PDA

View Full Version : Favorite Helmets



GeauxColonels
June 7th, 2006, 04:24 PM
EXCLUDING your school, which helmets do you like most in your conference and the other I-AA conferences? If you need help picking, or just don't know what all the helmets look like, go here (http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/).

I will have a series of 6 posts (including this one) listing my favorites.

Here we go:

A-10: Richmond (Honorable mentions to UNH, Towson & Hofstra)
1919 1918 1920 1917


To be continued......

GeauxColonels
June 7th, 2006, 04:26 PM
Big Sky: NAU (Not much to chose from IMHO; I really like the Montana helmets from 1988-95)
1922 1921

Big South: Liberty (Honorable mention to Coastal Carolina)
1924 1923

Gateway: Western Illinois
1925


To be continued......

GeauxColonels
June 7th, 2006, 04:27 PM
Great West: North Dakota State (again, not much to choose from)
1926

Ivy League: Columbia (Honorable mention to Dartmouth)
1927 1928

Metro Atlantic: La Salle (Honorable mention to Marist)
1929 1930


To be continued.....

GeauxColonels
June 7th, 2006, 04:29 PM
MEAC: Couldn't find ANYTHING I liked (historical or present)

Northeast: No good present helmets (I do like the Stony Brook helmets from 2004)
1931

Ohio Valley: Samford (with high hopes that EKU will use its new "Colonel" logo on the helmets)
1932 1944

Patriot: Bucknell
1933


To be continued......

GeauxColonels
June 7th, 2006, 04:30 PM
Pioneer: Morehead (Honorable mention to Jacksonville)
1935 1934

Southern: Chattanooga (Honorable mention to WCU; I LOVE the App St. helmets from 1971-79)
1936 1937 1938


To be concluded......

GeauxColonels
June 7th, 2006, 04:31 PM
Southland: Sam Houston St. (Honorable mention to Northwestern St.; I LOVE the SFA helmet from 2002)
1939 1940 1941

SWAC: Southern (Although I prefer the yellow helmets used in 2001)
1942 1943

Let's see yours!

*****
June 7th, 2006, 04:45 PM
BTW, the helmet avatars werer updated this week with the current ones at the Helmet Project.

JohnStOnge
June 7th, 2006, 04:48 PM
Atlantic 10 - Delaware
Big Sky - Eastern Washington
Big South - VMI
Gateway - Youngstown State (a classic)
Great West - Cal Davis
Ivy - Princeton
Metro Atlantic - St. Peters
MEAC - Hampton
Northeast - St. Francis
Ohio Valley - Southeast Missouri State
Patriot - Georgetown
Pioneer - Butler
Southern - Appalachian State and Georgia Southern (tie)
Southland - Texas State
SWAC - Grambling
Independents - Central Arkansas

The Southland thing is "other than your own school." I really do like McNeese's helmets...though I like Texas State's a lot too.

Favorite helmet other than McNeese's overall: As you may have guessed; Youngstown State.

89Hen
June 7th, 2006, 04:56 PM
Atlantic 10 http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Towson.gif

Big Sky http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Montana_St.gif

Big South http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Liberty.gif

Gateway http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Illinois_St.gif

Great West http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Cal-Davis.gif

Ivy http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Harvard.gif

MAAC http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Marist.gif

MEAC http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Winston-Salem_St.gif

NEC http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Wagner.gif

OVC http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Southeast_Missouri_St.gif

Patriot http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Georgetown.gif

Pioneer http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Morehead_St.gif

Southern http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Furman.gif

Southland http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/McNeese_St.gif

SWAC http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Southern.gif

And BTW, I would have put UD in for the A10 if it weren't for your rule. I like anybody who never changes their helmets.

GeauxColonels
June 7th, 2006, 04:58 PM
The Southland thing is "other than your own school." I really do like McNeese's helmets...though I like Texas State's a lot too.

Favorite helmet other than McNeese's overall: As you may have guessed; Youngstown State.

I agree that McNeese has a great helmet. I was really glad to see the minor change a few years back that made it 100% unique (before it was very similar to Wyoming's logo). Overall, I think the SLC has a LOT of great helmets. My personal favorite being the Nicholls one (I know: HOMER).

I would LOVE to see Youngstown come out with a helmet that has the penguin logo on it!

mainejeff
June 7th, 2006, 05:00 PM
My favorites in no particular order:

UNH
JMU
Montana
Northern Colorado
UNI
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
UC-Davis
Harvard
Florida A&M
Samford
Lafayette
Appalachian State
McNeese State
Texas State
Grambling
Southern

89Hen
June 7th, 2006, 05:05 PM
My bottom five in no order (BTW, I just skipped over the solid color helmets because they all suck, it's like, we couldn't come up with anything so lets just leave it blank)...

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Davidson.gif http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Delaware_St.gif http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Jackson_St_OLD.gif http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Central_Connecticut_St.gif http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Western_Carolina.gif

kats89
June 7th, 2006, 05:11 PM
I am gonna be a homer on this one. This is my favorite Sam Houston helment of all.

http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Sam_Houston_St_OLD6.gif

MplsBison
June 7th, 2006, 05:41 PM
http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1944&d=1149716491



New EKU logo artist #1: OMG! I found a picture of Col. Sanders in his 20's! And he's wearing a cowboy hat!

New EKU logo artist #2: USE IT!!!!!!!!!

MACHIAVELLI
June 7th, 2006, 06:49 PM
My 2nd favorite helmet. This is the most unique one I have ever seen.
http://www.gramblingstateuniversity.com/images/Arkansas-PineBluffhelmet.gif
Notice UAPB in the lions mane. That is how a logo is done. :bow:
http://www.gramblingstateuniversity.com/images/uapb%20033.jpg

LeopardFan04
June 7th, 2006, 06:58 PM
Always liked their helmets...never noticed the initials before...thanks for pointing that out...very cool logo...

MR. CHICKEN
June 7th, 2006, 07:07 PM
TOWSON......MELON BUCKETS.....ARE MAH FAV-O-FLAV....IN DUH A-10..:nod:...BRAWK!


LEAST FAV.....DUH "V"....DAT RIGHT MONKEY BOYS...'NOVA..:pumpuke:...AWK!

BobcatSymphony
June 7th, 2006, 07:11 PM
Here are my faves:
A10 - Richmond (current design)
Big Sky - EWU (current) though PSU was close.
Big South - CCI
Gateway - Illinois St. (current)
Great West - Cal Poly (current)
Ivy - Brown (c. '01-'03)
MAAC - Marist
MEAC - Hampton (c. '02-'04)
NEC - Stony Brook (c. '99-'04) St. Fran in a close 2nd
OVC - SE Missouri State
PL - Lafayette (c. '90)
Pioneer - Morehead (c. Early '80s, and their current look too)
SoCo - Elon (c. '00-'02)
SLC - SLU (c. '72-78 I like how they pulled off the Detroit Lion in their colors) and the SFA '02 is a close 2nd
SWAC - Alabama St. (c. '99)

Taking a look around the site, I like the way Arena Football teams design their logos. Nothing really used anywhere else in the country.

blackfordpu
June 7th, 2006, 07:18 PM
I am gonna be a homer on this one. This is my favorite Sam Houston helment of all.

http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Sam_Houston_St_OLD6.gif

I liked the look of the paw print. I don't remember which year it was though.

This one too.

http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Sam_Houston_St_OLD5.gif

BobcatSymphony
June 7th, 2006, 07:22 PM
I liked the look of the paw print. I don't remember which year it was though.

Call me crazy (or whatever else you like) but I really enjoyed looking at the helmets in our conference. The one for SHSU that stuck out the most was the 97 helmet used for two games. Looked interesting and probably could have gone somewhere in the realm of being a helmet that displays the mascot. I much prefer helmets that use the mascot in picture rather than school names (save for select exceptions).

GaSouthern
June 7th, 2006, 07:29 PM
http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Appalachian_St_OLD2.gif

Black is in!

MR. CHICKEN
June 7th, 2006, 07:30 PM
BOBBY......OKAY...YER CRAZY!.......................AWK!

GaSouthern
June 7th, 2006, 07:30 PM
Well, I like the new appy helmets but I cant get it to post correctly

BobcatSymphony
June 7th, 2006, 07:38 PM
BOBBY......OKAY...YER CRAZY! AWK!


Thank you Mr. Chicken. :D My sanity has taken a turn for the better now that I don't have K-5 students around. Man that was a long Spring with no football.

Back to helmets, I also like some of the DII and DIII teams:
DII - Central Missouri State (that's a cool looking Mule) - North Central league
DIII - Kean '00-02 (NJAC) and Anderson current design (Heartland league)

GeauxColonels
June 7th, 2006, 07:55 PM
Call me crazy (or whatever else you like) but I really enjoyed looking at the helmets in our conference. The one for SHSU that stuck out the most was the 97 helmet used for two games. Looked interesting and probably could have gone somewhere in the realm of being a helmet that displays the mascot. I much prefer helmets that use the mascot in picture rather than school names (save for select exceptions).
I LOVE that website. I am completely addicted to it and regularly post on the message board. I have a thing for sports logos and helmet decals.

slycat
June 7th, 2006, 08:15 PM
richmond and eastern washington are my favorite.

the EWU helmet is just badass IMO.

ISUMatt
June 7th, 2006, 08:30 PM
MY FAVS...

A-10: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/7224/delaware8pm.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Big Sky: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/6784/portlandst1mj.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Big South: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/7352/coastalcarolina4rn.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Gateway (other than ILS): http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/4732/westernillinois8vy.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Great West: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/1927/caldavis3yc.gif (http://imageshack.us)

IVY: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/7548/princeton7ez.gif (http://imageshack.us)

MAAC: http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/2469/stpeters2mm.gif (http://imageshack.us)

MEAC: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/1308/bethunecookman3qp.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Northeast: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/4703/stfrancis4ks.gif (http://imageshack.us)

OVC: http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/2085/southeastmissourist9te.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Patriot: http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/4782/lehigh4ww.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Pioneer: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/1795/sandiego2gw.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Southern: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/9529/elon2rd.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Southland: http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/2987/texasst5iu.gif (http://imageshack.us)

SWAC: http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/3535/southern2lb.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Frosty The Snowbuff
June 7th, 2006, 08:46 PM
My 2nd favorite helmet. This is the most unique one I have ever seen.
http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Arkansas-Pine_Bluff_OLD2.gif
Notice UAPB in the lions mane. That is how a logo is done. :bow:
http://www.gramblingstateuniversity.com/images/uapb%20033.jpg

I didn't notice that....Thanks for pointing that out.

EKU05
June 7th, 2006, 09:31 PM
Our logo has always looked like Colonel Sanders...it's actual based on a 1950's cartoon of a "Kentucky Colonel" in the Louisville Courier-Journal.

For anyone who might not be aware....being named a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is kind of like Kentucky's version of knighting someone. Colonel Sanders is the most famous example. Prior to the early 1960's EKU teams were simply known as the Maroons.

chrisattsu
June 7th, 2006, 10:08 PM
A-10
http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Richmond.gif
Big Sky
http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Portland_St.gif
Big South
http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Liberty.gif
Gateway
http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Southwest_Missouri_St_OLD3.gif
Great West
http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Cal_Poly.gif
Ivy http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Columbia.gif
MEAChttp://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Howard_OLD1.gif
NEhttp://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/St_Francis.gif
OVChttp://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Tennessee_Tech.gif
Patriothttp://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Holy_Cross_OLD.gif
SOuthernhttp://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/San_Diego.gif
SLChttp://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Northwestern_St.gif
SWAChttp://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/Texas_Southern.gif

TheValleyRaider
June 7th, 2006, 10:47 PM
A-10- UNH, Richmond, JMU (UMass and Hofstra need stripes)
Big Sky- Montana
Big South- Charleston Southern, VMI
Gateway- UNI, SIU
Great West- Cal Poly
Ivy- All minus Brown and Columbia
MAAC- Marist
MEAC- Overall, not a huge fan, but BCC is the best. Old Hampton and NC A&T were good too
NEC- Albany, Sacred Heart
OVC- Jacksonville State, Samford
PL- Lafayette (and Colgate of course :D ;) )
Pioneer- Jacksonville
Southern- Appalachian State and Chattanooga (Old Phoenix for Elon was very cool, the new one sucks, WCU is bad, and sorry GSU, but I hate numbers on helmets like that)
Southland- Best Conference of Helmets :thumbsup: , McNeese and Sam Houston are my favorites there
SWAC- Southern

eagle1
June 7th, 2006, 11:30 PM
A-10 Towson
Big Sky Portland St (Since we can't be homers):nod:
Big South Coastal Carolina
Gateway Illinois St
Great West UC Davis
Ivy Harvard
Metro LaSalle
MEAC South Carolina St
Northeast Sacred Heart
Ohio Valley Jacksonville St
Patriot Colgate
Pioneer Morehead St
Southern Furman
Southland Texas St
SWAC Alabama St
Indys Central Arkansas

Favorite: TEXAS ST

Runner Up: FURMAN

It is nice to see that other fans enjoy the EWU helmet and at first I didn't really care for it but it has grown on me. Go Eagles!!!

slycat
June 7th, 2006, 11:43 PM
well since everyone else is doing one for every conference.......

A10 - Richmond
Big Sky - EWU
Big South - Liberty
Gateway - Youngstown St
Great West - NDSU
Ivy - Dartmouth
Metro - Duquesne
MEAC - Florida A&M
Northeast - Saint Francis
Ohio Valley - Southeast Missouri St
Patriot - Bucknell
Pioneer - Morehead St
Southern - Furman
Southland - McNeese St
SWAC - Southern
Independent - UCA

ngineer
June 7th, 2006, 11:50 PM
As for the Patriot--I think Bucknell's look the best. I'd like to see us put something on our 'golden domes' or go back to white with interlocking LU in brown on the sides.
Ivy--Princeton
A-10--tie with Delaware and Richmond. UD's more colorful, Richmond's most unique.
SoCon--Furman
It's late and haven't had time to study--later...

HiHiYikas
June 7th, 2006, 11:56 PM
That is how a logo is done
In the late 70's, maybe. I like that logo, but weird-shaped letters in things like wings and manes was very old in the early 90's when I saw it for the first time.

This thread is a rerun, on something like it's 3rd manifestation now. But it's not a bad topic.

Texas State is one of my favorites. It's the right way to do a slightly abstract, dynamic-looking animal on a helmet. For the wrong way, see Liberty.

Towson's helmets are fantastic. Southern's are great, too - probably one of the best combination of text and graphics in all of college sports. I tried to recapture a little of it in the short version AGS logo. Coastal's could be better if it didn't feature a chicken with teeth and biceps. I like Illinois State's helmets.

There are simple geometric principles in putting a logo on a football helmet, not unlike the golden proportions of classical art and iconography. The keys with newer logos are instant readability and illusion of motion. If the motion is natural-looking, and the art tapers properly from the front to back of the helmet, the result is a good looking helmet. That's what's great about Towson and TxSt.

When the motion is contrived and unnatural, you get things like UNI's meteor-cat-looking thing (Which really isn't too bad, but definitely unnatural). Liberty doesn't do anything right. Their helmets have to be the worst of the worst. There are helmets that look like a 6 year-old designed them; what's worse are the helmets that look like a very bad 30 year-old designer who ought to know better designed them. Liberty is one of those.

MACHIAVELLI
June 8th, 2006, 12:05 AM
In the late 70's, maybe. I like that logo, but weird-shaped letters in things like wings and manes was very old in the early 90's when I saw it for the first time.

Yada, Yada, Yada. I don't agree.

*****
June 8th, 2006, 12:05 AM
Atlantic 10 Conference RHODE ISLAND
Big Sky Conference EASTERN WASHINGTON
Big South Conference COASTAL CAROLINA
Gateway Conference YOUNGSTOWN STATE
Great West Football Conference SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Ivy League DARTMOUTH
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference DUQUESNE
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference NORTH CAROLINA A&T
Northeast Conference SAINT FRANCIS
Ohio Valley Conference TENNESSEE STATE
Patriot League BUCKNELL
Pioneer Football League VALPARAISO
Southern Conference FURMAN
Southland Conference McNEESE STATE
Southwestern Athletic Conference SOUTHERN
Independents AUSTIN PEAY

HiHiYikas
June 8th, 2006, 12:26 AM
Yada, Yada, Yada. I don't agree.
You can disagree if you like, but it sounds like you don't understand what I'm saying.

I'm not saying it's a bad-looking logo. I'm saying, I've been designing logos for a long time, and that particular technique has been around for a very long time. I used to have 70's-era books of sample art to prove it, but, since they became terribly outdated, they've been thrown out.

That's a hard technique to do right - UAPB is a rare example of the right way to do it. More often than not it comes out looking outdated or 70's-80's-ish, like

http://www.holycrosshs.com/images/logos/cougarbutton.jpg

colgate13
June 8th, 2006, 07:30 AM
Gosh, surprised to see so much Bucknell love. I can't stand that 'in motion' logo crap.

89Hen
June 8th, 2006, 08:23 AM
Atlantic 10 Conference RHODE ISLAND
Good for you Ralph. I've always stuck up for URI's unis and helmets. They are almost unanimously voted the worst in the A10, but I've never thought they were that bad.

JohnStOnge
June 8th, 2006, 08:25 AM
I would LOVE to see Youngstown come out with a helmet that has the penguin logo on it!

I think the simplicity of YSU's helmet is part of the beauty of it. Same with Georgia Southern.

89Hen
June 8th, 2006, 08:37 AM
Yada, Yada, Yada. I don't agree.
FWIW, I don't like UAPB's logo either. Way too much going on and impossible to make out on a helmet. Forget making out the letters of the school in the mane, you can't even make out it's a lion half the time.

bluehenbillk
June 8th, 2006, 08:48 AM
I'll be a homer, and yes we stole it from Michigan who stole it from Princeton, but we have as classic as a helmet gets.

ErkPeterson
June 8th, 2006, 10:08 AM
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/ErkPeterson/Michighan.jpg
I like the University of Michi...errrrr Deleware's helmet. I'm just kidding, its still a great looking helmet regardless who wears it. I do know that there were numerous schools that used it in the "old days".

Also I see where we are getting " No love" on our helmets. I love them, I love any "old-school look". So many helmets/uni's these days are too dang flashy and there only getting worse. I'm not gonna call out other 1-AA schools helmets for I know I'll get flamed, there are alot out there. When I see Oregon's uni's I throw up......

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/ErkPeterson/The-Eagles.jpg

SunCoastBlueHen
June 8th, 2006, 10:38 AM
I'm too lazy to go through every conference, but my favorite helmet in I-AA is probably Cal Davis -

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Cal-Davis.gif

And the worst, IMO is Western Carolina

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Western_Carolina.gif

It reminds me of a cover for a Stephen King novel...

http://www.simonsays.com/assets/isbn/0743518446/C_0743518446.jpg

OL FU
June 8th, 2006, 10:49 AM
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/ErkPeterson/Michighan.jpg
I like the University of Michi...errrrr Deleware's helmet. I'm just kidding, its still a great looking helmet regardless who wears it. I do know that there were numerous schools that used it in the "old days".

Also I see where we are getting " No love" on our helmets. I love them, I love any "old-school look". So many helmets/uni's these days are too dang flashy and there only getting worse. I'm not gonna call out other 1-AA schools helmets for I know I'll get flamed, there are alot out there. When I see Oregon's uni's I throw up......

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/ErkPeterson/The-Eagles.jpg

I like the GSU helmet. I prefer simplicity. I like Wofford, I like Lehigh( I think it is Lehigh. I don't like a lot of stuff on helmets. I do like the UD, Princeton, etc.

Furman - I like Furman's for two reasons. One, I am biased and two, while there is stuff on the helment, the diamond F is classy

HiHiYikas
June 8th, 2006, 10:50 AM
Also I see where we are getting " No love" on our helmets. I love them, I love any "old-school look". So many helmets/uni's these days are too dang flashy and there only getting worse. I'm not gonna call out other 1-AA schools helmets for I know I'll get flamed, there are alot out there. When I see Oregon's uni's I throw up......
I love GaSo's helmet's and uniforms. Why do you think I patterned the AGS logo after them? An earlier version of the logo had a #6 on the helmet (basically a random number chosen for it's shape, and the fact the design was done in '06).
http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1950&d=1149781915

There are ways to do a contemporary-looking logo and keep something of a classic look. I think Texas State does it well. Compare TxSt and Beth-Cookman, for instance. Both have the same thing on their helmets, but one is clean and classic while the other is almost too busy.
http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1948&d=1149781813

It's a little like comparing these two #12 helmets.
http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1949&d=1149781819

henfan
June 8th, 2006, 11:15 AM
Mr. Blackwell's I-AA Top 5:
1) UC-Davis (understated design but classy, befitting a great school)
2) Princeton (THE original FB helmet design)
3) Texas State (terrific logo and stylie colors)
4) Grambling (simply iconic!:smiley_wi )
5) William & Mary (classy hat for a classy college)

The rules:
1) No white helmets
2) No plain helmets
3) No plain white helmets (JoPa, are you listening?)
4) No busy logos

Best of Conference:
A-10: W&M (VU, Spidey & Hens deserve mention)
BSC: EWU (with apologies to the Griz & Sac St.)
Big South: CSU (not much to pick from here)
Gateway: YSU (honorable mention to WKU)
Big West: UCD
Ivy: Princeton (Penn & Hava'd are pretty great too)
MAAC: St. Pete's
MEAC: DSU (edge out BCC; liked old HU & FAMU hats better than DSU)
NEC: CCSU
OVC: SEMO (pick over EIU)
PL: GU (PL teams have some of the worst hats in D-I)
PFL: Jacksonville
SoCon: The Apps (edge out Elon, UTC, GSU & Furman)
Southland: TSU (MacPokes a close 2nd; no Angry Axe!)
SWAC: Grambling (like SU also)

89Hen
June 8th, 2006, 11:40 AM
MEAC: DSU
Wow, they are on my list of five worst. Show that hat to anyone in the country and I'd bet the first words out of their mouth is 'which state?'. Very high schoolish with no recognition of who it is. I don't think I've ever referred to DelSt as 'State'.

BTW, I went ahead and included Winston Salem in the MEAC for my pick.

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/images/avatars/Winston-Salem_St.gif

ErkPeterson
June 8th, 2006, 11:44 AM
[QUOTE=HiHiYikas]I love GaSo's helmet's and uniforms. Why do you think I patterned the AGS logo after them? An earlier version of the logo had a #6 on the helmet (basically a random number chosen for it's shape, and the fact the design was done in '06).
http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1950&d=1149781915

Oh I Just thought you were a huge Jermaine Austin Fan
:smiley_wi
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/ErkPeterson/J.jpg

HiHiYikas
June 8th, 2006, 11:59 AM
Oh I Just thought you were a huge Jermaine Austin Fan
:smiley_wi
Against those particular players, I would have to say that yes, I am.

JSUCroft
June 8th, 2006, 12:08 PM
My 2nd favorite helmet. This is the most unique one I have ever seen.
http://www.gramblingstateuniversity.com/images/Arkansas-PineBluffhelmet.gif
Notice UAPB in the lions mane. That is how a logo is done. :bow:
http://www.gramblingstateuniversity.com/images/uapb%20033.jpg


I love this helmet myself.

bluehenbillk
June 8th, 2006, 01:27 PM
You have to call a spade a spade, yes UD's helmet is taken from Michigan, but Ga Southern's is just a purple Alabama helmet.

BobcatSymphony
June 8th, 2006, 01:49 PM
You have to call a spade a spade, yes UD's helmet is taken from Michigan, but Ga Southern's is just a purple Alabama helmet.

I like UD (any anyone else for that matter) who uses that style of helmet. It's a clean, streamline look that gives the illusion of motion. I just like diversity in helmets, but at least not every school in any particular league is using a similar/identical design.:thumbsup:

GeauxColonels
June 8th, 2006, 01:54 PM
I like UD (any anyone else for that matter) who uses that style of helmet. It's a clean, streamline look that gives the illusion of motion. I just like diversity in helmets, but at least not every school in any particular league is using a similar/identical design.:thumbsup:
I have to agree. The "wing" design helmets are TIMELESS. I always get in an argument with my uncle who's a professional artist. He would rather a logo on a helmet and HATES the "wing". While I would normally agree, the "wing" is GREAT. I do hate the plain helmets or helmets with just a word or letter on it with nothing enhancing the text. I think the helmet logo should give someone who knows nothing about football or the other schools a clue to what exactly the teams mascot is. The 2 exceptions are "wing"-style helmets and helmets with numbers like Georgia Southern or Alabama.

HiHiYikas
June 8th, 2006, 02:38 PM
You have to call a spade a spade, yes UD's helmet is taken from Michigan, but Ga Southern's is just a purple Alabama helmet.
Purple? Check again.

And what does that mean for Grambling?
http://dun.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p105029reg.jpg
http://www.collegegear.com/sf/stores/product_images/58683.jpg
http://www.collegegear.com/sf/stores/product_images/58686.jpg
What's the story on these 3? My best guess is they're all descendants of a time when logo similarity wasn't a big deal - Like the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Bears.

Fordham
June 8th, 2006, 02:49 PM
We have a collection of the most uninteresting helmets I could imagine in the PL.

I think we should use the one they have up there right now, though, with the big "?" on our helmets.

Jackluv
June 8th, 2006, 02:59 PM
im saying NDSU and Portland St!!!

GannonFan
June 8th, 2006, 03:04 PM
Purple? Check again.

And what does that mean for Grambling?
http://dun.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p105029reg.jpg
http://www.collegegear.com/sf/stores/product_images/58683.jpg
http://www.collegegear.com/sf/stores/product_images/58686.jpg
What's the story on these 3? My best guess is they're all descendants of a time when logo similarity wasn't a big deal - Like the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Bears.

I was pretty certain that Green Bay used the style first, beginning in 1961. Georgia started using the oval G around 1964, and from the best I can find Grambling started to use their version somewhere in the 80's (at least the oval G version).

On another note, wasn't Grambling going to change their logo due to a lapse in copyright protection? I thought that was about a year ago so maybe they did do something and I missed it?

GeauxColonels
June 8th, 2006, 03:05 PM
We have a collection of the most uninteresting helmets I could imagine in the PL.

I think we should use the one they have up there right now, though, with the big "?" on our helmets.
Yeah, I like that one too!

This is how I would rank the conferences overall:

1] Southland
2] Atlantic 10
3] Gateway
4] Southern
5] Ohio Valley
6] Ivy League
7] Big Sky
8] Great West
9] SWAC
10] Metro Atlantic
11] Pioneer
12] Big South
13] Patriot
14] Northeast
15] MEAC

Bear Fan 101
June 8th, 2006, 03:05 PM
I am so happy we are being recognized now in 1-AA. Even is if it is just a football helmet. Whatever it takes!

http://thecabin.net/images/091300/new_uca_helmet.jpg

http://www.ucasports.com/gallery/ACT-fb-kentrelaction1.jpg

GeauxColonels
June 8th, 2006, 03:08 PM
I am so happy we are being recognized now in 1-AA. Even is if it is just a football helmet. Whatever it takes!

http://thecabin.net/images/091300/new_uca_helmet.jpg

http://www.ucasports.com/gallery/ACT-fb-kentrelaction1.jpg
Any chance of UCA changing their helmets? Do they have a logo with a Bear in it?

Bear Fan 101
June 8th, 2006, 03:23 PM
we do have this logo: http://www.jerryremy.com/LogoServer/college/CentralArkansasBears.GIF

but I dont think it would look good on the helmet as they are right now. I think you'd have to shrink the logo too much and thus make it look smooshed together. If I have my story straight, our head coach came up with that design himself. or was talked into it. Our helmets never had that logo or anything that looked like that before he arrived. But i like them a lot.

I guess you Nicholls' folks should be familiar with Conque since he graduated from Nicholls and was inducted into their hall of fame this season.

Go...gate
June 8th, 2006, 03:31 PM
Excluding (of course) my beloved Red Raider headgear, I vote GSU best of all, with Penn a close second.

GeauxColonels
June 8th, 2006, 03:40 PM
we do have this logo: http://www.jerryremy.com/LogoServer/college/CentralArkansasBears.GIF

but I dont think it would look good on the helmet as they are right now. I think you'd have to shrink the logo too much and thus make it look smooshed together. If I have my story straight, our head coach came up with that design himself. or was talked into it. Our helmets never had that logo or anything that looked like that before he arrived. But i like them a lot.

I think you're right, that logo is too busy for a helmet. But it is a nice logo. I'm not sure if I like the current helmet or not. The font is certainly different from most other helmets, but I've never been a fan of "strictly-text" helmet decals. I remember when UCA came to Thibodaux a few years ago and I didn't really care for the helmets. But as they say, "to each his own".


I guess you Nicholls' folks should be familiar with Conque since he graduated from Nicholls and was inducted into their hall of fame this season.

I'm not too familiar with him. I really just started following Nicholls in the early-mid 90s when my brother began attending NSU and then myself an Sister both followed him there. I keep as close tabs on them as possible (especially since my future brother-in-law is a team trainer). My dad, my know Conque, he was at Nicholls in the late 60s and early 70s and knows a lot more about the team's history than I do.

89Hen
June 8th, 2006, 03:48 PM
with Penn a close second.
:confused: Four different helmets since 1991... which one?

henfan
June 8th, 2006, 03:59 PM
Wow, they are on my list of five worst. Show that hat to anyone in the country and I'd bet the first words out of their mouth is 'which state?'. Very high schoolish with no recognition of who it is. I don't think I've ever referred to DelSt as 'State'.

I had trouble picking any single best from the MEAC. They're all in serious need of re-design, IMO. Del State's new hat is far and away the best and their new unis are pretty terrific... again IMO. Like the new red and the new 'State' script. Hated the old hats, with the bubble script and that horribly, dated colonial blue accent.

You're right; no one calls DSU 'State'. Then again, no one calls Villanova, 'V' or Northeastern, 'N' or Furman, 'F' (though some people in Boone & Statesboro probably call them something that starts with an 'f'.).

Show UD's hardhat to anyone in the country not involved in I-AA and I'd doubt the first thing on their mind would be 'Delaware'. More likely it would be 'Michigan', despite the color difference.

DSU's been using the 'State' logo for a couple of decades, so it's kinda their tradition like the Princeton wings are the UD tradition. I've got no issue with it, though if I were designing the helmet logo, 'State' wouldn't be my first choice... nor would Princeton wings, for that matter.

GeauxColonels
June 8th, 2006, 04:11 PM
You're right; no one calls DSU 'State'. Then again, no one calls Villanova, 'V' or Northeastern, 'N' or Furman, 'F' (though some people in Boone & Statesboro probably call them something that starts with an 'f').
True, but at the same time, the Villanova "V", Northeastern "N" and Furman "F" are LOGOS. They have distinctive design characteristics that identify the school they represent. Much like the Miami "U", the Georgetown "G", and the Virginia Tech "VT". The design and presentation of the specific letters set them apart from just putting "State" in script on a helmet. To me, the "State" script text that Delaware St. uses isn't nearly distinctive enough.

Go...gate
June 8th, 2006, 04:33 PM
As we are dealing with current helmets, the present Penn headgear is just fine with me.

89Hen
June 8th, 2006, 04:36 PM
You're right; no one calls DSU 'State'. Then again, no one calls Villanova, 'V' or Northeastern, 'N' or Furman, 'F'
But many people DO call themselves "State", just not DelSt. That's what makes it so funny to me. It would be like Virginia Tech putting "Poly" on their helmets.

89Hen
June 8th, 2006, 04:38 PM
As we are dealing with current helmets, the present Penn headgear is just fine with me.
I just found it quite an honor to be mentioned as one of the two best when it's a one year design. FWIW, I think the current one is the third best of the four. I prefer the P and the PENN in just white.

GeauxColonels
June 8th, 2006, 04:40 PM
But many people DO call themselves "State", just not DelSt. That's what makes it so funny to me.
Exactly!!! Mississippi State has built their main band cheer off of that word: "Go - State! . . . . Go State!" I admit, it's not very original at ALL!

Delaware State should be using one of the hornet logos found here. (http://www.gohornets.net/Logo_files/logos.php)

89Hen
June 8th, 2006, 04:48 PM
Delaware State should be using one of the hornet logos found here. (http://www.gohornets.net/Logo_files/logos.php)
Boy, this is going to sound like I'm just harping on DelSt, but I've always laughed at the fact that there are two "Hornets" in I-AA, but neither are black and yellow. SacSt is green and gold and DelSt is red and powder blue (who came up with that combo?).

GeauxColonels
June 8th, 2006, 04:51 PM
Boy, this is going to sound like I'm just harping on DelSt, but I've always laughed at the fact that there are two "Hornets" in I-AA, but neither are black and yellow. SacSt is green and gold and DelSt is red and powder blue (who came up with that combo?).
I would be curious to know the stories behind:
[1] Determining the mascot for both DelSt and SacSt
[2] Determining the colors for both DelSt and SacSt

I would think there would be an interesting story regarding the colors, and, potentially, an even more interesting story picking the mascot. I've always found the history of mascots and colors to be interesting.

BgJag
June 8th, 2006, 05:02 PM
but I've always laughed at the fact that there are two "Hornets" in I-AA, but neither are black and yellow. SacSt is green and gold and DelSt is red and powder blue (who came up with that combo?).

Alabama St! :read:

89Hen
June 8th, 2006, 05:11 PM
Alabama St! :read:
But they are black and yellow (gold), so they make sense.

http://www.blackcollegebaseball.com/Conferences/SWAC/Alabama_State/Hornet5.jpg

aceinthehole
June 8th, 2006, 05:32 PM
A fun exercise!

A-10 - Richmond
Big Sky - Northern Arizona
Big South - Coastal Carolina
Gateway - Indiana State (I love using state outlines in logos)
Great West - UC Davis
Ivy - Princeton (the classic) but Yale is a close 2nd
MAAC - Marist
MEAC - FAMU
NEC - Wagner
OVC - SEMO
PL - Colgate
Pioneer - Morehead State
SoCon - Furman
Southland - McNeese (don't like the color scheme for Northwestern St)
SWAC - Miss Valley St. (Grambling needs to go back to yellow facemasks)

There are lots of other great classics like Georgia Southern, Youngstown, Delaware, and a bunch of nice blank helmets with good color schemes (VMI, Lehigh, Hampton, etc).

My biggest issue with helmet design is that as a general rule the shell and facemask should be different colors! Its just like I hate dark jerseys with dark pants!

Golden Eagle
June 8th, 2006, 09:51 PM
Why does everybody think SEMO's is so great? It looks kinda Arena Leaguish to me, but maybe that's just repressed anger at losing their old one, which was nice.

AppMan
June 8th, 2006, 11:11 PM
Southern: I LOVE the App St. helmets from 1971-79)

So Do I! :>)

Tribe4SF
June 9th, 2006, 06:30 AM
Mr. Blackwell's I-AA Top 5:
1) UC-Davis (understated design but classy, befitting a great school)
2) Princeton (THE original FB helmet design)
3) Texas State (terrific logo and stylie colors)
4) Grambling (simply iconic!:smiley_wi )
5) William & Mary (classy hat for a classy college)

The rules:
1) No white helmets
2) No plain helmets
3) No plain white helmets (JoPa, are you listening?)
4) No busy logos


Thanks for the mention, henfan. I concur with your rules, and placing UC Davis at the top. I'm also a big fan of The Griz hat.

OL FU
June 9th, 2006, 07:21 AM
Well I don't agree with the no white helmets. While interesting you can't remove the helmet from the uniform. Take my favorite, I don't think a purple helment would work with the home unis.

http://www.presby.edu/presby_main/presby_main/rte/Football/defense.jpg


It might with the away, but I don't think so. (Probably if we wore purple pants)

http://newstimes.augusta.com/images/headlines/080905/20554_512.jpg

89Hen
June 9th, 2006, 08:17 AM
Well I don't agree with the no white helmets.
I agree with OL FU on that one, but I agree with henfan on the no plain helmets. There are plenty of really sharp helmets on a white base and schools that just wouldn't work on a colored base. Both FU and Presby in the photo look sharp to me.

It is interesting to see how many people do like the plain helmets. There have been mentions of Lehigh, Hampton, Wofford, etc... There is only one plain hat in NCAACF that works for me and that's Notre Dame. I don't even like Navy and it's basically the same thing. I like hats that are unique and/or recognizable.

chrisattsu
June 9th, 2006, 08:37 AM
Well I don't agree with the no white helmets. While interesting you can't remove the helmet from the uniform. Take my favorite, I don't think a purple helment would work with the home unis.

http://www.presby.edu/presby_main/presby_main/rte/Football/defense.jpg


It might with the away, but I don't think so. (Probably if we wore purple pants)


Tarleton wears all purple
http://www.tarletonsports.com//pics11/800/EY/EYGSWSEDTMABGDB.20051009034731.jpg

Wear Purple and be proud (and loud)

OL FU
June 9th, 2006, 08:41 AM
Tarleton wears all purple
http://www.tarletonsports.com//pics11/800/EY/EYGSWSEDTMABGDB.20051009034731.jpg

Wear Purple and be proud (and loud)

Different strokes....

WCU has purple helmets. Would not work for FU's current uniforms.

We use to have silver helmets but silver is not our color

GeauxColonels
June 9th, 2006, 08:41 AM
Tarleton wears all purple
http://www.tarletonsports.com//pics11/800/EY/EYGSWSEDTMABGDB.20051009034731.jpg

Wear Purple and be proud (and loud)
Wearing all purple and beating Florida State apparently!! :D

Personally, I've NEVER been a fan of jerseys and pants matching. Especially if the helmet shell is the same color. I like diversity in a school's color scheme.

HiHiYikas
June 9th, 2006, 08:48 AM
I agree with OL FU on that one, but I agree with henfan on the no plain helmets. There are plenty of really sharp helmets on a white base and schools that just wouldn't work on a colored base. Both FU and Presby in the photo look sharp to me.

It is interesting to see how many people do like the plain helmets. There have been mentions of Lehigh, Hampton, Wofford, etc... There is only one plain hat in NCAACF that works for me and that's Notre Dame. I don't even like Navy and it's basically the same thing. I like hats that are unique and/or recognizable.
If you must err, do so on the side of too little. Northwestern State, has their home state, their initial, and part of their mascot on their helmets. It's a good T-shirt logo, but too much for a helmet.

I don't mind blank helmets at all. I would add the rule "no small serif fonts." They make great stationery, but not football helmets. William & Mary's helmet looks ok in pictures, but why waste such a great athletic logo (even without the feathers) to put "Times New Roman" on the helmets? Norfolk State, Robert Morris and Jackson State break this rule. Eastern Illinois does, too, but that's the least of their worries.

Furman pulls it off well because they beef up the "F" so much. You wouldn't want to type a paragraph with Furman's typeface. It's strong, so it works on a helmet. That, btw, is part of the reason I don't like UCD's helmets. That horse is one of the best logos in football, and they obscure it greatly by putting in a big "C" that is basically "Garamond" stretched wider than it ought to stretch. Can't see the mane, can't see the ears.

Eastern Illinois is a textbook case of the rule: just because it looks good on a T-Shirt doesn't mean it works on a helmet. Basically, they take a fantastic design and ruin it by making it a 30-square-inch sticker. Brown, Samford, Miss Valley State, WCU, Iona, and Southern Illinois have this problem.

colgate13
June 9th, 2006, 09:35 AM
And that my friends, is a graphic artist!

FWIW, I like when schools have some options in their pocket as to what they will wear, especially in a conference like the PL that has 3 maroon teams and a brown and purple team.

For Colgate to have that third pant color option (white, gray and maroon) helps to break it up from time to time. Plus, athletes are known to be a tad superstitious, so when you win that big game wearing a certain combination, it can become a tradition.

89Hen
June 9th, 2006, 10:38 AM
If you must err, do so on the side of too little.
I agree with that, but minimal is a world away from nothing IMO.

BTW, I hate the baseball logos too. Sorry Colgate and Montana... those belong on silk jackets, not football helmets.:twocents:

Granite
June 9th, 2006, 10:45 AM
I agree with OL FU on that one, but I agree with henfan on the no plain helmets. There are plenty of really sharp helmets on a white base and schools that just wouldn't work on a colored base. Both FU and Presby in the photo look sharp to me.

I agree - I like the Furman helmet, and have no problems with the white base.

UNH had a white base on the old helmets with the interlocking NH, and after we went to the new design, we kept the white base for a couple of seasons

GreatAppSt
June 9th, 2006, 10:49 AM
All this love for Furmans big F? When I was in school having a big A's was always better than an F's. Have things changed that much?:D

Granite
June 9th, 2006, 10:52 AM
All this love for Furmans big F? When I was in school having a big A's was always better than an F's. Have things changed that much?:D

:)

Seriously, for me, its Furman's helmet in context with the rest of the uniform. Not crazy about purple, but for Furman it just works. Plus I've always been partial to jerseys with shoulder stripes - its an old-school thing.

LeopardFan04
June 9th, 2006, 11:04 AM
I love Furman's unis...esp the home...as for the white helmets...well, I hated our black ones (I don't know why everything team tries to incorporate black into their color scheme at some point...I like our new/current ones...

Go...gate
June 9th, 2006, 04:28 PM
Penn's helmets took a HUGE turn for the better when they got rid of the goofy football-shaped "P" :eek: on the red helmet in 1981. The subsequent two-color "P" was very nice, but "PENN" seems to be the best identifier for the Quaker athletic teams, and it looks elegant in white against the deep Navy Blue helmet shell. Just my opinion, of course.

R.A.
June 11th, 2006, 03:49 AM
-I liked the old Hampton helmets w/ the cursive HU. The updates were okay, but I always liked the cursive HU for them. It seemed very unique to me. I hated their helmets last season. I hope they go back w/ at least having the HU back.

lucchesicourt
June 11th, 2006, 04:34 AM
IMO, put just a letter on a helmet does not give you any idea of what your mascot is. Isn't the helmet suppose to announce both the school and mascot. Furman I know is not the Furman "F"'s, if it was then the helmet should have FF. Furman;s and PSU's are pretty much the same helmet with a diferent letter, not too original.

GeauxColonels
June 11th, 2006, 09:22 AM
IMO, put just a letter on a helmet does not give you any idea of what your mascot is. Isn't the helmet suppose to announce both the school and mascot. Furman I know is not the Furman "F"'s, if it was then the helmet should have FF. Furman;s and PSU's are pretty much the same helmet with a diferent letter, not too original.
Yeah, but what the hell is a Paladin?

JoltinJoe
June 11th, 2006, 09:24 AM
Purple? Check again.

And what does that mean for Grambling?
http://dun.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p105029reg.jpg
http://www.collegegear.com/sf/stores/product_images/58683.jpg
http://www.collegegear.com/sf/stores/product_images/58686.jpg
What's the story on these 3? My best guess is they're all descendants of a time when logo similarity wasn't a big deal - Like the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Bears.


Oval Gs look like footballs.

BTW, here's my favorite helmet:

http://www.thesportsdoctor.com/Jumbo.jpg

crunifan
June 11th, 2006, 04:08 PM
Yeah, but what the hell is a Paladin?

They are basically elite knights. I think the Paladins is an awesome mascot name.

HiHiYikas
June 11th, 2006, 05:31 PM
Isn't the helmet suppose to announce both the school and mascot?
Absolutely, positively, NO. That's what T-shirts, banners, car magnets, pennants, media guides, flags, hoodies, play-by-play and color commentators, ballcaps, the sports media, and legions of other paraphernalia, memorabilia, and other marketing elements are for.

A helmet gives you about 30 square inches of space, and anything complicated enough to announce to the world that there is such a place as East Tennessee State University, and that the school is known as the Buccaneers, will become hopelessly confusing and unreadable to everybody who's not lined up for the other team.

VISIBILITY is the key on helmets. You're not exactly trying to reach out to people who don't know you exist, you're trying to create a brand that fans know immediately and that people with slight knowledge of the program can figure out with relative ease. Whether that brand is a big "A" or a big "F," a simple number, a pawprint, a horse, whatever - establish something clear and stick with it. Then let it tie into all that other marketing that tells everybody who you are much with more detail.

foghorn
June 11th, 2006, 05:50 PM
They are basically elite knights. I think the Paladins is an awesome mascot name.

Paladin was the name of the main character of a popular cowboy show in the 50's: Have Gun Will Travel. A paladin is the 'knight' chess piece. http://www.thrillingdetective.com/paladin.html

Kill'em
June 11th, 2006, 07:01 PM
Personally I think Georgia Southern's is easily the best but I am very biased. I also like Southern Universities helmet. Not too flashy but very cool. I also like Furman's helmets; combined with their uniforms, they look very sharp. I think Montana's would look great with their logo on it. I don't like "Griz" at all. And I'm glad they got away from the mustard color. It was horrible.

Kill'em
June 11th, 2006, 07:03 PM
Ga Southern's is just a purple Alabama helmet.
:nonono2:

lucchesicourt
June 11th, 2006, 07:27 PM
HiHi, I did NOT say anything about the school name being on the helmet. I only said MASCOT. Why? Because as you point out some school names are too long to put on a helmet, but for a mascot, there is generally enough room!!!

HiHiYikas
June 11th, 2006, 08:48 PM
HiHi, I did NOT say anything about the school name being on the helmet. I only said MASCOT. Why? Because as you point out some school names are too long to put on a helmet, but for a mascot, there is generally enough room!!!
My bad, I just assumed that you meant something like that when you asked "Isn't the helmet suppose to announce both the school and mascot"

It's a weird misconception - seems like it's come up 3 or 4 times already in this thread - that the helmet has to carry a lot of a school's athletic branding on its own. I was responding more to that concept than to you in general.

Basically, the helmet has to say something clearly, and it has to say it consistently. Sooner or later, the fan base will figure out what it stands for, and then they'll create an automatic association.

I would hold out the Dallas Cowboys as a good example of clarity and consistency. I don't think a star by itself automatically and neccesarily says "Cowboys;" it's a loose association at best. But the franchise chose a very simple helmet design, and they stuck with it for 40 years. Now it's a virtually unmistakable brand.

When something like a navy star makes you say "Dallas Cowboys" to yourself, the designers have done very good work. They don't have to say "Cowboys," because you're doing it for yourself.

The Nike swoosh and the Chevy bowtie are probably the best examples of that kind of branding. But it can be done with a single letter, a simple mascot design, a number, and even, as Notre Dame has shown, a blank helmet.

lucchesicourt
June 12th, 2006, 04:38 AM
HiHi,
I can see how you could have misundestood what I was writing. It is partly my fault for not making myself clear. I agree, consistancy in design over a period of time will let others recognize your team from the helmet, like the cowboys you mention.

OL FU
June 12th, 2006, 06:16 AM
IMO, put just a letter on a helmet does not give you any idea of what your mascot is. Isn't the helmet suppose to announce both the school and mascot. Furman I know is not the Furman "F"'s, if it was then the helmet should have FF. Furman;s and PSU's are pretty much the same helmet with a diferent letter, not too original.

Part of the helmet is branding. some schools brand with their mascot. Furman's brand, IMHO, is the diamond F.

lucchesicourt
June 12th, 2006, 07:43 AM
The only bad thing about Div 1AA is that few people recognize the schools by their helmets, other than 1AA fans. Where as in 1A, people see the teams all the time,and know that ND is Notre Dame and not North Dakota.

OL FU
June 12th, 2006, 08:06 AM
The only bad thing about Div 1AA is that few people recognize the schools by their helmets, other than 1AA fans. Where as in 1A, people see the teams all the time,and know that ND is Notre Dame and not North Dakota.

and that's not going to change.

But we should probably start saying BCS, cuz few people know the non-BCS I-A's either. Anybody know Troy's helmet, not me.

slostang
June 12th, 2006, 08:20 AM
and that's not going to change.

But we should probably start saying BCS, cuz few people know the non-BCS I-A's either. Anybody know Troy's helmet, not me.
After travelling to Troy last year I do, but before that I had no clue.

OL FU
June 12th, 2006, 08:54 AM
Yeah, but what the hell is a Paladin?

http://www.furman.edu/depts/music/areasofstudy/Bands/images/paladin.jpg

OL FU
June 12th, 2006, 08:56 AM
After travelling to Troy last year I do, but before that I had no clue.


To be honest, I would not recognize the vast majority of BCS helmets. The locals one plus the top football schools in most conferences. Out side of that, I would be guessing.

Maroons
June 12th, 2006, 11:43 AM
A-10 – Hofstra/Richmond
Big Sky – Northern Arizona
Big South – Coastal Carolina
Gateway – Indiana State
Great West – UC Davis
Ivy League – Harvard/Yale/Penn
MAAC – Duquesne (for lack of a better choice)
MEAC – North Carolina A&T
Northeast – St. Francis
OVC – SEMO (because I can’t pick our own)
Patriot – Bucknell/LaFayette
Pioneer – Dayton
Southern – Chattanooga
Southland – McNeese/Sam Houston/SFA
SWAC – Southern
Independents – Austin Peay

Generally, I don't like helmets that are already established with another school (such as Michigan's frequently shared design). Also, I think it's usually hard to pull off a colored logo on a same colored helmet. For instance, WKU's towell disappears on the red helmet. I also think illegible text is a no-no and if you're going to use white, make it look sharp and not cheap.

GeauxColonels
June 12th, 2006, 02:49 PM
and that's not going to change.

But we should probably start saying BCS, cuz few people know the non-BCS I-A's either. Anybody know Troy's helmet, not me.
Ooooo Oooo. I do!!! But that's probably because I'm a helmet geek. I also remember when their helmets were just the trojan head logo and the trojan head logo with "TSU" under it after that.

OL FU
June 12th, 2006, 02:51 PM
Ooooo Oooo. I do!!! But that's probably because I'm a helmet geek. I also remember when their helmets were just the trojan head logo and the trojan head logo with "TSU" under it before that.

So they are the Troy St Condoms:confused: :D

GeauxColonels
June 12th, 2006, 02:52 PM
http://www.furman.edu/depts/music/areasofstudy/Bands/images/paladin.jpg
Cool, thanks. And don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing the name by any means. I MUCH prefer schools with unique mascots. I think Paladin is a GREAT name and, if people saw the mascot, they would have much better recognition. Now I know exactly what a paladin is.

I just hate when schools have just a normal mascot like an animal name. Wasn't it Lehigh that changed its name fairly recently from "Engineers" to "Mountain Hawks". Bad move if you ask me.

GeauxColonels
June 12th, 2006, 02:53 PM
A-10 – Hofstra/Richmond
Big Sky – Northern Arizona
Big South – Coastal Carolina
Gateway – Indiana State
Great West – UC Davis
Ivy League – Harvard/Yale/Penn
MAAC – Duquesne (for lack of a better choice)
MEAC – North Carolina A&T
Northeast – St. Francis
OVC – SEMO (because I can’t pick our own)
Patriot – Bucknell/LaFayette
Pioneer – Dayton
Southern – Chattanooga
Southland – McNeese/Sam Houston/SFA
SWAC – Southern
Independents – Austin Peay

Generally, I don't like helmets that are already established with another school (such as Michigan's frequently shared design). Also, I think it's usually hard to pull off a colored logo on a same colored helmet. For instance, WKU's towell disappears on the red helmet. I also think illegible text is a no-no and if you're going to use white, make it look sharp and not cheap.
Any word on possible changes to EKU's helmets for this season?

GeauxColonels
June 12th, 2006, 02:56 PM
So they are the Troy St Condoms:confused: :D
Maybe so, we always use to yell, "POP THOSE TROJANS!" when we played Troy St.

Lapper
June 12th, 2006, 03:07 PM
Georgetown's, Furman's, NC A&T's, Wofford's, Portland State's, Hofstra's, VMI's, Liberty's, South Dakota St.'s

AUCATAMOUNT
June 14th, 2006, 09:46 AM
WCU's helmet is an attempt at linking all of our different brandings together. Purple has been helemt color every year except 1989 when we ripped off LSU...we did the same thing with the washington helmets in 98-01. "The Cats" has been a logo since 92 according to the helmet project and most of you probably remember the cat eyes over WCU that was prevalent in the early and mid 90s. Combine them stir in some Carolina Pantherish stripes and you have WCU's helmet. One movement has been to remove the eyes (and perhaps the wiskers) as "The Cats" makes fangs giving you an easy to read logo with some elements of the mascot and motion. It should also be noted that Western's football team uses a different gold (vegas) than the other athletic programs.

I kinda like old school stuff like furman, but also dig cheesy helmets like the early 80s black app helmet with the mountaineer in a disk and golden wing thingy.

Maroons
June 14th, 2006, 09:52 AM
Any word on possible changes to EKU's helmets for this season?

I have been told that they will be maroon with the new "EKU" logo w/ speed line in white. It doesn't sound like they'll be terribly different. Just the new logo in white.

GeauxColonels
June 14th, 2006, 10:46 AM
I have been told that they will be maroon with the new "EKU" logo w/ speed line in white. It doesn't sound like they'll be terribly different. Just the new logo in white.
I think it's DEFINITELY an improvement over the current helmets. I still personally think they need to use the "Colonel" logo.

89Hen
June 14th, 2006, 12:14 PM
Hofstra's
Still funny for me to see this as HU had easily the worst logo in all of college sports prior to this change.

https://secure.mktwebdesign.com/aarda/graphics/visa.jpg

http://helmet-collectors.com/helmets/D1AA/Atl10/hofstra1.gif

ngineer
June 14th, 2006, 12:17 PM
Still funny for me to see this as HU had easily the worst logo in all of college sports prior to this change.

https://secure.mktwebdesign.com/aarda/graphics/visa.jpg

http://helmet-collectors.com/helmets/D1AA/Atl10/hofstra1.gif

I guess they have no "pride"....;)

rcny46
June 14th, 2006, 12:43 PM
I guess they have no "pride"....;)

Very clever! xlolx

HiHiYikas
June 14th, 2006, 04:05 PM
Are there any teams out there who use different helmets on the home and road? I don't think it's done much at all in football, but I could see a team like EKU go with the new colonel at home and the new "EKU" signature on the road.

I bet next to nobody does that, since it isn't even really done in the NFL.

89Hen
June 14th, 2006, 04:08 PM
I bet next to nobody does that, since it isn't even really done in the NFL.
Interesting thought though as they do it in the NHL. I'll bet the reason that the NFL doesn't do it is because not too many people buy helmets. I know we have some mini-helmet collectors here, but they aren't sold en masse like jerseys. If it weren't for jersey sales, every team would only have two combos. :twocents:

NoCoDanny
June 14th, 2006, 05:56 PM
Are there any teams out there who use different helmets on the home and road? I don't think it's done much at all in football, but I could see a team like EKU go with the new colonel at home and the new "EKU" signature on the road.

I bet next to nobody does that, since it isn't even really done in the NFL.

Washington State does that.

Teams have wanted to do that in the NFL, Seattle most recently, but the league won't allow it for whatever reason. They are pretty stringent about uniforms.

Maroons
June 14th, 2006, 09:24 PM
Are there any teams out there who use different helmets on the home and road? I don't think it's done much at all in football, but I could see a team like EKU go with the new colonel at home and the new "EKU" signature on the road.

It does sound like a pretty cool idea.... but, I imagine it is cost prohibitive for most programs, especially I-AA. Helmets usually cost in excess of $100 and outfitting a whole team is pricey. It may be more affordable for a team to just swap out the stickers on the helmets every week, but even then you'd be going through a bunch and someone would have to do the labor of changing the logos virtually every week. And I don't know a I-AA program that doesn't have something else they'd rather be spending the money on.

Additionally, the helmet becomes the identifying piece of a team's uniform. Uniforms change for home and away and it's usually hard to read anything on them. But helmets are constant and if it's unique, it represents your institution like few other things in an athletic department can.

89Hen
June 15th, 2006, 09:30 AM
Washington State does that.
Wow, I've never noticed that.

http://www.centralohio.com/ohiostate/football/season2002/gallery/washington/photo06.jpg
http://www.college-football--tickets.net/washington_state/washin1.jpg

GeauxColonels
June 15th, 2006, 09:47 AM
Wow, I've never noticed that.

http://www.centralohio.com/ohiostate/football/season2002/gallery/washington/photo06.jpg
http://www.college-football--tickets.net/washington_state/washin1.jpg
Yep, they've been doing it for several years. Also, Kentucy tried that a few years back with white shells and blue shells.

813Jag
June 15th, 2006, 10:05 AM
Mississippi State used to do that as well, before the switched to the white helmets

Freightliner
June 21st, 2006, 04:37 PM
Wow, I've never noticed that.

http://www.centralohio.com/ohiostate/football/season2002/gallery/washington/photo06.jpg
http://www.college-football--tickets.net/washington_state/washin1.jpg

Hen...if you think thats wierd....check this out

Oregon just DOUBLED UP on Washington State....this has GOT to be an equipment Manager's NIGHTMARE!

Gotta love it when youre in Nike's back pocket!!

http://static.flickr.com/67/171277505_38ad397e95_b.jpg

Maroons
June 21st, 2006, 04:45 PM
Those could be some of the ugliest uniforms I have ever seen.

TheValleyRaider
June 21st, 2006, 10:47 PM
Those could be some of the ugliest uniforms I have ever seen.

You mean you're really not sure about that?

Golden Eagle
June 21st, 2006, 10:53 PM
I hope Nike paid the Ducks plenty of money to sport that stuff.

GeauxColonels
June 22nd, 2006, 08:56 AM
I hope Nike paid the Ducks plenty of money to sport that stuff.
Believe me, if Nike gave you the type of locker room that they gave the Ducks, you would wear a tutu on the field!

erichwhite
June 22nd, 2006, 12:52 PM
My favorite helmet always has been the old App St. helmet with the " Deliverance" man logo...That one is a classic

ncbears
June 22nd, 2006, 01:03 PM
BTW, the helmet avatars werer updated this week with the current ones at the Helmet Project.



UNC is rumored to have new helmets this season...again. We got new helmets with the "bears" on it but apperantly our new coach wants "Northern Colorado" on them. Stay tuned...

EKU05
June 22nd, 2006, 09:04 PM
EKU will also be debuting new helmets to go with the new series of logos. The word is that the "EKU" with slash underneath it will be used.