Power Ranking New College Football Jerseys for 2014

7: Syracuse

A sorry excuse  for a uniform

A sorry excuse for a uniform

Wow just wow. When you’re the Orange why do you have a gray jersey instead of an orange one. While the all white look is ok, the Orange helmet along with the blue and grey uniforms are an atrocity. With such a classic logo and uniform why is Syracuse trying to hard to change it? The final straw is the numbers. Oversized, too blocker, and with different color stripes in the number? Syracuse, you’re no longer in the Big East, people will actually see you looking terrible on National TV. Can you change these immediately?

 

6: Illinois

Illino

Illino

These are just ok. There’s nothing new or exciting about these uniforms. The colors are solid and the uniforms don’t have any weird design choices that make them an eyesore. If this was a report card these uniforms would be a C -. Would have been nice to see more, but could always have been much worse.

5: Florida State

OOOOHHHH OOOOHHHH NNNNOOOO NNNNOOOO

OOOOHHHH OOOOHHHH NNNNOOOO NNNNOOOO

Now I am going to take some heat for this one. While the Seminoles have tried to just modify and streamline their uniforms the result has not been good. The designs are unique but very distracting. The new black uniform is awesome, but the two-tone helmet is just awful. Florida State, just look at Jacksonville how’s that two-tone helmet idea working out for them? The main problem with these uniforms? Florida State had some of the best and most traditional uniforms in College Football. Why replace a classic?
4: Miami Hurricanes

Are U kidding me?

Are U kidding me?

Oh Florida what’s happening? Is it something in the water causing another team to change a classic look? The uniforms are awesome. Well, the orange, green, and white all look streamlined and great. Also, the gloves are probably the best in college football. But, here is what kills these awesome jerseys. First, the helmet drops the orange and green stripe in the middle. While not terrible, the idea to put the Ibis on the shoulders and as a grey backdrop to the helmet was a terrible idea. The once iconic helmet has been replaced by this? Finally an all organ helmet and grey uniform? If anything Miami go with a black jersey and helmet instead of this fourth jersey disaster.
3: Washington

These Huskies have some bite

These Huskies have some bite

While the purple jersey isn’t a winner, the white and black are great. The helmets look good and the balance of purple and gold is well done. Also, a nice touch with the gold and purple numbers. Usually putting two colors in the number looks ridiculous but Washington pulls it off. The all white and all black uniforms are menacing and are some of the new better designs in college football.
2: Arkansas 

New Razorbacks, same great Arkansas program

New Razorbacks, same great Arkansas program

See guys. Sometimes less is more. While the Razorbacks have upgraded their logo this year, their uniforms also got a much need upgrade. Gone are the weird checker patterns on the uniforms which are replaced by subtle but fierce striping. The faded red helmet, and all white helmet both look great and it’s nice to see a team with just two uniforms. Arkansas proves that teams don’t need to reinvent the wheel or come up with an off the wall design to have great looking uniforms.

1: Oregon 

Still the best in the business

Still the best in the business

Was there ever any doubt? When it comes to college football uniforms Oregon sets the standard year after year. The all white and green uniform is sleek. With the wing design on the shoulders and green helmet this uniform would have been the best except for its counter part. The new black uniform is incredible. The yellow and white wings on the shoulder are absolutely jaw dropping. With the faded silver helmet and the silver, white, and black numbers with the yellow trim are truly incredible. Once again, Oregon may not have the best team in college football, but they will have the best looking team in all of college football.

Charlotte Hornets Unveil New Uniforms

a9fa321efff616013ce30ca8781f8153_crop_north

The Charlotte Hornets have just unveiled their new jerseys for the 2014-2015 NBA season. After the organization decided the drop the Bobcats name to once again become the Hornets there was speculation about if the team would wear the traditional pinstripe uniforms and colors from the 90s.

While the pinstripes maybe gone, for now, the new uniforms once again embrace the unique teal and purple color scheme. The team has three uniforms that are white, teal, and purple. While my guess is that the purple is the alternate with the teal being the away uniform, we will have to wait and see. The uniforms feature a hornet on the middle of the shorts wast line for some nice subtle detail.

The white and purple both share the “Hornets” Script across the chest with the interlocking C H logo down the side with a teal side stripe. The teal jersey is slightly different with a purple stripe down the side, “Charlotte” script, and the alternate stinger logo on the side of the shorts. Because this one says Charlotte it is my guess that this is the away uniform.

Either way these uniforms are fantastic and a huge upgrade over the old Bobcats uniforms. These uniforms combine the best of the traditional Hornets colors with a sleek new design for future generations. I know one thing, I’m sure glad the Hornets are back in these are now some of my favorite uniforms in the entire NBA.

Give The Man His MOney: New York Jets working on extension for Muhammad Wilkerson

Time to lock up the best player on the Jets

Time to lock up the best player on the Jets

With training camp fast approaching, the New York Jets should cap off their busy offseason in both the draft and free agency by locking up their best player. As he enters the last year of his rookie deal, it is clear the Muhammad Wilkerson is the best player on the the New York Jets. The good news is that it has been reported that the Jets are looking to have an extension in place for their star defensive end by the beginning of the season.

The good news for the Jets is that they will have an easier time dealing with their best player on a contract during training camp. Wilkerson will get a fat check, but I do not see this turning into a Darrelle Revis saga, thank god. There is no question that Wilkerson is one of the best defensive players in football. A prototypical 3-4 defensive end who not only is one of the best at stuffing the run, but also getting after the quarterback. Wilkerson has also gain the admiration of his peers, he was voted #42 on the NFL’s Top 100 list by players around the league.

Wilkerson is a perfect fit in Ryan’s defense. He is an elite run stopper but continues to improve every year as a pass rusher. It’s a scary thought, but Wilkerson is still getting better.

In 2013 Wilkerson had 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 63 tackles. With Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson already on the defensive line, it’s time to lock Wilkerson up as the centerpiece for on the the best defensive lines in football.

He is the best player on the Jets and a new deal would prove to the Jets and their fans that they will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. It’s time for John Idzik to put a cherry on the Jets offseason, and the cherry on top would be locking up Wilkerson for the future.

New York Jets: Trading for Andre Johnson?

With Andre Johnson refusing to report in Houston for OTAs, this could give the New

Johnson would be a welcomed addition to the Jets

Johnson would be a welcomed addition to the Jets

York Jets a golden opportunity. There have been rumors out of Jets camp that the team is talking to the Texans and trying to bring in Johnson. The problem? It looks like the Texans want Michael Vick in the deal. Vick for Johnson straight up? Sounds like the Jets should pull the trigger.

Sure Andre Johnson may seem selfish by not attending the Texans OTAs, but wouldn’t you if you’ve only made the playoffs twice in your eleven year career? Johnson should be upset. The Texans did not draft a quarterback in the draft, traded their starting one to Oakland, and are telling Johnson that Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to be the starter. Yeah, I can see why Johnson wants out. Who wants to play for an organization that put no effort into improving the quarterback position and doesn’t seem to be putting out a good effort.

Johnson would be a perfect pairing with Eric Decker in New York. Even at 32, Johnson still has blistering speed and is a legitimate number 1 receiver. Add in Decker, Kerley in the slot, and Amaro at tight end and the Jets could have one of the best receiving corps in football. Meanwhile, the Texans would get a dynamic quarterback who could be the final piece to a playoff roster. With the great defense in Houston coupled with the weak AFC South, putting Vick on the Texans would make them a playoff team.
While it may hurt the Jets to trade Vick, the upside of the trade is too great. Geno has looked great in OTAs and the Jets have strongly hinted he will be the starter. With Vicks ever-changing moods and comments in the New York media, it could be the best decision to cut this possible distraction down the road.

The Jets would not have a legitimate backup, but they could possible pick up a veteran if one is cut in training camp. Not to mention Johnson’s presence would help Geno develop. Johnson has some of the best hands in the league while also have the ability to stretch the field, something Gang Green has desperately been lacking for the last two years.

This trade would be a win win for both organizations. The Texans move a disgruntled receiver and get a quarterback that could get them back to the playoffs. The Jets jettison a quarterback who already is clamoring for playing time while getting a big time receiver to help Geno Smith mature as a quarterback. Who knows? Maybe this move will help both teams to reach the playoffs. This is one deal that should be made.

A Diplomatic Solution for Redskins Controversy??

The Washington Redskins find themselves in the crosshairs of controversy. There is no question that the term redskins is a derogatory term for Native Americans. This is an argument where you can see both sides of the case. For the Native Americans it is clear the “Redskins” name and logo is extremely offensive. Unlike other american franchises who use their mascots and names to show the nobel spirit of the native americans. Those who didn’t display native americans in a positive way, like the Cleveland Indians, have had either their offensive mascots removed or team names changed. Redskins was a phrase created to belittle and downgrade the Native American people as sub-human.

However, it’s not that easily cut and dry. Dan Schneider, the owner of the Redskins, has been on the record saying that he refuses to change the logo and name. I can understand why. It’s his team, he paid for it and should be able to decide what he wants to do with his team. Not to mention, the Redskins have had the same name since 1932. It has been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL and are one of the most recognizable teams on the planet. The name is offensive, but it has been the name for so long it would be hard for a franchise to change its identity after it has become one of the most successful franchises in the NFL.

Come on Washington! Isn’t this supposed to be the place for compromising between two different parties? Maybe not, but anyways there could be a possible solution to the problem in where both sides get something in return.

The Redskins want to keep their logo and name. I propose the following. Keep the name. Yes, I know it is offensive to Native Americans and will be subject to scrutiny until the name is completely removed.

The compromise would be that while the Redskins can keep their name they must remove their current logo depicting the Redskin. That way, their team memorabilia and uniforms will no longer be depicting Native Americans in a negative way. The good news is the Redskins may have the solution to this problem already. They have two great classic uniforms that look great and have logos not depicting a redskin.

These great throwbacks the solution?

These great throwbacks the solution?

The first would be the early 1970s uniforms depicted here. Not only do the red and yellow pop and look good with the classic stripes, but the logo is fantastic. The simple red R with the feathers on the side would be a great replacement for the current uniforms.

 

Back to the 60s

Back to the 60s

Option 2 would be the late 1960s jerseys. While they are darker with their red and gold color scheme, the uniforms are also a great looking set that could easily replace the current uniform. This logo features a Native American spear on the sides of the helmet and once again replaces the current offensive mascot.

Even this change will never fully stop the controversy until the name is completely changed. With the Redskins trademark now gone, the team could loss millions on merchandise and force the NFL to step in. If there’s one thing the NFL hates right now it is losing money. This step would be a step in the right direction. While Native Americans will never fully be satisfied that a team is called the Redskins, it could make it easier for them to accept the franchise if the logo depicting a redskin is removed. That way Schneider keeps his team name, and Native Americans will not have an offensive depiction on Redskins merchandise and helmets.

One thing is for certain,we will stay with this story and bring you the very latest here at Rich Sports Talk!

Down But Not Out

Despite the 2-0 deficit, the Rangers are still in this series

Despite the 2-0 deficit, the Rangers are still in this series

After two heartbreaking overtime losses to open the Stanley Cup Final the New York Rangers find themselves in desperation mode. True, they have been able to come back in the playoffs before, but with two more games looming in Los Angeles, if the Rangers want a legitimate chance to hoist the Cup this year they need to win at Madison Square Garden. Despite the losses, the Rangers have outplayed the Kings in the first two games. With a few unfortunate bounces and two clutch game winning goals, one could argue that the Rangers have been the better and more consistent team in the first two games. This would be a different situation if the Rangers lost in regulation by multiple goals or looked outmatched. The one concerning aspect that the Rangers must take from the previous game was their inability to hold the lead. Not once, not twice, but three times in game two did the blue shirts squander a two goal lead. Lundqvist and the penalty killing unit are playing well, but the Rangers need to improve on two things above all else. First, their power play has been atrocious and the team seems to play better at full strength. Second, stop passing the damn puck too much! I swear the Rangers get too pass happy instead of trying to take open shots or drive to the net. When the Rangers have attacked the net directly in this series is when they’ve had the most success. Ever game in the Stanley Cup Final is crucial, but if the Rangers want to beat the Kings and get back track they must win tonight.