Miami’s new Pro Combat uniform has a FAMU-ish feel

In its never ending quest to put out as many variations on its existing products as it can, Nike has come up with a concept called the Nike Pro Combat football uniform.

Basically, a bunch of teams under contract with Nike will at some point this season put on a ridiculously garish alternate uniform (not as garish as anything in the Oregon collection, but close).  For example, Oregon State and Ohio State will sport Pro Combat wear inspired by uniforms that the schools wore in the distant past.

Miami, on the other hand, will suit up in this on November 20 against Virginia Tech:

Below is a quote from Michael Irvin, who hosted the unveiling.  This dude never passes up a chance to gush about the U:

“I can’t wait till Nov. 20,” Irvin said. “You’ve heard many times when they say, ‘Oh the team takes on the personality of the head coach.’  These uniforms take on the personality of the team. This is fast, this is bold, this is what the U is all about - fast, bold players. That’s the way we play the game.”  (CaneSport.com)

I’m not some crusty old codger who whines whenever something a little hip or outside the box is rolled out, but in this case, I’m playing the goofy card.  Why?  Because this particular color scheme makes Miami look an awful lot like Florida A&M:

You remember Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Story about Prince, when he said men used to mistake Shalamar’s Micki Free for being a woman?  Something similar will happen on November 20 when casual fans glance at TV sets in sports bars across the country.

“Wow, FAMU is really hanging with Virginia Tech today, this is gonna be a hell of an upset!  But why the hell is FAMU even playing Virginia Tech?”