When LSU hosts Mississippi State on Saturday, it will wear special throwback uniforms.
Saturday is the program’s annual Gold Game. The uniforms, dubbed “Gridiron Gold,” certainly fit the theme. Check these beauties out:
BREAKING: LSU to wear "Gridiron Gold" throwback uniforms Sept. 17.
Inside look: https://t.co/3qLUMmWeA4#AllForLSU pic.twitter.com/cAuliuyAc3— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 12, 2016
.@_fournette making "Gridiron Gold" look strong.
See it Saturday @LSUTigerStadium.#AllForLSU pic.twitter.com/LMrWqwErwa— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 12, 2016
The uniforms feature elements of various jerseys the Tigers wore during the program’s history. The gold color is “reminiscent of the color the Tigers wore during the 1940s” while the white helmets feature player numbers on both sides.
Additionally, an old school block “L” logo is featured on the right hip along with the classic “Sailor Mike” logo on the jersey collar. It is the first time the Tigers have worn gold jerseys since 1998 and the first time at home since 1996.
“We’re very excited to wear the old LSU colors and honor the past with this new uniform,” said LSU running back Leonard Fournette. “It’s a special moment for us to be able to wear it and represent Louisiana on the field. The uniform is a throwback; it’s a classy look.”
Via LSU’s website, here are more details about the uniforms (more photos here):
Y.A. Tittle era: The Gridiron Gold jersey design and numeral font are reminiscent of the style worn by Fighting Tigers during the college career of Y.A. Tittle, who played at LSU from 1944-47. In fact, the idea to create the throwback design was triggered by Tittle’s visit to the LSU campus just a few years ago. The Old Gold color of the throwback jersey mimics the color worn by Tittle and his teammates in the 1940s.
Helmet numbers: The numbers are a tribute to LSU’s helmet design from 1957-71, when the players’ jersey numbers were also displayed on each side of the headgear. Coach Paul Dietzel introduced the helmet design in his second season at LSU in 1957, when the Tigers wore black, two-inch “NCAA style” numerals on the headgear. The size expanded to three inches in 1958, the season LSU captured its first national title.
Letterman’s “L”: The block “L” on the right hip of the pants is the same style of letter that was worn by LSU athletics teams in the early-20th Century, including the 1908 football squad, which posted a perfect 10-0 mark. The block “L” is still used today as the official logo of the L Club, LSU’s organization for athletics letterwinners.
Sailor Mike: The “Sailor Mike” logo was extremely popular among LSU fans in the 1940s and ‘50s, especially when the Tigers won their first football national championship in 1958. The logo is featured on the collar of the throwback jersey, centered above the player’s jersey number.
Gridiron Gold uniform specs.
Coming 9.17.16 to @LSUTigerStadium.#AllForLSU pic.twitter.com/CE6vcqt5k2— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 12, 2016
After a disappointing loss to Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Week 1, the Tigers picked up their first win over the weekend against FCS Jacksonville State, 34-13.
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Mississippi State also shook off a disappointing opening loss (at home to South Alabama) by beating South Carolina, 27-14.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
