USC Defies NCAA, Reclaims Tradition Wearing Home Uniforms Against Rival UCLA

We've spoken about this before on FanHouse, but at long last the day has arrived -- USC has announced it will wear its home uniform on the road against rival UCLA on Saturday. UCLA will also, obviously, be in their home uniforms. Maddeningly, the beautiful interplay of rival colors with so much history behind it is an NCAA violation and USC will lose a timeout in each half as penalty for its disobedience.

I'm all for following the rules but this is one of dozens of stupid rules in the NCAA books and I'm happy to see USC carry the flag if you will, in boldly disobeying one of the more ridiculous legislated items out there.

College football has always held a special place in my heart for its more relaxed sensibilities. Uniforms aren't so strictly regulated, players can be silly and write on their eye black, celebration and spontaneity isn't so heavily repressed. It's just a more fun and open atmosphere for athletic competition.

USC's decision will make for great television, as the color combinations are aesthetically pleasing. The mix of USC's vibrant cardinal and bright gold shows great against UCLA's "powder keg" blue and more traditional gold home uniforms. And it will also add an extra layer of excitement and energy to one of college football's premier rivalries. Hopefully UCLA reciprocates by burning a timeout here or there and then wears their home colors next year in the Coliseum.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-02-2008 @ 5:13PM

Kevin said...

Yes the NCAA has always had relaxed uniform sensabilities such as all players have to wear the same length socks. What if UCLA also wore cardinal uniforms? While cardinal is aesthetically pleasing there is a practical reason for one team to wear white or light colored jerseys, to more easily distinguish them during play on the field by officials and opponents. I can't beleive that you actually took time to write this posting and that I took time to respond.

12-02-2008 @ 7:13PM

Woody said...

I agree Kevin,

what USC & tOSU both wear home uniforms when they play next year. The colors aren't the same, but close enough to cause problems when confirming calls on the field. Keep the rule & back the writer!

12-02-2008 @ 11:36PM

Phil said...

That would be relevant if they were trying to do that against a team with similar colored uniforms. Since they aren't, and they've played against UCLA in the past with both teams wearing colored jerseys before in the past, it's not really an issue.

No one really has an issue when the lakers where gold or Georgetown wears gray. Soccer teams all over the country manage to play with both teams wearing colored shirts, I'm sure UCLA and USC can manage this time.

12-02-2008 @ 8:29PM

Don Beebe said...

It looks Pac10 football coordinator Dave Cutaia requested clarification on the rule and they were interpreted by the secretary rules editor to say that the violating team will only be penalized 1 time out at the opening kickoff and no further action is taken from there.

PC apparently also said this same thing on the radio today.

So USC will have 2 time outs in the first half, and 3 in the second half.

12-02-2008 @ 10:13PM

Martin said...

If the blog had reported the entire story, perhaps the commenters would not have been so upset. USC and UCLA traditionally wore their home jerseys in the 60's and 70's. In 1983, the NCAA rules were changed to prevent both teams from wearing their home jerseys. And UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel expressed support for the wearing of home jerseys at the game, stating "It's exciting. I think wearing the home jerseys is a great tradition."

The NCAA should change the rule to allow the wearing of home jerseys PROVIDED that both coaches are agreeable to it.

12-03-2008 @ 1:05AM

Sonny B said...

This is a special case since both USC and UCLA both wore their home uniforms when they both played in the Los Angeles Coliseum - they stopped that tradition when the Bruins moved to the Rose Bowl. I personally think that its great that Pete Carroll has chosen to revive the tradition. Regardless of their records, both schools are playing for bragging rights - the loser has to go around for a year knowing that the other school won - even though UCLA is not going to a bowl - they are fighting for the Los Angeles city championship and some dorky bell. USC on the other hand is fighting for the Rose Bowl on Jan 1 or if they should lose, its the Holiday Bowl for the Trojans.

12-03-2008 @ 3:19AM

jacks said...

No school should be above the rules, period!!!! While i agree, as long as both schools agree to it, it would be fine for both teams to wear home uniforms. But thats not the rule and USC/Pete Carroll is just thumbing their nose at the NCAA. And thats just not right....Period!!

12-03-2008 @ 8:02PM

Briggs said...

Isn't it just like an SC fan to ask someone to "Stand Down" when they disagree. As a matter of fact....I went to school with Mr. Carroll, watched him play football. I know what kind of person he is...and I think he is a great coach. Yes, he serves the community and USC well, until he made this decision. His decision does not show good leadership, and in fact is VERY self-serving. Anytime an NCAA rule is broken, what does this tell his team? AND.. to insinuate that it won't matter if the team loses time outs. if this isn't the definition of arrogance, then you must have a different dictionary. Blood runs hot between USC and UCLA ,and should... but in fun, not war. To add this fuel to the fire only makes things more hostile between fans and players. I am disappointed in Carroll's choice.
When both teams shared the same stadium it was understandable that they would both wear home team uniforms. If they want to start up this tradition again, then maybe it should be started with complete agreement between
NCAA and the teams. He has not only shown disrespect toward UCLA or a home team, but also to NCAA.

12-05-2008 @ 3:30PM

Ken said...

What difference does it make what color jerseys the players wear as long as they are not the same such as Wisconsin and Ohio State both wearing red and white which would make identity more difficult for the officials?

12-05-2008 @ 11:39PM

I did respond, but am new to this and it did not print.
What I want to be said is that...I have known P. Carroll, since he even played football at UOP. He IS a good coach, I don't question that (even though he was fired by New Eng.) He is a good person.( I don't question that either.0 BUT...I question his leadership with his decision to wear the home colors at an AWAY game at this time by breaking the NCAA rules.. It is self serving because he is ticked that he is not in the BCS top 1 or 2 teams. I am also ticked that Neuheisel is going along with it!
I was rather drastic with my comments...but what I want to be known is that all this sends a VERY negative and BLASTING message to our players (teams) and young adults...just BREAK the rules, they don't matter!. BUT Laws and rules DO matter. Don't do it in this way!! Sometimes being a Maverick
isn't the best way to go!!!