Colorado State to show off new helmets in Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl.
ALBUQUERQUE» Colorado State football aims to make a fashion statement in the New Mexico Bowl.
The Rams unveiled a new helmet Wednesday to be worn against Marshall at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The never-before-worn lids feature a white base with green, bone-style curled horns similar to the look used for CSU’s “Ag Day” helmets. However, the Rams did not hint at what jersey and pants combination they will wear against Marshall.
It marks the second time this season CSU has debuted a new helmet. The Rams wore Colora do flag-inspired “State Pride” uniforms against Boise State on Nov. 11 in a 59-52 overtime defeat.
CSU signed a five-year agreement with Under Armour in 2016 that allows the production of three “special uniforms” for three games through the 2020-21 season with production costs split between the two parties, which means CSU fans can expect two more distinct looks over the next two-plus seasons. Under Armour supplied the Rams with apparel and equipment valued at $2.2 million this year, a university spokesman said.
The timing of CSU’s latest helmet fits in line with the Rams’ recruiting philosophy. Football coach Mike Bobo allows prospects on official visits to try on a uniform combination to envision becoming a Ram, and about 90 percent of the time those players choose an alternative option outside the program’s traditional green and gold.
The Rams will take the field at Dreamstyle Stadium on Saturday before a national audience on ESPN, and when potential future Rams see the slick, new helmets on television, Bobo hopes to reap the fashion rewards.
“What does every kid want to be?” Bobo said back in September. “They want to be different.”