College football uniforms to pay homage to America around September 11

By Sep 9, 2014, 8:32 PM EDT
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The anniversary of the September 11 attacks on this country will never be forgotten. We will never forget, as they say. It is a good time to reflect on the day, the unity showed throughout the country in the days and months later and so much more. As a way of paying honor to the nation, college football programs have more and more frequently found ways to honor America with their football uniforms this time of year. This year is no exception.

Houston will be playing BYU on September 11, and Houston will be displaying their patriotism on their helmets.

Virginia Tech, coming off a big win at Ohio State, will be adding the stars and stripes to its helmet this weekend for military appreciation.

One that will surely fly under the radar will be the military appreciation helmet to be worn by Nebraska-Kearney, a Division 2 school with a pretty nifty looking patriotic spin on their traditional helmet.

Speaking of Under Armour, Maryland will be wearing special uniforms designed by Under Armour featuring the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner and an outline of Fort McHenry (which, ironically, does look like a turtle at quick glance). The uniform’s reveal came as Maryland and Under Armour announced an extension to their existing relationship. It should also be noted Maryland’s specially designed uniforms will be worn as the city of Baltimore is celebrating the bicentennial of the Star-Spangled Banner all week. It’s a pretty big deal, and so are these uniforms.

There will surely be mroe patriotic spins on college football uniforms this weekend. Feel free to share any others that catch your eye in the comments section.

Former Navy coach Niumatalolo joins UCLA staff

Associated PressMar 31, 2023, 6:34 PM EDT
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LOS ANGELES – Former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo is joining UCLA’s coaching staff as director of leadership.

The school said in an announcement Friday that Niumatalolo will serve as an advisor to the Bruins’ football staff and players.

Niumatalolo led Navy for 15 years and was the winningest coach in school history at 109-83. The Midshipmen, however, finished with losing records the past three seasons, including 4-8 the past two.

Navy played in 10 bowl games under Niumatalolo. He also was the only coach to win his first eight games in the storied Army-Navy rivalry.

Troy, Jon Sumrall agree to new 4-year contract through 2026

Associated PressMar 27, 2023, 8:45 PM EDT
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TROY, Ala. ⁠— Jon Sumrall agreed to a new four-year contract as Troy’s coach after leading the Trojans to a Sun Belt Conference championship and national ranking in his debut season.

The school announced the deal, which runs through 2026, but didn’t release details.

The Trojans went 12-2 and won their final 11 games, second only to national champion Georgia, including the league championship game and the Cure Bowl against UTSA. For the first time, they finished a season ranked, ending up 19th in The Associated Press Top 25.

“When we appointed Coach Sumrall in December 2021, we challenged him to return Troy football to the top of the Sun Belt Conference,” Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. said. “It didn’t take long, as the 2022 season was the best in our FBS history.”

Troy held all 14 of its opponents to under their season average in scoring, beating UTSA 18-12. The Trojans beat Coastal Carolina 45-26 in the Sun Belt title game.

“Last year was an amazing accomplishment for everyone associated with Troy football and was the product of relentless effort from our players and staff, athletic administration and university leaders,” Sumrall said.