Is the Indiana program making a statement by excluding the Big Ten logo from its jerseys and helmets for the Outback Bowl?
Head coach Tom Allen says no, but the league’s logos are in fact excluded. And Allen did not say that was done on accident.
Soon after a viral Twitter post highlighted that IU removed the Big Ten logo from its jerseys and helmets, Allen released a statement.
“To clarify what we are wearing on our uniform and helmet for tomorrow’s Outback Bowl: since I took over as Indiana head coach, this program’s mantra has been LEO, Love Each Other. This season has been the most trying we will ever experience, and we felt it was appropriate to showcase LEO, which has carried us through one of the most historic years in Indiana Football history, We did not intend to show any disrespect to anyone. We are a proud member of the Big Ten and are always representing our conference, LEO is the foundation of our program and we want to bring in 2021 focusing on our team and Love Each Other. LEO!”
Indiana will have Outback Bowl, Adidas and unity fist patches on its jerseys. The helmet bumper will apparently include “LEO” rather than the Big Ten’s logo.
After being snubbed of a Citrus Bowl appearance it appears Indiana will not have any Big Ten logos on their uniforms for the Outback Bowl. #iufb
The helmet bumper B10 logo was replaced with “LEO” and the jersey logo covered by the Outback Bowl patch. pic.twitter.com/UVrzLIi9Tf
— Ryan Cotter (@Rygi13) January 1, 2021
Indiana (6-1) has not hidden its disappointment in several aspects of the postseason process.
The Big Ten changed a rule it established prior to the 2020 season requiring participation in six games to play in the Big Ten championship game. That rule change allowed Ohio State to represent the Big Ten East in the title game rather than Indiana.
Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta is the chair of the College Football Playoff committee that ranked IU No. 11 nationally. Indiana is ranked No. 7/8 by the media and coaches.
The CFP slight caused Indiana to be passed over for a New Year’s Six bowl game, as No. 10 and three loss Iowa State was sent to the Fiesta Bowl.
Indiana was also passed on by the Citrus Bowl in favor of Northwestern. The Citrus Bowl is intended for the league’s perceived No. 2 team.
IU’s jerseys and helmets normally include the Big Ten logo. The Hoosiers kept the Big Ten logo on its jerseys and helmets for the Gator Bowl in 2020.
Fellow Big Ten programs Ohio State, Wisconsin and Northwestern had the Big Ten logo on their respective helmets and jerseys during their bowl games this week.
See also: Former AD Fred Glass says IU done in by good old boy power structure
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