/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69840204/NU_USA.0.jpg)
With Northwestern welcoming Indiana State to Ryan Field on the 20th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks, the ‘Cats have opted in favor of donning their USA-themed helmets, adorning a star-spangled block N in addition to their usual purple jerseys and white pants in the home setting.
Weekly Northwestern Uniform Fun Facts!
— Ella Brockway (@ellabrockway) September 9, 2021
Record in P-W-P: 3-4
Last worn: Wisconsin 2020
Record in helmets with white facemasks: 4-1
First purple helmet with American flag decal since Purdue 2017 https://t.co/RZfLeF6bt4
The white facemasks (always a fan favorite) are also set to return on Saturday, and the mixing of the purple helmet with the red, white and blue is a headwear combo the ‘Cats haven’t broken out since 2017 against Purdue, according to Ella Brockway. Back then, Northwestern was also rocking an all-grey uniform that made the set a bold and ambitious choice, and though the USA-decal is not meant to be subtle, the announced uniforms for Saturday mesh together a little bit better than those of four years ago.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22839889/NU_vs_Purdue.jpg)
Altogether this will be Northwestern’s first time wearing the USA-decals since their 2019 home loss against Purdue, and their first game wearing their purple jerseys at home since the Rece Davis-themed upset of Wisconsin.
Northwestern plays Indiana State on Saturday at 11 am CT on Big Ten Network.