The Arizona Wildcats will wear new, copper helmets when they take on No. 18 Oregon State Saturday at Arizona Stadium.
Coach Rich Rodriguez showed off the new lid at today's news conference. According to a UA release, the helmets are a tribute to the state of Arizona's copper mining history. The lids will be a departure for the Wildcats, who have always worn either white, navy or red helmets.
"Copper's not going to replace our school colors or anything, but I think its a tribute to the mining history in our state," Rodriguez said. "Our guys will practice in them Wednesday and Thursday to get used to the hats, to the fit and all that."
Quarterback Matt Scott had one quibble: "They could make the 'A' a little bigger."
"Obviously, there's a good history behind it," he said. "Obviously, it's not our general colors, but we're going to wear those this week. I think it looks good. I like it."
Arizona will wear the new helmets with their red or blue jerseys and pants. Scott, a senior who helps choose the weekly uniforms, said he'll likely vote for navy jerseys. The blue tops would match the new lids' navy facemasks.
Arizona (3-1, 0-1) is coming off a 49-0 loss to No. 2 Oregon.
"We probably gotta go blue," he said. "Regardless of what we wear, we've got to go out there and play."
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