MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen continues to put his imprint on the football program in his first season in charge. Now, he's putting that imprint on the side of the Badgers' helmets.
Andersen recently informed his team that Wisconsin would invert its helmet colors for a Sept. 7 home game against Tennessee Tech. Instead of white helmets with a red motion W, they will sport red helmets with a white motion W.
Andersen created a leadership committee of about 30 players on the team that contributed in the decision-making process.
"Well wear it game two, and we'll wear it as many times as the leadership committee deems to wear it throughout the year," Andersen told his players, as depicted in the team's "The Camp" preseason Internet series.
"There's a rich tradition here, which you understand and you all know. We all have great respect for that. Molding that to be respectful of traditions and trying to be on the cutting edge is what we're trying to do. We'll continue to move through that, but this is a step in the right direction."
Wisconsin last wore red helmets from 1967-70, which featured the school mascot Bucky Badger on the side. The Badgers also wore red helmets last season for their road game against Nebraska to pay homage to the 50-year anniversary of the program's 1962 Big Ten championship team.
Wisconsin's players sounded pleased with the change following Thursday's practice.
"It's a good look," Badgers running back Jeff Lewis said. "We're so traditional here. Us young guys always want the new gear, swag, new stuff. It was different, so I like it a lot. Hopefully the fans will feel the same."
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