Uniform March Madness: Elite Eight

Elite, a phrase Minnesotans will be hearing for a while with PJ Fleck running the show. Here, it means we’re down to eight. The elite have survived and advanced to this stage. Matchups will become more difficult to win, and it all comes down to uniforms. Which uniforms appeal to fans the most? You decide which team’s helmet, jersey, and pants combinations you like the most. There are some simple setups that made it to the round of eight, while most other teams change their look weekly.

The bracket is still below, but for the Elite Eight, each matchup will have it’s own poll. Make sure you check out each one and vote!

#1 James Madison Dukes vs #7 South Dakota State Jackrabbits

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

James Madison

Previous: Beat #8 Richmond 18-17 and #12 North Dakota 51-28.

After surviving a scare against Richmond, the Dukes turned away North Dakota to get to the Elite Eight. Their uniforms include a multitude of color combinations, and that should help them in their quest to the Final Four.

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South Dakota State

Previous: Beat #10 Chattanooga 30-8, #2 Youngstown State 23-11, and #6 Jacksonville State 43-36.

The Jackrabbits journey has been a dominant one until the last round. Their blue and gold combination may be running out of steam, and their opponent changes things up more frequently than they do. Do they have one more upset in them?

#5 Memphis Tigers vs #2 Navy Midshipmen

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis

Previous: Beat #12 UConn 68-10, #4 Tulsa 115-86, and #9 Tulane 43-40.

Memphis finally met a match who could compete with them, but the Tigers finished off Tulane’s unique colors to enter the Elite Eight. They now face a team rich in tradition both on the field and with their uniforms, but they still could pull off the upset with their ever-changing look.

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Navy

Previous: Beat #7 UCF 129-72 and #11 East Carolina 57-28.

We found that tradition is strong even in regards to uniforms. Navy has dominated both of its matchups heading into the Elite Eight. Their simple look resonates with fans all over, but has to go against a team that switches things up on a regular basis. Tradition is strong, but is it strong enough to reach the Final Four?

#1 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs #6 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

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Western Kentucky

Previous: Beat #9 Charlotte 55-37, #4 UTSA 120-117

Welcome to the Russell matchup! Where both schools chose an alternative route to their uniform sponsor. WKU finds themselves in the Elite Eight after surviving a nail-biter against UTSA. The Hilltoppers may find this round just as difficult as they go up against a team who has picked up some steam in the tournament.

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Southern Mississippi

Previous: Beat #11 Marshall 52-46, #3 Louisiana Tech 52-45, #2 Old Dominion 139-95

After sneaking by Marshall and Louisiana Tech, the Golden Eagles were able to build a comfortable lead against Old Dominion. Black and gold has been good for those teams wearing those colors, and it could be a possible Final Four matchup if this support continues.

#1 Appalachian State Mountaineers vs #7 Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks

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Appalachian State

Previous: Beat #8 South Alabama 488-198, #5 UL-Lafayette 248-82

There has been no doubt the Mountaineers would win their matchups, as they have stormed out to big leads and never looked back. Their clean look has brought them this far, and don’t be surprised if that continues.

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Louisiana-Monroe

Previous: Beat #10 New Mexico State 194-109, #2 Arkansas State 305-280, # 6 Georgia Southern 140-114

Definitely the surprise of the tournament to this point. The Warhawks will need increased support if they want to advance, as their opponent has thoroughly dominated every matchup. Could this be the end, or is more magic in store?