COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State football team will wear a special uniform in its game Nov. 21 at Michigan as part of the Nike Rivalry series. This unique one-time-only tribute pays homage to Ohio State’s 1954 national championship team in its styling and design.

The Buckeyes will be wearing the Nike Pro Combat uniform, a new system of dress and the lightest football uniform Nike has ever created. Ohio State is one of 10 elite football programs to debut the Nike Pro Combat uniform this month before the uniform’s official introduction at the start of the 2010 season.

The Nike Pro Combat uniform is 37 percent lighter than current designs (673 grams vs. 1,061 grams). Nike utilized a four-way stretch twill that does not hold sweat or water and as a result, the new uniforms are 46 percent lighter than the current designs when wet. Overall, the Nike Pro Combat uniform, when wet, is still lighter than the current Ohio State design when completely dry.

Designed from the inside out, the Nike Pro Combat uniform begins with the Nike Pro Combat padded base layer, comprised of dual-density foam cells that absorb, deflect and disperse the impact of on-field collisions. A foam grid intersects the cells to maximize impact absorption and increase flexibility. A hard plastic shield covers the thigh padding where impact frequently occurs.

The new uniforms also feature improved ventilation and breathability. Completing this true system of dress for football is the new Nike Zoom Vapor Fly cleat, which Nike customized for Ohio State featuring the Buckeyes’ team colors, team logo, and chrome-plated outsole.

The uniform draws inspiration from the Buckeyes’ proud football tradition, particularly the teams of the 1950s. In 1954, Ohio State used a goalline stand to defeat Michigan en route to capturing the national championship. To salute that championship team, the Buckeyes are wearing all-white helmets with their clean-look uniforms.

The motto “BUCKEYE TRADITION” is embroidered on the inner collar of every Ohio State jersey collar as well as on the cuff of the Nike Vapor Trail 2.0 gloves.

Limited edition merchandise will be on sale starting at 10 a.m. Saturday in the official Team Shop at the Schottenstein Center. Fans can also get an up-close look at the commemorative ensemble at the Ohio Union’s “Beat Michigan” pep rally Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Newport Theatre on High Street.