It's time again to foray into the history and the currency of logos at the Slant Pattern. This time, we will look at the Big Ten. Most of the logos come from the always awesome ChrisCreamer.com.
Penn State
They've been using the same primary logo since 1962, and why not? It's solid. I am also quite fond of their script, and wish they would return it to their end zones rather than the block letters they've been using for the last few years.
The term "Nittany," by the way, comes from nearby Mount Nittany, which was indeed home to prides of mountain lions in the 19th century.
Ohio State
I bleed scarlet and gray, but their primary logo seems drab to me. Still, it's not as bad as the "logo" they were giving the TV networks to use the the late 1980s. I mean, this cannot rightfully be called a logo, right? Give me one of their buckeye-leaf alternates, which maintains a collegiate feel while still adding a state-specific flair.
Michigan
Drab and uninteresting, like their rivals'. I have the same complaint about Michigan as I do about UCLA. If your nickname is a fearsome animal, use it in your logo! They used to, up until 1983.
Michigan State
They've gone through several iterations of their spartan head, including this one that is not happy. Their actual mascot's costume still looks like that. From 1966-72, one of their logos was this guy. I am sad to report that this chap no longer attends MSU games due to the bans on smoking and outside food and beverages.
Indiana
Very, very little to report on here and no interesting past logos. I will say as "classic" ones go, I like this one better than the others, it reminds me of a candlestick. I wonder if that's intentional.
Purdue
Now this is more like it in terms of sheer hilarity. You've probably seen their primary logo. It's nice. But sometimes that locomotive comes to life, as Thomas the Tank Engine's evil twin. Their mascot, Purdue Pete, likes to play basketball in gold socks pulled up all the way. Of course, he gets ejected almost immediately every game, as the refs frown on the hammer he brings on the court. Afterwards, Pete chastises himself with a slap to the head, although it may be because he wore dress shoes for manual labor.
Illinois
They had to retire their main logo in 2003 due to the Native Americans-as-mascots backlash. It's a shame, I love this logo and how symmetrical it is. Did you know where the word "Illinois" comes from? That's right — the headdresses of the original natives.
Northwestern
I've always liked the stylized N. Their logo for most of the sixties was a wildcat who seems to be seeing something just shocking. As the Wildcats, you would expect their mascot to be just that. But no. It's the elusive rabbit-rat-dog.
Iowa
The hawkeye head is iconic, so I'm surprised to learn it's only been around since 1979. They have one alternate logo, and I guess it's primarily for the bowling team because STEEE-RIKE!
Wisconsin
I look at a lot of high school football helmet web pages, and I do believe that besides the Kansas State Wildcat, the Wisconsin "W" is copied more than any other logo. As far as alternates, at least they use the animal, but if he must be clothed, perhaps put him in something that students have worn since 1965.
Minnesota
Sigh. We can't get schools with nicknames like the Bruins or Wolverines to incorporate those animals into their logos, but we get a freaking gopher in multiple poses. It's not right, I tell you.
Nebraska
In the early 1990s when Nebraska was king of the football world, I heard a school official lamenting that their merchandise isn't purchased much outside the state and the school is struggling to capture some national merchandising cache. Oh, you don't say. At least their original logo looks ready to do something rapey with that ear of corn which is ... well, it's bold, anyway.
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