Apparently in an attempt to quell potentially negative reaction to rumors that the Ohio State football team is about unveil new uniforms for a game this month, university athletic director Gene Smith released a statement Wednesday night. In it he confirmed the change and called it “a one-time opportunity to salute” the 1954 national championship team

“During spring 2009, Ohio State was invited by Nike to participate in its Rivalry uniform program with several other universities from around the nation,” Smith said in the release. “They offered us a chance to try a new uniform product featuring cutting-edge fabrics and technology; participation in the program also offered us a one-time opportunity to salute one of those great championship teams that have built the Ohio State football tradition.

“Our coaches and players were excited to see the different elements Nike presented in the prototype designs and samples. The uniform elements are still in production, and we are extremely eager to see the finished product when it arrives.”

OSU has a longstanding apparel contract with Nike and the men’s basketball team was one of four programs to done a new high-neck, sleeveless jersey from the swoosh folks during the 2007 postseason. The occasion this time, according to Smith, will be for the football team’s trip to Michigan on Nov. 21 and will honor the ’54 squad, even though that team didn’t play a game in Ann Arbor and despite the likely modern look of the uniforms.

For a look at a post today on Twitter with an alleged picture of the jersey in question, click here.

“For this special program, we chose to recognize the achievements of our undefeated 1954 national championship team, winning the Big Ten title outright before capturing a Rose Bowl victory,” Smith said. “These great Buckeyes celebrated their 55th anniversary with us at the Minnesota game, and this is another way for us to pay homage to their stellar achievements.”

ESPN online columnist Pat Forde hinted at the uniform change in a recent article and the rumor turned out to be accurate.

Smith said the finished product will be made available with photos to be posted on the university’s official website, OhioStateBuckeyes.com, on Sun., Nov. 15.

However, Smith ended his statement with promises that the move is temporary.

“Again, this is a one-time opportunity to honor a great championship team,” said the AD. “We have no plans to make any changes to the traditional Buckeye uniform for the foreseeable future.”