Notre Dame raised the uniform stakes with their weird shamrock helmet (and likely green jerseys, too). Maryland had to respond. And they did. In a big way.

Yes, the Terrapins will take the field on Saturday wearing their controversial flag-themed Maryland Pride uniforms. And I don't know about you, but I couldn't be happier. My love for the look is probably pretty well-known by now.

Of course, there's also the note that when Maryland wears the gaudy uniforms, they're 1-0. And when they don't, they're 1-7. I'm pretty sure that's statistically significant, dude.

It won't have much effect on the field, though it might serve as a bit of motivation, as it appeared to last time. More important and broadly, it'll be even more exposure for a look that helped to launch them into the national eye the last time everyone saw it.

I should say, though, that Maryland has to be very careful about not over-using these. Each time they're used the effect diminishes. It's okay to go to them once, maybe twice a year, but anything past that is getting a bit over-the-top. And I should also say that they can't expect the uniforms themselves to launch the Terps into the elite, as some have mistakenly interpreted; but rather that the uniforms, in combination with successful, winning football, can be used as a tool to lend "coolness" to the program in the eyes of teenaged recruits.

Whatever. They're also hot. (And if they win this game, I'm going to crusade on these becoming the full-time look.)