Longtime college football fans can remember the days of the "tearaway" jersey, when running backs like Oklahoma's Billy Sims would sport a half-torn shirt.

That notable fashion element made it difficult for defenders to wrap up a player just by tugging on his jersey. The fabric would simply rip apart when a defender grabbed it, and the running back would hardly be slowed.

Those days are long gone, but the reasoning behind the old tearaway jerseys hasn't gone anywhere. In fact, Nike, among others, is helping football teams make it difficult for defensive players again.

Michigan State will wear new Nike-produced uniforms this season, and one of the key components is a "shrink-wrapped" fit that doesn't allow opponents to easily grab ahold.

The uniforms feature new performance fabrics; lighter material; increased ventilation; and better "moisture management." The pants, in particular, will carry less moisture, Nike says.

Of course, uniform designs also have come a long way. Just look at Oregon, which has so many different uniform combinations that it could wear a different look in 48 games.

"There are enough uniform combinations now that I could coach for 10 more years and never see them all," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said.

Most programs haven't gone as all-out as Oregon in order to make a splash, but they have added more color or unique designs. Many schools have added curves and stripes, especially those schools that aren't beholden to a tradition-laden uniform, such as Penn State.

Michigan State, for example, is going retro. After a slightly different design in recent seasons, the Spartans are looking to get back to their roots, with "MICHIGAN STATE" across the front returning to the font that its other teams have used, and the one that veteran football fans remember.

"The new uniform really embraces Michigan State's football heritage," Spartans equipment coordinator Bob Knickerbocker said. "Several old elements have been added to the uniform and those are things that our ex-players and alumni can relate to. They can say, 'Hey, that's how the jersey and helmet looked when I played there or that's how the uniforms looked when I went to school there.' "