To celebrate Purdue's first-ever Rose Bowl team — the 1966 Boilermakers — the athletic department unveiled plans Wednesday for the 2006 season opener to serve as a "throwback" game.

In honor of the Boilermakers' 14-13 win over USC in Pasadena in early 1967, Purdue will wear replica uniforms to those worn the year Bob Griese ruled the huddle and George Catavalos broke up a two-point conversion attempt late in regulation to secure the Rose Bowl victory.

When Indiana State visits Ross-Ade Stadium Sept. 2, the hosts will wear white jerseys — Purdue would ordinarily wear black at home, but the Boilermakers wore white in the Rose Bowl — with gold trim, gold pants and helmets that bear only the players' numbers.

The jerseys and pants will be produced by Nike; Riddell will make the helmets.

Looking a little like something out of a wax museum, sophomore quarterback Curtis Painter — who like Griese, wears No. 12 — modeled the throwback ensemble Wednesday. (See pictures.)

"It's fun to be able to honor guys from that team," Painter said, "and be able to wear these jerseys for a game."

Additionally coaches, staff and cheerleaders will wear retro clothing, and the band will play music from the era. It's also the 50th anniversary of Purdue Pete.

That weekend, Purdue will host a reunion for the '66 team. Griese — a color analyst for ABC — has a prior engagement that weekend, but Leroy Keyes — a sophomore halfback (primarily on defense) in 1966 and now an assistant director in the John Purdue Club — said he hopes to have back "44 or 43" of the 47 players who played in Purdue's first Rose Bowl.

Retro attire has become prevalent in college sports and especially professional sports. All the while, Purdue's been considering something like this.

"The idea had been bouncing around for a couple years," associate athletics director Greg Christopher said, "but we could never find the right fit, a hook."

Until now.

"At its core," Christopher said, "this is an opportunity for us to celebrate the '66 team, one of Purdue's greatest teams."

Following the game, jerseys will be auctioned off on-line, with more information forthcoming.

Additionally, those attending Purdue's Black and Gold Game (i.e. spring game) this weekend in West Lafayette will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Indiana State game for the 1966-ish price of $5.

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