Syracuse renames student section from Otto’s Army to Ozone

For those paying attention to Twitter yesterday, we were confused when Otto’s Army — the official student section of the Syracuse Orange — was imploring students to wear white to this weekend’s “Orange Out” football game vs. the Clemson Tigers. Well, now we know why...

Syracuse has announced that Otto’s Army has been renamed the “Ozone” because.... reasons.

“The renaming of the Ozone is the result of a collaborative effort involving Otto’s Army, the Residence Hall Association, Student Association, and Greek Life, and will serve as a vehicle to bring all groups from campus together on game day. The section has been called ‘Otto’s Army’ in prior years. The student fan group that bears the same name will continue to lead the cheers at all Syracuse University athletic events.”

So Otto’s Army also exists still, is what I’m getting from this quote? Also while the “Ozone” has its own Instagram feed, that same username is currently unclaimed on Twitter (might want to get on that, SU).

And what of the white out? Well glad you asked. It’s part of the theme days that the Ozone will be rolling out this season.

Clemson – Color Me Orange: All students are encouraged to wear WHITE to the game! There will be an orange color powder toss when the football team runs out of the tunnel.

Pittsburgh – Greek Night: All students wear sunglasses, khakis and a button-up to the game and receive a FREE ‘Cuse sunglasses strap while supplies last

Boston College – JersDay: All students wear your favorite sports jersey to the game for a chance to take home a game worn Syracuse Football jersey

Tossing orange powder in the air sounds fun, sure. Hopefully the dust doesn’t get in anyone’s eyes.

“Greek Night” is more like “Dress Like Your Unfortunate Future Self” night and if you wanted to know Greek Life’s contribution to this whole process, well, it’s basically a theme party. So there you go.

“JersDay” misses a golden opportunity, and also doesn’t even encourage students to wear SYRACUSE jerseys to the game. So when you see the stands full of Massholes in Tawmmy and Gronk jerseys that day, now you know why.

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Look, is this probably fine? Sure. But that’s kind of the problem, no? It’s fine. There’s nothing earth-shattering or even necessary going on here. It just exists. Getting more student support at games probably didn’t need a name change (from something with a #BRAND like Otto’s Army to something without like “Ozone,” which is already a word). But is anyone going to attend a game they wouldn’t have otherwise now that they can get covered in orange powder, or can dress like a bro, or wear a jersey of a team that’s not on the field? Seems unlikely.

Hopefully Syracuse’s ideas to get more students in the door works, though, and the powder toss thing looks cool before the game. And if not, well, then it’s probably back to the drawing board again.