Prior to 1858 the notion of a distinctive color for each university ... was then changed to the "CRIMSON." Yale followed suit soon afterwards by adopting "true blue" and the idea spread rapidly.

Members of the lacrosse team have two red stripes with a black one in the middle. The colors of the 'varsity nine are the same, only along the edges runs a very fine stripe of black. Two black ...

and it has nothing to do with playing Michigan, which likes to call itself "Big Blue." "Crimson Tikes" is the brainchild of Anthony Sisco, who is passionate about all things Crimson Tide.