Should the Dawgs be back in black?
College football fans are a superstitious lot.
I remember hearing fans lament those red pants the Dogs wore on the road in the late ’70s as a jinx. Until Herschel ran over Bill Bates wearing them. The red britches only appeared a handful of times after that, as the era of the silver britches returned, but I don’t recall anyone complaining about them after that first game of 1980.
Then there was the granite bulldog installed at the east end of Sanford Stadium before the Dogs played their home opener against Tennessee in 1992. After Georgia lost the game, I heard a few grumbles about the granite statue and even more the next year as Ray Goff’s team stumbled to a losing record. Eventually, though, it was pretty obvious the stone dog wasn’t the problem.
Such talk of a jinx is pretty ridiculous, right?
Loading ...The black jerseys didn’t lose the game; the players in them did. Just like the players in red jerseys lost to Florida and Tech last season. Likewise, it wasn’t the black jerseys that beat Auburn and Hawaii the year before that.
I said it after the Bama game and I still believe it: The Blackout did its job, which was to jack up fan fervor. I hadn’t seen Georgia fans in Sanford Stadium that wired in many a year, not even during the first Blackout against Auburn, and they stayed pretty much into the game, even when the Dogs fell behind 31-0 in the first half. The team just didn’t execute.
Granted, part of the problem perhaps was that Richt and his staff let the whole Blackout ploy get out of hand the week before the Bama game, allowing the team, which seemed to have motivational problems on and off the field last year, to get too caught up in the hysteria.
But that one loss shouldn’t spell the end of a great spirit builder and a fine looking jersey.
That said, I don’t think the Blackout is a well that Richt should dip into too often. For now, while there are still players on the team who played in that Alabama debacle, I think the black jerseys ought to be held out as something to be earned. Win some big games and maybe get to wear black late in the season. Maybe.
After that, I’d like to see the black jerseys brought out perhaps once a year, either for a big rival or a bowl game.
What do you think? Did the Bama loss take away all the joy from the previous black jersey wins for you? Are you one of the minority of fans who think the Dogs never should have deviated from home red to begin with? Or do you agree with me that one game shouldn’t ruin a good thing and the Dogs should wear black again when the time is right?
Feel free to comment, vote in the poll or do both.
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186 comments Add your comment
GaDawg
July 7th, 2009
7:18 am
I think the Black Jerseys are Great,and I agree with making the players earn the right to wear them
GO DAWGS!!!
Dave
July 7th, 2009
7:22 am
I think you’re right, Bill. The black jerseys are a great idea, that gets the fans and the players jacked up. They should have to earn it, though. They earned it in 2007 when they beat Florida. Just because they lost one game wearing the black jerseys (after easily winning it’s first two in them) doesn’t mean that they should give them up this early. They didn’t give up the silver britches after their first loss in them, did they?
cobradawg
July 7th, 2009
7:27 am
Uniforms don’t jinx teams, but can add a little emotion to a team, and fans. I thought the red pants looked sharp as part of the road uniform, and would like to see them back.
biggerthanbigdawg
July 7th, 2009
7:29 am
The problem with the blackout in 2008 vs the one in 2007 is the fact that the 2007 one vs Aub. was a calculated move on the part of CMR. The one vs Ala. was decided on the plane ride home from ASU 6 days b4 the next day. The fervor was alot of smoke n mirrors that Ala. hardly acknowledged as the executed their x n o’s that night. We caught our own selves up in the hype of the blackout and could not recover.
PS I go ahead n get it out of the way Saint Simons…we know 45-42=3 which is your point total for the Chickfila Bowl….hahahahahahahahahahahaha
TechDan
July 7th, 2009
7:47 am
I’m a Tech fan, but I like the black uniforms.
I also like the blue uniforms we wore against LSU, But that’s neither here nor there. I also loved watching Hawaii put in it’s place in 2007. I didn’t watch the Auburn game.
Lenny in Ludowici
July 7th, 2009
7:56 am
Is Bill King actually a 50 year old Alvin Chipmunk? hmmmmmm….
I think Bill likes the blackout thing. Look at the shirt in the picture.
I don’t ever remember too many teams having to resort to gimmicks to get guys up for games as has occured over the last 2 or 3 years. Auburn, Bama, the UF end zone celebration. Starting to remind me of the WWF.
What’s next? Mark Richt calling out Urban Meyer in a no holds barred, chain link cage match at halftime in Jacksonville with Vince MacMahon and Jesse the Body Ventura whipping the crowd up into a frenzy?
Play football. Win games.
mightyKC
July 7th, 2009
8:03 am
how about making up a story about security having to throw out an opposing team’s spy out of a tree or some BS.
richt is the king of the gimmicks…he lost his way a long time ago and resorts to bells and whistles. his theme song is sweet georgia brown.
» SEC links: Pelphrey’s defections a problem for Arkansas John Clay’s Sidelines
July 7th, 2009
8:04 am
[...] In the AJC, blogger Bill King wonders if Georgia should be back in black? [...]
Top Dawg
July 7th, 2009
8:10 am
I think the Dawgs should wear them later in the year. If there is anyway possible, it should be kept top secret until game time. Last year, in addition to letting the black jerseys get out of control in the Dawgs’ players’ minds, it also gave all kinds of motivation to the Alleybammer staff and players. Regardless of who the opponent is, you don’t need to give them any extra motivation to get pumped up to play an elite team like UGA.
Mikey
July 7th, 2009
8:25 am
put them away until they earn them.
Henry
July 7th, 2009
8:26 am
The dawgs are just copying my Gamecocks. We are the only team in the SEC that changes jerseys and hemets. UGA is just a copycat!!!!!
JayRoot
July 7th, 2009
8:28 am
.
Heck Yes!!
They Should wear ‘em!!!
Especially for the GaTech game. they’ll already be attending their own funeral at that point … again. Ha!
How apropos!!
.
Anybody been arrested this week from the UGA roster?
.
Fools Gold
July 7th, 2009
8:28 am
It was a dumb ploy only to come back to bite the mutts in the a$$. Leave the jersey and helmut changing to the gamechickins mutt fans!!!!
Jon P
July 7th, 2009
8:31 am
I love the black jerseys and do agree that they should be earned and worn once a year. I also like the black pants that we wore against Wisconsin in the ‘98 Outback Bowl and like the red pants as well, but I only like these pants with the white away jerseys. They both would look bad with the home red or black jerseys (i.e., the Florida game with red jerseys and black pants in the Donnan era…yuck!). Makes us look like San Diego State or something. So, I prefer red or black jerseys at home with silver britches and red or black pants on the road over the silver britches (which looks too much like Ohio State on the road with the red helmets, white jerseys and silver britches).
Disgruntled Dawg
July 7th, 2009
8:32 am
I must say I have to sort of agree with Fools Gold on this one. we dont want to be like Clemson or the lamecocks with this jersey swapping……
JB
July 7th, 2009
8:32 am
Mightkc………I don’t think you win more games than ANY other SEC team in your first 7 years with
‘GIMMICKS”. HATE all you want, All of our opponents know we win about 8 out 10 we play
Dawgs09
July 7th, 2009
8:35 am
I love the black jerseys, but they need to find better ways to hype up the team (like getting to AND winning the SEC and NC games). I am all for fan and player hype because sometimes it is a great idea to get everyone pumped up like we have with the black jerseys, but I think Top Dawg is right: if we do this again, it needs to be a complete surprise that benefits us and only us and keeps our opponent from getting more motivated than we are. The potential for backfire from here on out is even moreso since we blew our entire leg off last year (rather than just shooting ourselves in the foot…) when we pulled out the black against Alabama. We just can’t have another one of those to chalk up to the old black uniforms. The Auburn and Hawaii games were something to behold (as was the Alabama game for very different reasons), but when it comes down to it, the guys just need to be motivated at all times, not just because they are going to be wearing black.
JaxDawg
July 7th, 2009
8:35 am
The black jerseys had about as much to do with us losing the Bama game as the grass being green did. That being said, I agree that they should be worn only after they have earned the right to wear them as a reward for hard work.
Top Dawg – you make a very good point in that CMR must be careful when and who against to call for a “blackout”. While it may be a good motivation ploy for the Dawgs, but can backfire and awaken a sleeping giant by giving the opponent locker room material.
If CMR were to allow them to wear them this year, he should take advantage of the situation and tell the players, “I’m going to let you wear the black jerseys against (insert team), but if you ever want them to see the light of day again, you’d better not lose the game!”
Until they wear black pants with the black jerseys...
July 7th, 2009
8:37 am
…they should not wear the black jerseys. The Oakland Raider black and silver works; the UGA black and silver combo is butt ugly – maybe it is the red helmet contrast, but the black jersy just does not work for a good UGA look!!
Diamond Dave
July 7th, 2009
8:38 am
You can’t win games with gimicks. Just block and tackle.
coachdawg 2000
July 7th, 2009
8:40 am
I think it shouldn’t be an annual thing. I think it gets over played but watchng knowshon sprint into the stadium and then pull himself out of the game on the first(and only) decent drive of the first half showed me that maybe we peaked before we even kicked off. Maybe do something else instead to bring a little extra emotion to big game. Do not tell the fans or the media make it a team only deal. Maybe break out the red pants for the tech game(since we will be the road team-and they will probably break out their navy and urine home uniforms). As somebody that has the priviledge of coaching football, i can tell you that stuff like this can help give you an emotional edge(at least one time) but doing it too much can lead to feeling like the jersey of uniform is making the plays and not the man wearing it. I like the black jerseys but leave them in the equipment room this year at least until a big/crucial moment in the season.
14-4 since 1991 versus tech.
tim
July 7th, 2009
8:41 am
I hope the puppies have a winning record on Oct 31…better yet I hope UGA is undefeated coming into Jax and the Gators…then they should wear black because all the tar that Florida will kick out of the puppies collective asses won’t show as much…unfortunately when Oct 31 rolls around you ladies will already have had your butts handed to you at least 3, maybe 4 times.
YoungDawg
July 7th, 2009
8:46 am
They should keep wearing the black jerseys! I agree that maybe next time they should have to earn the right to wear them first. I also like the idea of there being no talk of a blackout then CMR surprising the players with black jerseys just before the game. Since GT has a bye week this year & considering last year’s game, the thought of them warming up in red then coming out in black on the Flats makes sense to me. This would fire the team up & send a message then we’d just back that up with tough physical play! Rumor has it Lame Kitten is going to put UT in ALL black (there were some Eric Berry promo pics with a black helmet & there’s been pics of a black UT jersey on UT blogs) because the players want it & some recruits might like it. I’d love it if he tried stealing our idea on us & we whipped there tail in Knoxville! Anyway…Keep the black jersey’s!
jerry
July 7th, 2009
8:46 am
Black would be appropriate if a rumor I heard (from a reliable source) is true. It seems,so the rumor goes, that UGA escaped his handlers and was picked up and put into the same kennel that Vick’s pit bulls are kept. I am told that a vicious pit by the name of HARD ON 4U had his way with UGA. It would seem to be a sad day for the dawgs but what do I know, maybe not.
Too Easy
July 7th, 2009
8:53 am
Jerry: don’t try to pass off your personal experiences onto UGA.
Lenny in Ludowici
July 7th, 2009
8:57 am
Oh, joy, and the fashion advice keeps rolling. Always talk, ad nauseum, about the UF, GT, UT, etc, and the inconsequential drivel they spew on this “blog” and today is dedicated to fashion advice and accessorizing. This is earth shattering stuff, folks. Aren’t we special…..
Let’s contact Paris Hilton or somebody to get their input.
Maybe Joe Cox with a boa and silver strapless gown… CMR with a black top hat & tuxedo……. Or Martinez with one of those tear away pair of pants that the Chippendales wear!! Now THAT would motivate the entire stadium!!!
Feel free to throw in suggestions.
coachdawg 2000
July 7th, 2009
9:07 am
Lenny-
if it is soooo boring why are you here?
I know, because your shift at best buy hasn’t started yet.
jerry
July 7th, 2009
9:08 am
TOO EASY: That’s what ‘ol HARD ON 4U thought-too easy. And you might like to know, the workers at the kennel are calling UGA HARD ON’s “Ho”.
dawgfanatic24-7
July 7th, 2009
9:14 am
I agree it should be earned but we need to wear the red jerseys during bowl games if we are the home team.
GetOverIt
July 7th, 2009
9:15 am
Amen Lenny! You ladies need to pick up your purses and go home and talk about uniform colors in private. Oh yeah, and GT won a game with a “gimmick” offense. CMR 0-1 vs. CPJ but is 1-0 in huddle bouncing with his players before the game. Pathetic.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 7th, 2009
9:18 am
It’s a good idea for revenue. Instead of Bubba buying Little Jimmy some underwear or a new pair of shoes. Bubba, gets a Noshow Merino black Jersey and Little Jimmy will have to settle for whatever’s at the Salvation Army. Everybody’s happy, except for Little Jimmy, but his day will come.
dUmB DAwg
July 7th, 2009
9:22 am
i wOUld lIKe tO sEe UgA iN sIlvER hElMuts aNd cOpY thE oaKlAnD rAIdERs. it wOulD bEe cOoL!
Otto
July 7th, 2009
9:25 am
Tim, UGA will be in white as they are the visiting team this year. Your Crocs will choke somewhere along the way. They always do.
Otto
July 7th, 2009
9:26 am
Actually UGA had silver helmets before Dooley put the G on the red helmet.
dawgfanatic24-7
July 7th, 2009
9:26 am
The black jerseys would look best with red pants.
PTC Jacket
July 7th, 2009
9:27 am
I thought the black jerseys look good, and it definitely did motivate the fans. I watched most of the Bama @ UGA game, and it seemed like everyone was focusing on the black jerseys, but forgot there was a game to play. I guess Bama took that advantage and won the game.
I’m sure that’s what the GT players were like when they went to the Peach Bowl. They were overhyped and overconfident, and most likely lost focus of the game. Hence, the LSU win. I did like the blue jerseys, and I hope to see them again.
Cuz
July 7th, 2009
9:28 am
How about if we wear the black jerseys versus Tennessee Tech. The Tech and Gator fans have assured us that is the only game we will win. Why not reward the team in advance for that one win.
Cuz
July 7th, 2009
9:30 am
I like the blackout because the co-eds look darn good in their black outfits. The heck with the ball game.
johnnie Ray
July 7th, 2009
9:32 am
I think these gimmicks are nothing but bulletin board material for opposing teams. The end zone ploy came back and fueled total annihilation by the gators. Alabama thumped UGA last year at home. Our Dawgs need to get back to the basics and learn how to knock people off the ball. Our guys need to stay out of trouble and quit making silly videos and study vids of our opponents. UGa is long over due for slobber knocking football by our Dawgs. Its high time to put away teams like Vandy , South Carolina and other mickey mouse teams and gain some respect from others around the college football world….
Cuz
July 7th, 2009
9:34 am
Will Tim Tebow make the blind walk and the lame see during halftime at the JAX beatdown again this year? What color jersey will he be wearing? I think a radiant white garment would be appropriate.
southgadawg88
July 7th, 2009
9:35 am
…..30-4 on the road…we should wear white all the time!!!!!
Voice of Reason
July 7th, 2009
9:36 am
whoever said UGA should wear black pants with the black jerseys- That would make the players look like a bunch of love bugs running around out there. I can hear it now “Love bugs splattered across the grill of the Ramblin Wreck”
austindog
July 7th, 2009
9:38 am
Get right back on the saddle and blackout Arizona State.
Tech Fans....
July 7th, 2009
9:39 am
As you keep building your 45-42 mountain, just remember it’s going to be a long hard fall back to reality once the Dawgs begin a new streak this year!
Voice of Reason
July 7th, 2009
9:39 am
johnnie ray- what silly videos and what trouble are they getting in?
Rusty Gunn
July 7th, 2009
9:39 am
Q: Should the Dawgs be back in black?
A: No.
Lenny in Ludowici
July 7th, 2009
9:44 am
coachdawg, I’m like all those rubberneckers out on the interstate. Can’t help but slow down and gander at a good train wreck.
johnnie Ray
July 7th, 2009
9:48 am
V.O. R. I was talking about last years troubles and those silly AJC vids that our guys made last year. Dont you remember? Wher were you my friend?
johnnie Ray
July 7th, 2009
9:53 am
BTW UGA sure doesnt need to be a copycat team like Clemson and the lamecocks with the idea of being decked out in all black. UGA needs to get back to the basics and play slobber knockin football which is long over due. Leave the uniform and helmet changing to the mediocre teams like South Carolina
Will
July 7th, 2009
9:53 am
I personally think we should wear the black jerseys every home game. I think with them we have the best looking uni’s in college football. Lets scrap the red ones for a few seasons. Now that’s change I can believe in!