Practice report: Dogs 19th, Crowell wows and uniform debate
UGA and Nike showed off the Bulldogs' Pro Combat uniform that the team will wear for its opening game against Boise State. (Brant Sanderlin/bsanderlin@ajc.com)
ATHENS – Online fan reaction to Georgia’s new Nike Pro Combat uniforms, publicly unveiled on Saturday, was generally negative. This came as no surprise to Bulldogs coach Mark Richt.
“I think there are a lot of people that just don’t want to get away from [tradition] and I don’t blame them,” Richt said. “That’s the reason we’re sticking it out there two weeks in advance, so everybody can get over it.”
The new design features a silver helmet with a wide red stripe down the middle, red jersey, red pants, llong black socks, all in the Nike “Pro Combat” style. UGA and Boise State both agreed to wear the specially-designed uniforms for one game only when they play in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Sept. 3 in the Georgia Dome.
Georgia has a 2-2 record under Richt when it has changed its uniforms. The Bulldogs famously beat Auburn 45-20 in their first-ever “blackout” in 2007. They also rolled Hawaii 41-20 in black jerseys and pants in the 2008 Sugar Bowl.
But the last two times it hasn’t gone well. Georgia lost to Alabama 41-30 – after trailing 31-0 at halftime – in 2008. Wearing black helmets and black pants in 2009, the Bulldogs fell to Florida 41-17.
“We’re due,” Richt said. “I doubt we’ll do any surprise uniforms anymore. At least everybody’s got time to digest it this time. If everybody just thinks about what’s most important and that’s playing the game, I think we’ll all be fine.”
Richt said it’s not about motivation or breaking with tradition.
“When the players saw it, they liked it and that’s the big thing,” he said. “And it’s a special game. It’s not what we would call a traditional uniform but it’s not a traditional game either. That’s kind of why we did it.”
Meanwhile, the players love them.
“I think they’re awesome,” junior wide receiver Tavarres King said. “We’ve still got to play so it’s not a magic potion or anything. But I love what Nike has done for us. We’re blessed to have those uniforms. I’m excited about them.”
Said linebacker Christian Robinson: “I do like tradition, but I think one game out of the year you can do something new. It’s not like we’re changing our whole style for the whole season. It’s one game. If it’s upsetting somebody that bad, I’m sorry.”
Dogs 19th in AP poll
The Associated Press Top 25 was released Saturday and Georgia was ranked 19th. The Bulldogs were ranked No. 22 in the coaches’ poll released earlier this month.
“That’s good,” Richt said. “It’s nice to be ranked.”
Said senior defensive end DeAngelo Tyson: “That’s pretty good. We can’t go anywhere but up starting at 19. We just don’t want to go down.”
Boise State, Georgia’s opening opponent, was ranked No. 5.
“Good. I’m very excited,” Georgia’s King said of the Broncos. “They should be 5, if not even higher.”
Crowell wows team at practice
Tailback Isaiah Crowell apparently is completely recovered from the groin injury that sidelined him for six days. In his second practice back, Crowell wowed his coaches and teammates in the scrimmage portion of Saturday morning’s practice.
“Isaiah went live today and he made some plays,” Richt said. “He had a couple of great runs and a great catch and run after the catch for a touchdown.”
Said King: “Isaiah Crowell came in and was just making plays all over. I was excited about that.”
It was the first time Crowell has gone full speed since injuring the groin on Aug. 12.
“He went a little yesterday and that was enough for him, I think, to realize he could go,” Richt said. “We had a great competitive day and he wanted to be a part of it. So I think his adrenalin took over and he competed and he competed well. It was great to see.”
Injury report
Crowell’s backfield mate Richard Samuel was not about to return. Richt said the junior will be out at least until “early next week” with a strained quadricep muscle.
Nose guard John Jenkins sat out after being sidelined with a mild hamstring pull on Friday. Fellow nose guard Kwame Geathers returned from an undisclosed injury that kept him out on Friday. Also, freshman wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell was out Saturday due to a pulled leg muscle. Freshman outside linebacker Ray Drew will be out at least another week with a separated shoulder suffered in a scooter accident.
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797 comments Add your comment
georgia bulldogs fan in nwfla
August 20th, 2011
5:35 pm
i am just ready for the game , oregon has done well in uniforms that are wild , i want to see the game and if we are the 6-7 dawgs or 12-1 dawgs….i would say 13-0 but thats to much to wish for, damn if…………………………………………………………………
i know who we are , just flip the damn coin.
Bobby
August 20th, 2011
5:37 pm
Three words.
They su*k @$s.
Same ole same ole
August 20th, 2011
5:38 pm
Said senior defensive end DeAngelo Tyson: “That’s pretty good. We can’t go anywhere but up starting at 19.”
Hello? That’s the same garbage the dawgs were spewing last year. And the year before. And the year before that. Ad nauseum.
When will these jerks learn that playing, not bigmouth talk, wins games?
bamaguy
August 20th, 2011
5:39 pm
In my humble opinion, the thing UGA fans can do to have the most influence on the game is pack the dome and create a noise level like blue-field Boise has never heard. They don’t play in front of big crowds, and they certainly don’t play in front of crazy crowds in domed stadiums.
Go show Boise why the SEC is a AQ conference.
BiggdawgK
August 20th, 2011
5:41 pm
The uniforms look exactly like I figured a Nike uniform would look. I wouldn’t want them to be UGA’s new uniform but for 1 game I don’t see what the big deal is.
On matters that actually are important to the success of the Dawgs, glad to read Crowell is fine. Can’t wait for Sept 3.
ATL Guy
August 20th, 2011
5:41 pm
Haha – these uniforms are freakin pathetic!!! Nike has no idea trying to make this Transformers or something. Auburn Uniforms with Under Armour has it right. Thanks for the laugh Nike and UGA
Uniformity
August 20th, 2011
5:42 pm
The uniforms are even uglier and stupider than the mutt.
Will the mutt have his own uniform, or will he just wear his red panty diaper?
Idaho City
August 20th, 2011
5:46 pm
Boise State 37, UGA 13
The uniforms won’t help. Sacking Mark Richt would help a lot.
Chopdawg
August 20th, 2011
5:47 pm
Why mess with the best-looking uniform in all college football? Glad it’s only one game, hope we’re getting paid a lot of $$$ to wear them.
Jim (not Mora)
August 20th, 2011
5:52 pm
Never been a fan of the same color pants to go with the jersey…especially red on red. Silver pants or black would be much better for sure. Jeez…lose that red and red. The helmet? Get oudahear (said in a Yankee accent). Are you kiddin me? (Sorry, Yankee accent again.) That think is totally mean. You put that thing on and you not only look tough, but you’ll probably feel pretty durn tough just putting the thing on. Now I’m still a fan of the good old classic uniforms (believe it or not I think Penn State has the best) but sooner or later all college, and probably pro uniforms, will look like this. Jus a matter of time.
(Main problem I had with the photos of the uniform was that the manequin..or whatever that thing was wearing it…made it look more like a ballerina was wearing the uniform than a football player.)
not scientific
August 20th, 2011
5:55 pm
Anyone who writes a headline saying GA fans disapprove is an idiot. Its like Fox news publishing the results of a survey, but failing to disclose the survey pool consisted of five teadrinkers. The majority do approve, just not the boobirds who show up here most of whom are not Dawgfans anyway. Anything that can be printed to try and make a controversy will be printed.
Lame Duck Coach
August 20th, 2011
5:55 pm
Black Out=bad idea, Bulldogs dancing in Florida’s endzone=pathetic, Combat uniforms=another gimmick that won’t work!!!
Dawg tired
August 20th, 2011
5:59 pm
We have jumped the shark
doug dawg
August 20th, 2011
6:00 pm
UGLY IS AS UGLY DOES, I’M AFRAID.
THE Dixie Redcoat Band
August 20th, 2011
6:00 pm
Can you ever imagine Penn. State, Bama, Texas, ND, doing this silliness?
Erk Russell's Dog
August 20th, 2011
6:00 pm
I wit you guyz while we are tossing tradition why don’t we replace Russ the Bulldog with a freakin Pit bull.How about it boyzzzz.
chris
August 20th, 2011
6:02 pm
Love how everybody hates on these new awesome uniforms. I love a change of scenery. Sic em Dawgs!
greg
August 20th, 2011
6:02 pm
For anyone wondering…yes UGA is calling for a RED OUT in the dome for the BSU game. Go to georgiadogs.com and there is a page that says “spread the red”. I think it’s a pretty cool idea.
Goodbye CMR
August 20th, 2011
6:04 pm
This will go down as another stupid decision that CMR has made – everybody wave goodbye to this moron they “call” a head coach. Good bye and Good Riddance!
Erk Russell's Dog
August 20th, 2011
6:05 pm
I guess these uniforms are UGA’s penance for crapping out on the home and home with the University of Nike (Oregon).
Go Dawgs
August 20th, 2011
6:09 pm
Who cares what the fans think – the uniform does not make or break the outcome of the game – the players like them – as long as they lay the wood on the ponies and send them home in body cast I don’t care if they wear pink – please Dawgs – show BS how we do it SEC style -
bamaguy
August 20th, 2011
6:09 pm
Actually, DIxie Redcoat, Alabama has already done this “silliness” (not sure about the others). The only difference is Nike was not allowed to make any changes to the basic design of the uniform. Only minor alterations like a houndstooth trim on the jersey collar and a script A at the top of the pants.
superDawg
August 20th, 2011
6:12 pm
nike needs to stay the hell away from UGA.I will never buy a nike product again as long as I live!
hrmacon
August 20th, 2011
6:12 pm
The uniforms look terrible and we lose our tradition to a big name like NIKE! It’s all about the money and nothing else and it looks like UGA is all about the money too. If you have a great uniform why chage it.
I’ll always be a UGA fan but this is nothing more than commercialism at it’s best.
Go Dawgs
August 20th, 2011
6:12 pm
Hello Goodbye CMR – this was not CMR’s decision you dufus – this is part of being in the kickoff game – gosh all you haters out there – please go away – get a life – do something for yourself – stop trying to bring everyone down to your pathetic level in life – most you idiots here that are bashing probably were not even at the pic day – so you my friend are not a true fan – us true fans were there today and we actually loved it – this is just the AJC trying to get hits on a blog
Go Dawgs
August 20th, 2011
6:14 pm
Red out baby – lets rock and roll
Erk Russell's Dog
August 20th, 2011
6:14 pm
I think CMR welcomes the distraction over the uniforms ,gives him an out if the Dawgs lose the game. I am sure his butt puckered when Garrity told him that the Dawgs would open with Boise State. Yeah I can’t believe it ,butt puckering over Boise State.Good thing Bama And LSU are not on the schedule.
CoastDog
August 20th, 2011
6:14 pm
No, the time won’t let me “get over it.” But when you have sold your soul for the money what else can you say for the fans to do but “get over it.” Gee, thanks.
Go Dawgs
August 20th, 2011
6:17 pm
Ha Ha Cost Dog – you too funny man
Worm
August 20th, 2011
6:18 pm
Greg, Mark, whomever needs to hear this..-Those UNI’s are Horrific…Could we just play some FOOTBALL…I’ve been a season ticket holder for a long time, but those UNI’s have made me want to barf, TWO weeks before the opener…
JJ's Hammy weighs more than you
August 20th, 2011
6:18 pm
Love the uni’s – lets all red out baby
Go Dawgs
August 20th, 2011
6:18 pm
Worm is right – what grown man wants to “barf” – go back to your basement baby
Go Dawgs
August 20th, 2011
6:22 pm
WAAAAAAAAA!WAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I don’t like the uniform – I am gonna cry to my mommy
UGA Unveils Opening Day Uniforms « The Meat Locker Sports
August 20th, 2011
6:23 pm
[...] University of Georgia unveiled their new look Nike Combat alternate uniforms today to be worn in the home opener against Boise [...]
Erk Russell's Dog
August 20th, 2011
6:24 pm
Red out are you freaking kidding, I guess Nike will come out with a red t-shirt for you Idiots to wear to the game .For only $19.99 you can look new school and support the Dawgs. Phil Knight is a damn genius. Ohio State is in deep do and he unloads containers full of red t-shirts on dumb ass Dawgs fans.I for one will be wearing my vintage Erk Russell silver GATA t shirt.
LOL
August 20th, 2011
6:24 pm
What the.. I don’t even.. Seriously? If we lose and look like morons (which they will), I’m done with this team…
Dawgs Forever
August 20th, 2011
6:30 pm
Sure, I like the traditional Georgia uniform ! As Coach Richt said, this uniform is for the game against Boise State only. I think the uniform is awesome !!!
Dawglasville
August 20th, 2011
6:30 pm
It looks like a uniform for Rollerball. Let’s just get started.
Ashamed Dawg Fan
August 20th, 2011
6:31 pm
Who designed that ugly garbage, I mean seriously, thats embarassing…
NorthHallDawg
August 20th, 2011
6:34 pm
Saw the uniforms up close. The only thing I don’t like is the wide red stripe on the Helmet. A thinner, traditional stripe would have looked better. Red pants are okay but I think they should have kept them silver. Not too bad overall. I do like the idea of a silver helmet on occasion as a tribute to the Wally Butts teams of the 1950’s. Nonetheless, Nike does pour big bucks into the program so I guess you have to humor them on occasion.
Mayretta
August 20th, 2011
6:34 pm
I am so disappointed. These uniforms are just not attractive and makes our team look like an Arena team. UGA’s uniforms are so classic. Don’t mess with them.
Erk Russell's Dog
August 20th, 2011
6:38 pm
Is the Boise State game a practice game. The new uniforms are for only one game. If the Dawgs win ,we can’t change back ,it will jinx us. Holy crap ,if the Dawgs win we are stuck with this ugly ass uniform .And Nike will have too design a road uniform too. Double Holy Crap!!!! Will the nightmare end I thought 6 and 7 was bad enough ,now if we win we are screwed.
LakeDawg
August 20th, 2011
6:39 pm
The unis look hideous. I can put up with them for one game. Especially with CMR saying he’s not going to spring anymore uniform surprises on the Dawg Nation. That’s a concession on his part, because earlier this summer he was talking multiple uniform combos ala Oregon.
As for the on field news, IC turning it on has got me excited. I’m really looking forward to this year.
Snoop Dawg
August 20th, 2011
6:42 pm
I don’t like the uniforms, but I will go along with them if they actually motivate the team to play like the Dawgs of yore.
I’m not going to buy anymore Nike stuff, though. It’s a ripoff, anyway for the price.
Did you know that Nike doesn’t even own a factory? Yep, they contract everything out to third world countries. No exceptions…
Maybe I’ll start to like these uniforms after UGA puts the wood upside Boise State’s head in two weeks…
Michael
August 20th, 2011
6:43 pm
Not sure the uniforms are going to help against Boise State.
Sid
August 20th, 2011
6:44 pm
Break out the Uzi’s……………………….
Knew money
August 20th, 2011
6:46 pm
I like the uniform. Very 21st century
eboneezer snerdberg
August 20th, 2011
6:46 pm
They sux!
Snoop Dawg
August 20th, 2011
6:47 pm
I think DawginFex has morphed into Go Dawgs. The ostriches have multiple blog names…
red panties
August 20th, 2011
6:47 pm
Damin Edwards and my red panties must inspired Nike to produce these gadawful uniforms. But as Richt has finally learned, uniform tricks don’t win games-good coaching does. And that is where UGA is sorely lacking. Great players, no coaching leads to the record Richt has posted the last 2 years.
Sorry to say but UGA is starting 0-2, Boise and SC aren’t ranked where they are for no reason, you better start believing that h*ll is hot. And to make matters worse Richt will proably be fired after losing to Miss. State (SC and Miss State are much better than last year) and know the can beat the dawgs.