Poll: Georgia’s Nike Pro Combat unis, love ‘em or hate ‘em?
I had to step away from work fairly quickly this past Saturday, not long after I posted my practice update. That update, of course, included a brief report on the new Nike Pro Combat uniforms Georgia is going to wear in the opener against Boise State.
Well, it wasn’t until late Sunday that I got to review what some of the reaction was to that piece. There seemed to be more than a few folks bothered by me using the phrase “generally negative” to describe fan reaction to the new uniforms. A few people, in comments on the blog, asked me to what poll was I referring and accused me of just trying to “stir up trouble” between UGA and its fans without having any real data to support it.
Loading ...So let’s clear this up. My determination was based on the reactions I was getting directly via email, Twitter and Facebook. In fact, those reactions were so decidedly negative that I actually tweeted to ask if there was anybody out there who actually liked the uniforms. Only then did I hear a couple of positive comments, and then they were still few.
But, of course, that is far from scientific. So short of hiring Gallup or some kind of market research company, I figured I’d just throw it out there to the masses this morning with a raw (but still unscientific) poll. So be sure to click one of the selections to the left and check back to see the results.
What do I think? I think I actually like them. I mean, it’s only for one game, right? And the players love them. I tend fall on Mark Richt’s side when it comes to this being something you do for the players and not so much the fans.
In the meantime, just so you have it to reference, following is most everything I got after practice Saturday from players and coaches talking about the uniforms. After this, I plan to retire from writing about uniforms (well at least for about 10 days or so).
LB CHRISTIAN ROBINSON:
“I like them. We’re going to look good!”
“About the third quarter it’s not going to matter because it’s going to wear off and it’s going to matter who’s playing the best. It’s exciting for us to put something new on, but it won’t matter come the third or fourth quarter.
“It really is for the team. I loved the black jerseys when we had them. That was one of the reasons I came here. That was probably the most excited I’ve ever been watching them run out [in 2007]. I was in the end zone right when they broke them out and it was awesome.
“New jerseys excite the team a little bit. It’s something new that you haven’t worn before. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing for some of these guys. I might never get to wear the black jerseys again, so it was a once-in-a-lifetime-thing. Again, halfway though the game it’s not going to matter.
“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.”
WR TAVARRES KING:
“I love them. I think they’re awesome. 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.
“It’s 2011, you know. You’ve got to have a little swag!”
GEORGIA COACH MARK RICHT:
“Well, I think that Nike did a great job of trying to capture a lot of the tradition of Georgia football. Some things are very subtle that the fans may not be able to see but the players can see. . . . I don’t know if the story that’s behind it is going to be released but when it is you’ll be able to read what Nike was thinking when it produced everything.
“But when the players saw it, they liked it and that’s the big thing, that they like it. 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.
“I think we’re due. We’re due.
“Yeah, I think there are a lot of people that just don’t want to get away from that and I don’t blame them. That’s the reason we’re sticking it out there two weeks in advance, so everybody can get over it. I doubt we’ll do any surprise uniforms anymore. At least everybody’s got time to digest it. If everybodk just thinks about what’s most important and that’s playing the game, I think we’ll all be fine.”
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609 comments Add your comment
AltamahaDawg
August 22nd, 2011
4:20 pm
Uh, well, I was responding to 7576, so don’t flatter yourself. I only pull your strings when it amuses me.
bh
August 22nd, 2011
4:22 pm
i thought we were done with gimmicks. it is just sad that the UGA football program has to do this kind of stuff. i know high school teams that change uniforms every other year just to generate excitement; but UGA having to do it? my goodness. i just hope the coaches and players have addressed the discipline and fundamental issues that have caused us to go from a contender in the SEC to a spectator while other programs battle for the title.
LHarding Dawg
August 22nd, 2011
4:23 pm
Like I said before, if the players like them, It’s alright with me. I doubt that there is not a sole on this blog that drives the same car they drove in college, or for that matter, five years ago. My point is that things change. Cars change, uniforms change (ex: tear away jerseys), and college kids change. For instance, I doubt any kids at Georgia are still dancing the twist at the downtown clubs. I’m just glad we are talking uniforms and not jail time like they are at LSU.
At the end of the day, the powers to be at the University of Georgia made a business agreement with Nike, and as far as I am concerned, it was in the best interest for the university.
Boss
August 22nd, 2011
4:23 pm
Hate em’.
Like a new uniform will help win a game, seriously?
Sure, Alabama, 31-0 at halftime.
Joe Cox in black got beat down by Florida.
Murray’s glove = scoreless ahgainst Conf USA.
AlanW
August 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
Yo BiggdawgK,
I apologize if you misunderstood my post. I’m certainly not upset by your post. Quite the contrary, I was amused by it. I’m always amused when people pop off about who is and isn’t a “fan,” as if they are the convening authority on fanhood.
One must not sit idly by and smile and nod at mediocrity in order to be a fan. A fan can say “fire Mark Richt” and still be a fan. A fan can say “we played like crap last year,” and still be a fan.
The one’s who burn my britches are the fair-weather, bandwagon fans. Anyone can be a “fan” of a team when it wins 10+ games a year. The true fans are those of us, undoubtedly you included, who are still there cheering the Dawgs when they suck. My first year was Vince Dooley’s last year, so I had to suffer through the Ray Goff debacle, and was accustomed to mediocrity and suckdom. I’m happy when the Dawgs win, and I’m upset when they lose. But I don’t buy in to the unconditional, “stand by your man” support for a coach or a player.
Dave
August 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
Can’t win in the traditional unis, maybe time to start anew – but not this!
DawgRock
August 22nd, 2011
4:25 pm
I like’em. I think it’s fun. Honestly, I would’ve liked to see them try this with silver pants, not just because of tradition, but because I think it would’ve looked awesome. But whatever. They still look really cool. Fun things are fun. I’m glad we have a coach who understands that. Go Dawgs!
AltamahaDawg
August 22nd, 2011
4:26 pm
And again, I am the expert on my opinion. Don’t assume to know what I meant. Hince I said “put another way”.
I have stated that I don’t “like” them, either.
But as I pointed out, 65% of people polled say that it’s still OK, including those who specifically said that the real thing that matters is what the players want in this particular case.
Swami Sez
August 22nd, 2011
4:30 pm
Swami not trying to ruin anything. Just shinning a light to ignorant dawg fans who haven’t figured it out yet.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
DAWG1
If nike is going to something special then make it look good not the joke of college football
npgator
August 22nd, 2011
4:38 pm
I actually think they look pretty cool!
Bronco
August 22nd, 2011
4:38 pm
You need to be less worried about the uniform and more worried about the A$$wooping your gonna get, lol.
PT
August 22nd, 2011
4:39 pm
Dawg1 – You are correct. My son is 15, he really likes them. I myself think they look pretty good. Young people like a little more splash than the older crowd. When you see the whole team wearing them people will change their minds.
Jay
August 22nd, 2011
4:40 pm
I guess anything that makes these people forget a 6-7 season is good…
Coach Grohbo
August 22nd, 2011
4:41 pm
With all the shame the Georgia program has brought upon itself and its conference the last few years, you can understand why they want a new identity.
South Carolina used to change their uniforms every year.
Now Georgia and its fans are the new South Carolina.
gtfanfrom1951
August 22nd, 2011
4:43 pm
Just another Uni to be burned after the dogs are burned by the horses!!!
DawginLex
August 22nd, 2011
4:44 pm
coach geezer
Yeah that 2007 season was a real embarrassment…………..
PT
August 22nd, 2011
4:44 pm
Georgia fans really need to support this team. It looks like there are a lot of Georgia fans that meet the definition of Energy Vampires.
trevor
August 22nd, 2011
4:45 pm
why are people really hating on the pro combat uniforms. they are really nice
Dylan
August 22nd, 2011
4:48 pm
This just absolutely blows my mind. I’ve been trying to keep up with the comments in between classes to see if the comments ever got better but sadly they haven’t. There’s a few positive ones here and there, but not many. I for one love the uniforms for a one time use. I think UGA has some of the best uniforms in college football, but to change it once shouldn’t be that big of a deal. TWO HOURS! That’s all anyone has to look at them! If you don’t like them, listen to the game on the radio. Support your team and quit complaining about how you’ll have to suffer looking at them for two hours.
And just to see what people think… What do you guys remember about the game where Herschel ran over Bill Bates of Tennessee in 1980? Did all you people who hate the Pro Combat uniforms complain as much about the uniforms they wore against Tennessee in 1980 as much as you are now? Because the number one complaint I read on here is about the red pants, and look what color pants they wore on September 6, 1980!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nc2XsimM90
Dawg48
August 22nd, 2011
4:49 pm
It’s for just one game get over it and just pull on your team! Go dawgs !
Say What
August 22nd, 2011
4:51 pm
THEY SUCK!
TL
August 22nd, 2011
4:52 pm
Boise will love the new uni’s . . . as they are rolling over the dogs like a steam roller running over a grapefruit.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 22nd, 2011
4:52 pm
Energy Vampires
And crappy uniform changes
I cant wait for every player to get a game ball after every game to help their self esteem
Before long we will see our players telling the coaches where to go on the field after they screw up
SuperB
August 22nd, 2011
4:52 pm
They look like a tomato on top of two chili peppers
BiggdawgK
August 22nd, 2011
4:53 pm
AlanW
Okay I believe you are a fan and alumnus and my last year was Dooley’s last year so I enjoyed mainly seasons where the Dawg’s only lost 2 games. I don’t mean to come off as the autority on who is a fan and as I said I have cursed and wil curse CMR and most of the staff, the players, the admin etc… but only when I am with my friends or family or other fans. I believe in solidarity and a solid collective front.
Message boards and in particular the ajc blogs are mainly populated with people who hate UGA and post every day many times every negative thing they can find or make up. Why would I or in my opinion any fan want to add to the voice of those idiots?
As a fellow alumnus and fan I support your right to say what you want about our beloved Dawgs even if I prefer to stay positive in a public forum filled with the enemy. Why give those morons more ammunition?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 22nd, 2011
4:58 pm
Can we get a new blog not invloving the new jerseys? Hell I am over them already.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 22nd, 2011
4:59 pm
Dylan
I think the 1980 uniform you talk about is light years better than what Nike has given us
I would love to see that one again
Here is a link
http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0PDoTBUwlJO8QIA0VqJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3cnMybzJvBHNsawNpbWc-?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dpicture%2Bof%2Buniversity%2Bof%2Bgeorgia%2Bfootball%2Bred%2Bpants%2B1980%26n%3D30%26ei%3Dutf-8%26y%3DSearch%26b%3D1%26tab%3Dorganic&w=350&h=312&imgurl=cdn.bleacherreport.net%2Fimages_root%2Fslides%2Fphotos%2F000%2F360%2F110%2FHerschel_in_red_pants_v_Tenn_1980_display_image.jpg%3F1282726467&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F442859-college-football-predictions-25-bold-statements-concerning-the-sec&size=54.9+KB&name=Herschel_in_red_pants_v_tenn_1980_display_image&p=picture+of+university+of+georgia+football+red+pants+1980&oid=67795b461411dbc3ba73bb0777bad907&fr2=&fr=&tt=Herschel_in_red_pants_v_tenn_1980_display_image&b=0&ni=21&no=12&tab=organic&sigr=13cpjdd4o&sigb=14em1kkrt&sigi=13r4ukj63&.crumb=nJpx.Xp9mIf
Throw that new Nike crap away
North Ave Trade School Hater
August 22nd, 2011
5:00 pm
Personally I don’t care if they are dressed to go see “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” if they beat people…
Dr Dawg
August 22nd, 2011
5:02 pm
You guys are an incestuous bunch…
Bear Bryant
August 22nd, 2011
5:04 pm
Two things come to mind: There is something to be said for tradition – you think these highfalutin duds would fly with Joe Pa in Happy Valley? That said, technology (fabrics, footwear, etc.) should not be ignored at the request of tradition. BUT, where does Nike come off using the word “combat” to market athletic apparel? It’s sick – and not “sick” like off the chain sick. It’s sick like Phil Knight needs to maybe deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan before he tosses that term around.
Chuck UGA
August 22nd, 2011
5:08 pm
Don’t like them, but don’t mind a one game exception for the players. What I HATE is Nike. Guess people still haven’t figured out how there product is made in sweat shops in third world countries. Very overrated product as well. Haven’t owned a Nike shoe in over 25 years. Never have owned their clothing.
JJ the Boom
August 22nd, 2011
5:08 pm
Sorry but Im in high school and play for my school’s baseball team and me and some of my teamates think these uniforms suck
Why didnt they do black pants or black shirt and red pants
that would have been really cool
Your kid must be in the band if he thinks those uniforms look good
caleb
August 22nd, 2011
5:10 pm
These are awesome i think you pple jxt dnt like change
Loyal Traditionalist
August 22nd, 2011
5:19 pm
CHIP:
I’ve read many of the comments, more than I really had time to read, but I wanted to get a wider prospective. I think the best comment I read the sums it all up was something to the effect Nike had a chance to do something awesome and just plain blew it. That should have the ability to create and design a better looking product for college football. It’s a reflection on their managment for putting out such a poor image with alll the experience and talent they have to pull from. I don’t like it but I’ll get over and come game day I’m pulling for my team.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 22nd, 2011
5:19 pm
How is Nike overrated if you have never owned any clothing from them or a pair of shoes in 25 years? While a little pricey the Dry Fit line of clothing is excellent for working out. I prefer Adidas but you cannot call somehting overrated if you have zero recent history with it.
Bdawg
August 22nd, 2011
5:27 pm
These uniforms are incredible!!!!! The helmet is genius!!
Strange Murphy
August 22nd, 2011
5:39 pm
Dawgs 582 Blue Field Wannbes 0
JASon
August 22nd, 2011
5:43 pm
Isn’t uga proud of their colors and old uniform style? I guess uga is a school that does not care about tradition.
AltamahaDawg
August 22nd, 2011
5:50 pm
You mean the school colors, Red and Black? Very proud of them, as a matter of fact.
Bob
August 22nd, 2011
5:50 pm
With all due respect, they look like something Stephenson or SW Decalb would wear. How ’bout the tradition of UGA, not the $$$ from Nike, who does 100% offshore manufacturing.
Murray
August 22nd, 2011
5:54 pm
Do these tomato pants make me look fat?
Fernando
August 22nd, 2011
5:56 pm
No Hon,
You look mahvelous!
Bob
August 22nd, 2011
6:01 pm
And it’s better to look good than to feel good.
LawDawg
August 22nd, 2011
6:02 pm
They’re fine, who cares? If the players like them, then I’ll go “generally positive” as my opinion.
Classic City Roller Girl
August 22nd, 2011
6:03 pm
I KNEW I’ve seen these uniforms before!
http://armylive.dodlive.mil/files/2009/06/roller-derby.jpg
LawDawg
August 22nd, 2011
6:03 pm
JASon: That is an ignorant comment. This is a Nike thing for the first game and UGA is getting paid. They’ll be back to traditional garb against USC.
melanie
August 22nd, 2011
6:06 pm
They are stupid!! They look like a power ranger gone bad!! They will be the laughing stock of the SEC!!! Silver shoes….HAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!
Classic City Roller Girl
August 22nd, 2011
6:08 pm
Go you silver slippers!
LakeDawg
August 22nd, 2011
6:11 pm
The unis are among the ugliest I’ve ever seen, but maybe they’re a blessing in disguise if the reaction to them is so negative that CMR doesn’t ever do this again. Oh, BTW, the Dawgs should manhandle Boise.