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
yeah
August 22nd, 2011
8:31 am
I don’t like the helmet all that much, but overall it’s ok.
Destin Dawg
August 22nd, 2011
8:32 am
UGA 31 Boise State 17.. GGGGGOOOOOOO Dawgs !!
TossSweep
August 22nd, 2011
8:32 am
Too much red on the uni’s. Needs a black or silver stripe on the side coming from the armit down to the knee. That’s the only thing missing.
TossSweep
August 22nd, 2011
8:32 am
Too much red on the uni’s. Needs a black or silver stripe on the side coming from the armpit down to the knee. That’s the only thing missing.
rex
August 22nd, 2011
8:33 am
hey bluturf, its moop, not moor
CHDawg
August 22nd, 2011
8:35 am
I suspect that what they liked about it is the redout aspect. The blackout looked pretty cool, and the red Dome will look cool on the 3rd. But, even though the blackout looked great on TV, if BSU starts out 30-0, like Nick did, we ain’t gonna like ‘em. Good luck GT4ever. So many of my friends and family are GT people, and it is nice to see a normal GT fan on here occasionally! This blog seems to draw the very strange 1%. Thx MunsonDawg, and I really think that they could show up in pink dresses, and if we are ahead 48-0 at halftime, people would cry for them! The redout will be great if we win…BSU is tough and this should be a great game.
Mike T.
August 22nd, 2011
8:35 am
I hope this is just a one game deal. Their the ugliest
thing I’ve ever seen.
Bring back the black jersey with the silver pants,red helmet.That was a good looking uni.Who cares if we lost to Bama in them,we’ve lost wearing red and white and we still wear them.
coachx
August 22nd, 2011
8:38 am
The red pants are just gross.
They need some black and silver britches. Those red shirts on red pants are just too much on the eyes.
sogadog
August 22nd, 2011
8:39 am
Very tacky, and that is not UGA red. Those uniforms will look even more silly if we lose the game. So forget about the uniforms, play Georgia football, and Boise State will go down like Mike Tyson in a spelling bee.
Jason
August 22nd, 2011
8:40 am
These uniforms will be for a one-off game in the GA Dome only…lets not get those red panties in a wad, ladies.
phil
August 22nd, 2011
8:41 am
Nike has ordered UGA to wear pink Mickey Mouse ears against Auburn.
Ed_Dawg55
August 22nd, 2011
8:43 am
The only part I like is the return of the “Red Britches”, kinda reminds me of the days of Buck Belue and “Ole #34″.
Bob
August 22nd, 2011
8:44 am
I don’t care for them but I am a traditionalist. But, they aren’t that bad and in week 2 we go back to the best uniform in CFB. I would have tweeked them by making the red stripe on top much thinner and giving them silver britches. But not that big of a deal…a great topic of discussion two weeks out.
Whiskey Breath
August 22nd, 2011
8:49 am
Gee, another gimmick from CMR to motivate the players. Maybe the worst motivator in the SEC and has to result to tearing down what tradition Ga had. Keep up the good work CMR, and let Nike pay the tab. It will backfire as usual. It is just going to provoke the opposing team. I doubt the opposing team will admire it. Let me help you dawgs, it is not a motivator, it is a distraction.
BiFaDa
August 22nd, 2011
8:50 am
I just hope UGA and BSU are getting paid a LOT of extra money to wear Nike’s special GARBAGE. I hope to be able to watch the bonfire when they burn them after the game!!!
Go Dawgs!
August 22nd, 2011
8:51 am
“It really is for the team. I loved the black jerseys when we had them. That was one of the reasons I came here.” – Christian Robinson
Fans that are upset by the uniforms need to get over themselves. Again like they stated it’s for ONE FREAKING GAME.
If changing the uniforms for one game a season helps us land more C.Robinsons then I’m all for anything they want to do with them.
The Dawgs could go undfeated and win the National Championship and there are some fans that would STILL find something to complain about. All we’ve had for the most part this off season is positive news. Even some of the bad news was positive like getting rid of some of the trouble makers. The players are excited about wearing them, and in the end that’s what really matters, not what a bunch of arm chair qbs and coaches who only know how to do 12 oz curls think.
Go Dawgs!
It is what it is
August 22nd, 2011
8:53 am
I like them. Something new and different is cool for a game or two..
Hey BluTurf: go baaaaaahhh bahhh back and screw your goat. It misses you.
antonio romero
August 22nd, 2011
8:54 am
When ar you gonna become a head football coach in the sec? Hey coach richt—- how about winning the game instead of caring that the boys like their uniforms. have we turned into an entertainment business? how bout we win some damn games that matter!
New Coke?
August 22nd, 2011
8:55 am
The contrast between Georgia’s iconic uniforms and its weakening coaching staff and performance has been striking in recent years. So congratulations to Nike and whatever geniuses at Georgia came up with this new rollerball outfit.
Whiskey Breath
August 22nd, 2011
8:55 am
What are you guys try to do, compete with Tn for butt ugly?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 22nd, 2011
8:57 am
Altamah Dawg,
buLLdawg is the old blogger Mathew Ciafaro. I remember him from 2007 and older. He always posted the same tirades. He has been ran off many times over the years. Just comes back with new names.
Lilburn Dawg
August 22nd, 2011
8:59 am
Chip, I am one who does not like the uniforms, but I have a couple of questions I hope you might be able to help me with:
1) Is there a web site where we can see what the uniforms look like that Boise will be wearing……are they just as ugly as ours?
2) I keep trying to find out how we got ourselves into this situation to begin with…….did Nike approach UGA and ask us about wearing new uniforms and offer LOTS of money if we did? Did we enter into a contract with Nike (I assume we did) that now totally obligates us to wearing them? Was there no escape clause in the contract that said “In the event that the uniforms are butt ugly UGA reserves the right to cancel the contract”?
Thanks!
Evansdawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:01 am
I’d like to know exactly what traditions Nike kept in mind. Did they stop to think that we have the nickname “The Silver Britches?” Silver helmet? No. This uniform would be perfect with a more traditionally painted helmet, and silver britches. Also, the numbers on the jerseys are very weak. It looks more like an XFL reject.
BulldogBen
August 22nd, 2011
9:03 am
They are an abomination and an affront to all that is good in the world.
Lindsey
August 22nd, 2011
9:05 am
I like the uniform!! We need to stop being so negative and get excited for the team, it is just one game!! GO DAWGS!!!!
MO DAWG
August 22nd, 2011
9:05 am
I agree with Tavarres King saying,We’ve still got to play so it’s not a magic potion or anything. We just need to win. I don’t care if they play in leather helmets with beach shorts. We just need to start the season off right.Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NorthHallDawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:09 am
The helmet needed a traditional slim stripe and it would have been okay. Exit red pants and enter silver pants and this would have been a jam up combination. Nike pours millions into the program so I guess you have to humor them on occasion. I really wish we would hook up with Under Armour though.
Lilburn Dawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:10 am
I just saw where Rivals.com just released their recruiting rankings for 2012. UGA is #25…..other SEC teams way ahead of us. Guess the recruits saw the uniforms and decided to go somewhere else!
59bulldawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:10 am
The new uni design wouldn’t have have been my first choice for something different. But hell, I don’t care! If the players like them I like them. Now just win the game!
American
August 22nd, 2011
9:12 am
Multi-color for the helmet, and the different color sleeves, UGA will look like a WAC team.
Losing control
August 22nd, 2011
9:12 am
Don’t you love being under the thumb of Nike. Hey Dawgs, you want to play in this game, wear our monkey suit. Gotta love that this pure sport of college football is under the control of so many corporations – Nike and ESPN especially. Where’s UGA’s tattoo???
Dawg fan 007
August 22nd, 2011
9:12 am
I don’t like them… bring back the black jerseys with silver britches..Hate the helmets..uggly
AltamahaDawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:16 am
LC, he’s the 39th worst thing about college football right? The guy is just dishonest, plain and simple.
Joe
August 22nd, 2011
9:17 am
who cares what we wear….as long as we win. if the players like them and can get excited Great. If it takes the uniforms to get them excited- we are in trouble……
jim.dawg.atl
August 22nd, 2011
9:17 am
Not absolutely terrible – not a big fan of any team doing same color tops and bottoms. Would like more with traditional silver britches maybe with a wide black stripe to mimic the helmet…
James
August 22nd, 2011
9:17 am
When you can’t win games, you resort to gimmicks like these uniforms. They look stupid period. Fashion never won the first football game. Georgia has the best looking uniform in the SEC and just trashed it completely. The helmet is laughable and does look indeed like a power ranger helmet.
DIT
August 22nd, 2011
9:17 am
gt4ever – I appreciate your civil comments. Good luck to y’all this year with the exception of the last game.
Hate the uni’s all together, but it is for only one game so no big deal. We should not be so concerned about the uni’s, but more with the opponent we play. BSU will not be a roll over for us like a few years ago. It will be a hard fought game that we SHOULD pull out late in the game.
stop the madness...
August 22nd, 2011
9:18 am
All red jersey and pants for a game, maybe, but that helmet is horrible. But overall, stop with the gimmick uniforms, more often than not they become a symbol of shame for the team when we get blasted…..
robodawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:20 am
I like ‘em alright for one game. The Nike website gives you a better view. But stick to red helmets and silver britches the rest of the season. (I don’t mind an occasional black jersey either. The original blackout was fantastic.)
munsondawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:20 am
12 more days…..And then we “Spread the Red” at the GA Dome….. whooo hoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
builderdawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:20 am
I think that nike could have done SO MUCH MORE with the uniforms. It kinda looks like they srent about 5 minutes with 5th graders, and the kids did the design. If the players love them, then cool…. but they could have been way cooler, kinda slighted us with poor design, just sayin……
AltamahaDawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:22 am
Power Rangers unite!
Mobile Dawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:23 am
Bulldawg has some validity to his madness, i.e. some of the “points” he makes during his rants are valid and accurate. His method of delivery could use a little polishing. I personally don’t hurl insults, if I don’t like what you post, or disagree I can ignore it or will tactfully challenge it. Some posters lack the maturity, and security to communicate in a public forum.
ATLDawg, ya dig?
August 22nd, 2011
9:26 am
Don’t love them, but they look better in action.
http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082011aad.html
This is also one of those moments where you see its a kids game, the players love them, and a bunch of grumpy old men think its all about us.
7576DAWG
August 22nd, 2011
9:26 am
If Nike had made the pants silver and used bright red instead of dull red I would have been okay with the uniform. What these uniform compromises the most is Class.There is nothing classy about these uniforms and with our program being one of the most profitable ones in the nation really shows how far we have sunk in the last few years. Don’t ever compromise CLASS OR YOU WILL LOSE RESPECT .
Contractor
August 22nd, 2011
9:27 am
No, plain and simple. They look like a revved up high school uniform. Amateur at best. I have always been a loyal NIKE supporter since I got my first pair of cleats at the age of 4, and I still am. I was very very excited about this opportunity considering I loved 95% of the other Pro Combat Series they released for teams over the past couple of years. They have done the University of Georgia a disservice. Never would I have thought a uniform could look worse than Oregon’s, but they have been surpassed by this garbage. The players may like it, and everyone may say that’s all that matters, but they look like complete hell in my eyes, and I’m 27 years old to give some insight.
Mobile Dawg
August 22nd, 2011
9:27 am
Let’s hope we play like “Power Rangers”. That would be something most should agree on.
not scientific
August 22nd, 2011
9:27 am
Well, much better AJC. Everyone should remember the old business adage. “An unhappy customer will tell ten people, the happy customer will tell two.” I will say Richt’s throwing this out for total consumption by the nay-sayers is almost Rovian in its genius. Far better than the anti MB, anti CMR, anti individual player poison that is regularly spewed here. PS. Here is a link to a story about something else new that the boobirds hated, but later became iconic. Less than two weeks to go baby! Are you ready for some football!!! http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2002-09-05-williams_x.htm
James
August 22nd, 2011
9:28 am
Tennessee used to try gimmicky uniforms all the time. I remember they came out in all orange with ugly orange shoes to play Alabama in Knoxville some years ago. Got their backsides kicked. The trashcans were full of orange shoes. Gimmicks do not win football games. Being stylish does not win football games. Tradition is what ties one generation to the next in football and Georgia has some awesome classic uniforms. These new things are a total aberration to that tradition and nothing more than a cheap gimmick.
PMC
August 22nd, 2011
9:30 am
The helmet honestly is fantastic.