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
schmeckdawg
August 22nd, 2011
12:50 pm
I wouldn’t care if they showed up just in jock straps. Just freaking WIN!!!!!!!!!!
Gt4timenationalChamps
August 22nd, 2011
12:50 pm
Boise st-35. Uga-17
bubba4dawgs
August 22nd, 2011
12:51 pm
I like’em as long as the players do! If they didn’t like’em, I wouldn’t either! Uniforms do not make players! We want to see the players pumped and motivated, fined tuned and ready to go. Mistakes will be made but PULLLLEEEEZE hold them to a minimum! They will be center stage to show the football world who they are! GO DAWGS!!
frannie mae
August 22nd, 2011
12:51 pm
UGA is in BIG BIG trouble……..
War Dang Dawg
August 22nd, 2011
12:51 pm
“And I thought it was FSU who had the clown college.”
This coming from a fan of a team that combines Orange, Blue, and cursive writing on their helmets. Florida invented tacky. I’m just sorry we’re joining their ranks.
Dr. Jekyl
August 22nd, 2011
12:52 pm
Players don’t have to look at them but wear them. Who the heck chose these??? We are traditional and would prefer going back to late 70’s unis if given the choice. Same politically, we’d prefer to go back to the 1950’s pre-Brown vs Board.
Alabama Jack
August 22nd, 2011
12:52 pm
They match the panties….
Joey the Bull
August 22nd, 2011
12:54 pm
I think they are cool and modern; they look like an Arena teams uniforms. The Georgia Swamp Dogs or something. I still like them, and when they have “Throw Back” day people will think they were taking from the days of leather helmets.
J
kool aid drinkers galore
August 22nd, 2011
12:55 pm
All of thse kool ais drinkers who think UGA is really gonna have a big year with only 4 retuning starters on offense and a defense that really didnt show much improvement as the season progressed. Most of the good stats came against mickey mouse teams anyway. PULLLLLEEEEEEZE!!!!!!!!
Good People
August 22nd, 2011
12:57 pm
I agree these uni’s are brilliant! They match the red panties!
Bubbatavious
August 22nd, 2011
12:58 pm
I would prefer the uni’s to be all black.
Dacula 1995
August 22nd, 2011
12:58 pm
Kool aid…..Mickey Mouse teams. SUch as?
JOHN PEAVY
August 22nd, 2011
1:00 pm
ALL THAT MATTERS IT EXCITES THE PLAYERS YOU IDIOT TRADITIONALIST GET A LIFE THE PLAYERS LOVE THEM THATS ALL THAT MATTERS ONCE A DOG ALWAYS A DAWG…….
Willy
August 22nd, 2011
1:01 pm
I sure hope the players play better than their UGA-ly uniforms look. The Dawgs are going to look like the Jetsons on national TV.
Dawg Gone
August 22nd, 2011
1:02 pm
TERRIBLE Unis! Leave the uniforms alone and recruit better and scheme better… If this year isn’t successful, cut Richt.
The Ghost of Wally Butts
August 22nd, 2011
1:03 pm
Horrible – looks like somebody sewed together the shreds left from a switch-blade fight between a drunken roller derby player, a drunken bowling term member, and a sober gansta rap music video designer.
AND….question – if certain UGA players like the new look so good, does this mean they have an issue with the classic look? If they didn’t like the classic uniforms, why did we recruit them?
munsondawg
August 22nd, 2011
1:03 pm
I’m glad all of you naysayers wont be in the GA Dome on Sat Sept 3rd. We definitely dont need you.
5 Time National Champs Nebraska
August 22nd, 2011
1:04 pm
I don’t trust Nike. Anyone that re-signs Vick to an endorsement deal deserves bad things.
Bow Wow
August 22nd, 2011
1:05 pm
There are some things even a rat won’t do for money!
bucket
August 22nd, 2011
1:05 pm
What school system is out today? Judging by the maturity level of some of the hater’s posts I would say that some teenagers need to get back to school!
Dawg Gone
August 22nd, 2011
1:06 pm
munsondawg : “Naysayers”? Because people dont like their unis?? Are you as old as Munson? You sure act it.
Gary
August 22nd, 2011
1:07 pm
It will be nice if Georgia stinks it up, maybe people will not recognize the unforms, think some other school cam in and lost to Boise.
Dacula 1995
August 22nd, 2011
1:08 pm
Everyone does know why their helmets are silver, right?
TTOUGH44
August 22nd, 2011
1:08 pm
Hey all you folks saying old farts dont like um…Alalmbama wouldnt fall for such nonsense, on a subtle change…Our uniforms look like an arena football team…and ya know how silly to have to deal with such sensationalism of the uni’s and not football! I as a fan I am distracted, why not let the fans vote on something like that!
Traditional
August 22nd, 2011
1:09 pm
I care more about Georgia winning football games than what they wear, but it’s just for one game. Right? I love tradition. Red jersey, red helmet, and silver britches. Just please win games and no black jerseys, helmets, or pants. Depressing colors-nothing exciting at all. I had to listen on the radio and turn off the TV when those black jerseys came on the field-ugh. Just win the games.
Dacula 1995
August 22nd, 2011
1:09 pm
TTOUGH44……DO you know how much money UGA got from Nike for this? All about the dollars.
Ed scissorhand
August 22nd, 2011
1:10 pm
Oh well, once again UGA is having wardrobe issues! My goodness!
Carrie
August 22nd, 2011
1:11 pm
As a lady from Oregon, home of Nike and the always fashionable Oregon Ducks (Nike takes great care of my Ducks), while the uni’s are not always popular with the fans, they are with the players and recruiting efforts! Go Georgia!!!
TOO TOGH44
August 22nd, 2011
1:12 pm
No Dacula, I dont…still thinks it makes us look arena-ish…geezzz
jerry
August 22nd, 2011
1:12 pm
Spurs (for the Broncos) are optional.
TOO TOGH44
August 22nd, 2011
1:13 pm
I would have thought CMR was done with Wardrobe issues!
Lash La Rue
August 22nd, 2011
1:13 pm
Should have been all black uni’s http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tv-cowboys.com/images/Lashwithwhip.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.tv-cowboys.com/lashlarue.html&h=604&w=772&sz=51&tbnid=fCPCjzm94kdkVM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=115&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dlash%2Blarue%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=lash+larue&docid=4qhg-ujbfTEWuM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2YtSTtHOB4PGgAern8zfBg&sqi=2&ved=0CEoQ9QEwBQ&dur=3978
TOO TOGH44
August 22nd, 2011
1:13 pm
At least ones this drastic!
Dawg Gone
August 22nd, 2011
1:14 pm
That’s exactly what it is… these unis look like arena league – or XFL… Georgia is hopeless… JUST GET TALENT AND COACHES WITH AN EDGE!!!
TOO TOGH44
August 22nd, 2011
1:15 pm
Carrie I mean no disrespect…but, the ducks uni’s are not cool at all..but, silly looking.
JOHN PEAVY
August 22nd, 2011
1:15 pm
GO DAWGS LOVE NEW UNIFORMS……
PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT DOG FANS GET OFF THIS BLOG.
IF YOU ARE SO CALLED GEORGIA FANS THEN STAY POSITIVE
RECRUITS READ THIS STUFF TO.NEGATIVE FANS GET A LIFE
WITHOUT GEORGIA FOOTBALL GO CMR WE ARE ON YOUR SIDE..
Get on Board !!!!
August 22nd, 2011
1:15 pm
UGA 24 Boise St 20 wait n see haters
Joe Cox
August 22nd, 2011
1:15 pm
Spread tha Red!
Get on Board !!!!
August 22nd, 2011
1:16 pm
UGA 20 South Carolina 14
TOO TOUGH44
August 22nd, 2011
1:17 pm
ARENA DAWGS vs THE GA FORCE!
bob
August 22nd, 2011
1:17 pm
These babies are sweet…..
Field Goal Jesus
August 22nd, 2011
1:18 pm
Boise 44 – UGA 12
Uuugghh...
August 22nd, 2011
1:20 pm
“Nike takes pride in giving athletes an advantage by providing them with cutting edge innovation. The Nike Pro Combat system of dress uniform delivers unparalleled on-field performance benefits while inspiring the team through each uniform’s unique design,” said Todd Van Horne
Chip–I have some questions for Todd:
Is it really an advantage for one player to wear Nike Pro Combat if the opposing player is also wearing Nike Pro Combat?
Do you really think wearing a throwback unform to the now defuct XFL inspires a player? Do you think it inspires fans?
How come Boise’s helmet didn’t change as drastically as UGA’s did?
Who at UGA gave final approval on the worst uniforms the dawgs will(hopefully) ever wear?
Why Poinsettia Red?
Kerryb
August 22nd, 2011
1:20 pm
“The players love them”. I guess they don’t care if they look like an arena football team. These will be the worse looking uniforms on the field that day next to Oregon’s.
"Get on Da Red Bus"
August 22nd, 2011
1:20 pm
Wear them red panties with pride!
DAWGMAN
August 22nd, 2011
1:22 pm
I am a member of the Bulldog Club. I am a proud graduate of Georgia. I never walked under the arch until graduation, and then it was the first thing I did. I rang the bell with other freshmen after football victories. I’ve given a modest amount of money to Georgia over the years.
I didn’t like the ‘G’ on the helmet. I didn’t like Herschel’s red pants at Tennessee. Hairy Dog is a non-threatening, other side of the hedges mascot for the little kiddies to be amused by. UGA, the real mascot, shouldn’t have to splay himself out on a 20 pound sack of ice for most of the game. Someone please buy that Dawghouse an air conditioner with a battery and an inverter. Put some heavy duty touring bike wheels on it. Add an electric motor to it if you like. Have UGA keep on his paws as long as possible during the game. I swear these bulldogs have had the spirit bred out of them. Sorry, Sonny & Family, it’s true. Not to say I forget your devotion to the school over all these years. Thank you! Being the most petted animal on the planet will do that to almost any dog. Point is; he looks goofy and weak on the ice bag. Is he medicated during the games?
Finally, the uniform is butt ugly. Anyone who needs something like that to get their ’swag’ on is totally warped. You got to walk the walk, then for God’s sake show a little humility. Thank your opponent for a good game. Praise your team mates. That’s what the folks at the next level like to see and hear. And for the coach: This AIN’T Free Shoes University. These players better not be encouraged to be kids. It is well past time for everybody, players & coaches, to MAN UP. Otherwise, all y’all gonna get your ugly butts kicked on national TV. The saddest thing is you will not know why. Most Georgia fans will know, and be saddened for you.
Real silver britches not grey
August 22nd, 2011
1:22 pm
Nike should have put in real silver britches for UGA.
Drew
August 22nd, 2011
1:23 pm
Just a huge, gaudy commercial for Nike. And these are ‘amateur athletes’?
OLD DAWG 66
August 22nd, 2011
1:24 pm
Please pass this opinion on.
I don’t like them.
The only change I want Georgia to make is be “Champions” again and stay there.
We don’t need any gimmicks, hocus pocus, or superstitions or crutches of any type, just hard, smart work and winning ways out of players, coaches and everyone else involved.
Period.
TOO TOUGH44
August 22nd, 2011
1:28 pm
a BIG YUK!
UGA HAD the best uniform along with Alambama till now!