Volosaurus rex
Doctorate in Volology
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Here is the link to an article that is certain to stir debate between partisans on both sides of the traditionalist vs. alternative uniform divide: Ranking College Football's Top 25 Uniforms in 2013 | AthlonSports.com .
As a staunch Tennessee loyalist and traditionalist, I adamantly disagree with their ranking of our uniform (20th) although the fact that it is authored by someone who works for a company headquartered in Nashville may have something to do with it. I certainly dont consider the bland uniforms of Penn State to be the best in college football as this author does. Nevertheless, a number of general observations are made in this article with which I wholeheartedly agree. With respect to our uniforms, the author states:
The color is gaudy for sure but what makes Tennessee's uniforms stylish are their simplicity. The two-tone white and orange combination has classically survived decades of uniform tweaks. No matter how many bad alternates crop up (like these ugly duds [with a link provided to the jerseys worn for the 2009 South Carolina game]), the Vols always return to their simple home orange tops and traditional white pants (shown). With the addition of the new-er orange pants, this get-up has only gotten better.
With respect to Georgias uniform, the author states: The black and red stripes on the pants add the perfect amount of color and the ordinary and classic tops and helmets have worked for decades. And when it comes to black alternates, a team with black in its primary color scheme can always pull it off better than those who have to force it (looking at you Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas A&M and Mississippi State).
In comments pertaining to Alabamas uniforms, he observes that Programs like Texas, Oklahoma, Penn State and Alabama should never change their simple, classic and traditional style. He observes, similarly, with regard to Oklahoma that The Crimson and the Cream are a perfect example of an old-school uniform with no frills, quirky piping or silly helmets. Some teams should never go down the Oregon/Maryland path of dressing and the Sooners are one of them.
The same fundamental message is repeated with respect to Nebraska: The Huskers' road uniforms might be the best in the nation. The helmet will never go out of style and it hasn't been changed in what seems like a century. As for Michigan, The Maize and Blue color combination has been wildly popular for decades and the no-frills style will never be changed (hopefully). These uniforms stand out as some of the best in the history of the game and it's great that a school holds on to its tradition by keeping it simple.
The proverbial bottom line is that traditional powers--a category that includes Tennessee, regardless of what we have endured the last five years--possess deeply entrenched identities and strong brand recognition. They do not need to constantly reinvent themselves stylistically for the sake of enhancing their profile.
As a staunch Tennessee loyalist and traditionalist, I adamantly disagree with their ranking of our uniform (20th) although the fact that it is authored by someone who works for a company headquartered in Nashville may have something to do with it. I certainly dont consider the bland uniforms of Penn State to be the best in college football as this author does. Nevertheless, a number of general observations are made in this article with which I wholeheartedly agree. With respect to our uniforms, the author states:
The color is gaudy for sure but what makes Tennessee's uniforms stylish are their simplicity. The two-tone white and orange combination has classically survived decades of uniform tweaks. No matter how many bad alternates crop up (like these ugly duds [with a link provided to the jerseys worn for the 2009 South Carolina game]), the Vols always return to their simple home orange tops and traditional white pants (shown). With the addition of the new-er orange pants, this get-up has only gotten better.
With respect to Georgias uniform, the author states: The black and red stripes on the pants add the perfect amount of color and the ordinary and classic tops and helmets have worked for decades. And when it comes to black alternates, a team with black in its primary color scheme can always pull it off better than those who have to force it (looking at you Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas A&M and Mississippi State).
In comments pertaining to Alabamas uniforms, he observes that Programs like Texas, Oklahoma, Penn State and Alabama should never change their simple, classic and traditional style. He observes, similarly, with regard to Oklahoma that The Crimson and the Cream are a perfect example of an old-school uniform with no frills, quirky piping or silly helmets. Some teams should never go down the Oregon/Maryland path of dressing and the Sooners are one of them.
The same fundamental message is repeated with respect to Nebraska: The Huskers' road uniforms might be the best in the nation. The helmet will never go out of style and it hasn't been changed in what seems like a century. As for Michigan, The Maize and Blue color combination has been wildly popular for decades and the no-frills style will never be changed (hopefully). These uniforms stand out as some of the best in the history of the game and it's great that a school holds on to its tradition by keeping it simple.
The proverbial bottom line is that traditional powers--a category that includes Tennessee, regardless of what we have endured the last five years--possess deeply entrenched identities and strong brand recognition. They do not need to constantly reinvent themselves stylistically for the sake of enhancing their profile.
