Silver Britches and Black Threads: Georgia Intending to End Uniform Chatter

Notice something different in the above photo? You probably don't, but the truth is it's shining right in front of you.

While even the most die hard fans probably didn't even notice, Georgia's britches in the 2010 spring G-Day game were different.

They were silver. That's right, Georgia's patented silver britches actually haven't been silver for quite some time. Make that the year of 2003.

In 2004 Georgia began wearing new Nike pants, which adorned their new uniform design unveiled in 2005. The new pants seemed the same at first glance, but they actually were a matte grey.

Matte basically means the material doesn't have a shiny finish. Oregon's black helmet and pants are a primary example of matte material.

It didn't seem like that big of a deal, but to me it became just that. During night games, which Georgia has played more and more, their matte pants would sometimes appear to have a wheat tint to them.

Anybody else as crazy as me as to notice that?

In 2004 I didn't notice. In 2007 I caught on. In 2009 it was really starting to get on my nerves.

But, Georgia's more prominent focus of attire has been on jersey colors, as well as alternate pieces, which have somehow created tons of extra buzz and drawn ridiculous amounts of criticism.

The black jerseys, unveiled in 2007, were by far the sharpest looking alternate uniforms in college football. Fans had been expecting black jerseys for nearly a decade, and went nuts when they finally arrived.

Georgia is 2-1 when wearing a black shirt, which comes with the cherry on top of seeing 92,000 (excluding the visitors) people decked in black as well. While it seemed the annual "blackout" game was an instant tradition, the black lids and black britches worn for the 41-17 loss to Florida sent fans and opposing fans alike into a frenzy.

Amidst the frustration, where fans were looking for anything and everything to blame for the awful season, people began blaming focus on uniforms as a reason the coaches weren't prepared for games.

The claim was that the players shouldn't have to be emotionally hyped up by their clothes, but rather be physically and mentally prepared thanks to hard work.

I couldn't agree more. However, most fans likely don't realize how easy it is to call up Nike and get some new stuff sent in.

Plus, according to coach Richt, the black helmets and black jerseys have existed for a while. He was just being conservative with when he pulled them out of the closet.

But as of 2010, starting this fall, Georgia is set to wear nothing but red helmets, red or white jerseys, and silver pants.

And when I say silver, I mean silver.

The Dawg's have become so self conscience of their appearance that they are going back to perfect their look.

And w got a glimpse of it during the spring game. Not only was the "black team" in white, thanks to the dumping of the black jerseys, but pants worn by players were shiny, and I immediately noticed.

So when I got home I did some investigating. I initially thought they were leftover pants, but I proved myself wrong.

The last time Georgia wore silver pants the "G" logo was located on the side, on top of the stripe pattern. The silver pants worn in this year's spring game had the logo on the front of the left leg, where they have been since 2004. But since 2004 Georgia has worn matte grey pants.

Conclusion. These pants are new. Now this may not seem like a big deal to you, but the truth is Georgia basically wimped out on their look.

The addition of silver pants is an upgrade! But, it is only a result of Georgia fans griping and complaining about uniform changes.

So it raises the question. Were we really that annoyed by black uniforms? Are they good or bad for our identity?

What should the University of Georgia really look like?

We are no Ohio State or Penn State. Our uniforms, like our history of winning championships, are nowhere near as classic as most delusional fans claim them to be.

But what would an optimum Georgia uniform look like?

For me, a combination of the 1980 team and modern appeal would make a perfect look.

First, they need to keep the helmet the same. Red, white stripe, white face mask, and the oval "G." It's one of the most iconic helmets in football, and the black lid destroyed didn't even come close - it was more of a slap in the face.

But I think the jerseys need to revert back to the style of the 1980s. They need to raise the numbers to the shoulders and add the triple sleeve stripe worn by Herschel Walker.

They need to keep the silver pants.

But finally, they need to bring back a black jersey, as well as black pants, to be worn on occasion. Black jerseys would go once a year, with red helmets and silver pants, and black pants would go with the white jersey and red helmet for one or two road games. Also, I would be interested to see if that Bulldog head logo (the new one seen on men's caps) would ever make it on a UGA uniform.

The fact is black is a major part of Georgia's identity. Most schools with red as a main color add black to help with trim on merchandise and uniforms, but they really claim red and white.

Georgia claims "red and black," and is the only team to combine that with silver in the way they do. The black in the football uniform enhances our brand, rather than messing it up.

The softball team wears mostly black. The basketball team, since the turn of the century, has primarily worn black on the road. It's a shame that the second the football team loses in black people want it out.

Wardrobe doesn't actually effect performance, at least not to that extent.

So what do you think?

Will Georgia's look be optimum with the return of silver britches, or does the team need to come back in black?

Or would red pants and sleeve stripes from the past bring back the success of the glory days?