In 2013, Tennessee unveiled a new “Smokey Gray” uniform that veered away from the Volunteers’ traditional orange and white color combination. Fan reaction was mixed, despite the people who matter most – the players – showing their approval. The school lost both contests – against Georgia and Vanderbilt – when wearing the threads.
Monday, a new version of the same concept started showing up in stores. There’s been no official word from either Tennessee or adidas on why another version exists, but many have speculated that it could be the 2014 “Smokey Gray” alternates. Take one look at a Vols fan message board and you’ll soon see that people are terrified that they could be real.
#Vols New Smokey Gray uni’s look like Adidas is ticked. Our guys will look like horse Jockeys. Pitiful! pic.twitter.com/vjJG8NZZ4L
— John A. Trail, LUTCF (@jtrail33) September 9, 2014
We’ve added #16 as a pre-purchase option for the 2014 #Vols Youth Alternate grey jersey. >> http://t.co/9lfh9PoW5O pic.twitter.com/3yNWXLFvvl
— Sport Seasons Knox (@sportseasonsknx) September 6, 2014
Again, there is no official word here, so it’s entirely possible that they’ve just been made for fans and aren’t being considered for an actual game. Why? That’s the question.
Here’s what last year’s alternates looked like, for comparison.
OFFICIAL LOOK: New alternate #TECHFIT uniforms @Vol_Football will wear this season. #teamadidas pic.twitter.com/QtgUmvnVhN
— adidas (@adidasUS) August 15, 2013
Tennessee supporters – are they as bad as your fan base is making them out to be?