Back in August, the South Carolina Gamecocks unveiled a set of throwbacks to the George Rogers Heisman Trophy winning season of 1980. This Saturday night, they’ll be wearing those throwbacks while hosting the Akron Zips (Jimmer Vilk’s alma mater), so the 7:30 pm start is unfortunately relegated to ESPNU. I say unfortunately because it would have been great to see the uniforms on a channel most of us can get (if you have cable with a “sports package” you probably get ESPNU — and it is available via several streaming services). But no matter, even if you can’t watch the game, I’m sure the SMUW guys will have a rundown of the game thrashing Sunday morning.
Here are some looks at the throwback uniforms South Carolina will sport:
Our own Jim Vilk actually had a fantastic review of the uniforms when they were unveiled, as well as some comparisons of the throwbacks to the actual uniforms worn by the 1980 squad. If you didn’t get a chance to check that out, I highly recommend reading it now.
While George Rogers won the Heisman that season, and is undeniably the biggest star from that team, he’s not the only Gamecock to have worn that uniform.
“I think it’s nice because a lot of those players from that time are still around,” said Rogers, who still regularly attends South Carolina home games. “I know the uniform isn’t what’s going to make them win. It’s the people in the uniforms that make them win. I think Coach Beamer is doing a lot of good things that help the team win, so let’s do it baby! Let’s get it on!”
Speaking of Head coach Shane Beamer, he’s actually the impetus for the new uniform. He worked with Under Armour — the SCar uniform provider — to come up with several alternates, including the 1980 throwback the team will wear Saturday evening.
“Larry Waters, our head of equipment, came to me probably about this time last year and showed me pictures of how Under Armour wants to do a throwback game,” Beamer said. “I think I looked at it and said, that’s cool. Let’s roll! I didn’t think about it again until he showed me the helmet in July.
“Our players are excited, and it’s great to be able to honor that era of Gamecock Football with that uniform.”
And we all know that a new (throwback) uniform always gets the kids excited.
I was just starting to get into college football in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and I remember Rogers and his Heisman Trophy winning season well. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the throwbacks in action this Saturday night!
What do you guys think of the throwbacks? And, if you get ESPNU, will you be watching (even if only for a few minutes)?
Looking forward to seeing those Gamecock throwbacks in game action. But man, I hate seeing any type of throwback marred by the presence of brand logos and legal marks (®) unused during the original era being honored.
I graduated from the University of Akron and I have ESPNU. I’ll definitely be watching. Go Zips!
At least Nike has a gimmicky reason as to why there is an interrupted collar. I’m trying to figure out why UA has just a blank piece of fabric at the bottom of the collar? Jersey would have looked so much nicer with a solid white collar. Still a great looking uniform if you ask me. I’m sure it will look great on the field too!
It’s supposed to mimic the collar roll that King George wore.
For a real 1980’s feel, the makers mark and conference patch should be gone.
I was one of the few sober students at Williams Brice stadium during the late 70’s. The unis looked great for Saturday night games.
I’m not calling them throwbacks unless they have actual sleeves, a neck collar, and are cut off above the waist.