Big Orange

[BigOrangeAl 1979]

Does anyone on here know the origin of the Big Orange saying? Many fans will say Go Vols and some Go Big Orange like my dad says Go Big Orange more than Go Vols.

 

[VinylVols]

My Dad as well. His fantasy football team name has always been Big Orange. Not sure either.

 

[TnVol!]

Ray Mears had a lot to do with coining the phrase "Big Orange Country".

 

[Hacksaw]

Nebraska says Go Big Red. I think it's kind of natural to take the school's primary color and add "Go Big" in front of it.

 

[CampBlount]

Ray Mears had a lot to do with coining the phrase "Big Orange Country".

That's right. He coined the term "Big Orange Country," from which I presume Go Big Orange originated.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville | UT Timeline

When I was a kid in the 1960s, there were billboards across the state (or at least in my Midstate hometown) bearing an image of the state, colored orange, and "Big Orange Country."

 

[Tarkus]

That's right. He coined the term "Big Orange Country," from which I presume Go Big Orange originated.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville | UT Timeline

When I was a kid in the 1960s, there were billboards across the state (or at least in my Midstate hometown) bearing an image of the state, colored orange, and "Big Orange Country."

Had them in Memphis too and still have at least one in Memphis now.

 

[BACKDOC]

Nebraska says Go Big Red. I think it's kind of natural to take the school's primary color and add "Go Big" in front of it.

My son's current school just says, "Go Blue."

 

[MAD]

Ray Mears was from Ohio and he got the idea for “Big Orange Country” from Steubenville High School who are known as “Big Red”

 

[BigOrangeAl 1979]

Ray Mears was from Ohio and he got the idea for “Big Orange Country” from Steubenville High School who are known as “Big Red”

Did not know that. Thanks sir

 

[knucklehead_vol]

Had them in Memphis too and still have at least one in Memphis now.

Charlie's Meat Market, not the bipedal kind, has all sorts of old UT memorabilia including some Big Orange stuff.

 

[Carl Pickens]

Charlie's Meat Market, not the bipedal kind, has all sorts of old UT memorabilia including some Big Orange stuff.

Bipedal you say? Lol

 

[Tarkus]

Charlie's Meat Market, not the bipedal kind, has all sorts of old UT memorabilia including some Big Orange stuff.

I'll go by and check it out.

 

[RollerVol]

GO BIG ORANGE...BEAT THE WILDCATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[westy]

I think "Go Big _________!"......is fairly common. UK and Michigan both say Go Big Blue. Someone mentioned Nebraska and GB Red! GBO!

 

[MAD]

I think "Go Big _________!"......is fairly common. UK and Michigan both say Go Big Blue. Someone mentioned Nebraska and GB Red! GBO!

I believe Kentucky is “Go Big Blue” while Michigan is “Go Blue”. Just like Tennessee is “Go Big Orange” and Syracuse is “Go Orange”.

 

[dono]

Ray Mears had a lot to do with coining the phrase "Big Orange Country".

He did. He also came up with "Sidewalk Alumni" for those who never attended UT. Gave a towel to wave at games, I believe.And, yes, I believe Nebraska (Go Big Red) predated all that. And that's OK. KY has copied our checkerboard for their unis. Waiting for them to do their end zones.

 

[VFLCodyGBO]

Confirming it has nothing to do with a large version of the fruit.

 

[westy]

I believe Kentucky is “Go Big Blue” while Michigan is “Go Blue”. Just like Tennessee is “Go Big Orange” and Syracuse is “Go Orange”.

You're right about Michigan. I had that image in my head of UM players running out on the field and jumping up and touching the banner. I thought it said GBB, but you're right it just says Go Blue. Anyhow. GBO!

 

[R481967]

Saw somewhere that the checkerboard endzone theme began at UK... not sure of source, but it doesn't matter - UT OWNS the checkerboard endzone and everyone knows it. Go Vols!

 

[TAF]

I say "How 'BOUT Them VOLS??!!"

from WW and the Dixie Dance Kings..but I'm OLD!

 

[rocytop2624]

I believe Kentucky is “Go Big Blue” while Michigan is “Go Blue”. Just like Tennessee is “Go Big Orange” and Syracuse is “Go Orange”.

Speaking of Orange I think the Vols have the best looking orange out of all the other teams that wear orange.

 

[VolGirl1126]

He did. He also came up with "Sidewalk Alumni" for those who never attended UT. Gave a towel to wave at games, I believe.And, yes, I believe Nebraska (Go Big Red) predated all that. And that's OK. KY has copied our checkerboard for their unis. Waiting for them to do their end zones.

They better not!!!!!

 

[scvol98]

He did. He also came up with "Sidewalk Alumni" for those who never attended UT. Gave a towel to wave at games, I believe.And, yes, I believe Nebraska (Go Big Red) predated all that. And that's OK. KY has copied our checkerboard for their unis. Waiting for them to do their end zones.

They already are