Oregon hasn’t lost at home since Boise State in 2008, 19 straight games.
Today in the Register-Guard, Bob Welch wrote a column questioning whether all that success has made Oregon fans complacent at home, noting that in the second half the southside stands are deplorably empty, suggesting that too many Duck fans are more interested in chardonnay, making the tailgate scene and being seen than creating noise on a crucial third and five.
A home field advantage disappears when home fans become blase and take victory for granted.
It’s crucially important this week. Arizona State, despite being a 15-point underdog, poses some genuine dangers. They have an explosive passing attack, and it’s multi-faceted: Dave Piper of Addicted to Quack noted today that the Sun Devils have six different receivers with double-digit receptions. That means that Oregon’s nickle and dime backs (the extra defensive backs in passing situations) will be tested. ASU is 24th in the country in passing offense, rolling up 1750 yards through the air so far this season. According to collegefootballstats.com, the yardage figure ranks 11th in the country. They average a healthy 8 yards per pass attempt, very productive.
The matchup of Oregon’s secondary versus the ASU receivers might be the most critical of the game. John Neal’s defensive backs must keep competing and win their share of battles. They don’t want 6-8 Brock Osweiler to get in a comfortable rhythm on the road.
And it would help if he had to contend with some deafening noise from those Southside stands.
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