Daily Cal: Bears Urge Fans to Get Loud for Oregon Game

BY Brian Bainum

Daily Cal Staff Writer

The No. 16 Cal football team has played in two loud road environments in its first five games. This week the Bears are hoping their fans can create a similarly hostile environment for visiting Oregon at Memorial Stadium. The No. 11 Ducks will face Cal at Saturday at 5 p.m. in a battle of two undefeated teams in conference play. Oregon's own Autzen Stadium is known as one of the loudest venues in the country.  "I really hope and encourage our fans to get into the game and create a home-field advantage," Bears coach Jeff Tedford said. "I would really hope that our fans come to the game ready to use their voices and make it loud and difficult on them."  Tedford said he was impressed with the noise level at Tennessee's Neyland Stadium and Oregon State's Reser Stadium. He knows first hand what an edge crowd noise can create from his time spent as the Ducks' offensive coordinator from 1998-2001.  "At Autzen Stadium, it is loud from play one to the final play of the game," Tedford said. "They don't ever stop. It's important that not only (our fans) are loud, but that it's consistent throughout the game."  Cal junior rover Brandon Hampton said the crowd's timing in making noise could be improved.

"They yell at the wrong time every week," Hampton said. "I don't think they know yet. They are louder than they used to be, but sometimes they get loud at the wrong time. Maybe someone can get out there and tell them what to do, coach 'em up.  "It has been loud, though, and that does some things for us. I know it'll be crazy out there (on Saturday)."  Bears senior left tackle Andrew Cameron agreed with Hampton's assessment.  "The one thing I have noticed about our fans is that they seem to be confused about the best time to yell," Cameron said. "We would like to see some more noise on those third downs. It has definitely gotten better over the last five years, and I am sure they'll show up on Saturday."

Cameron said noise can be particularly detrimental to offensive linemen in a hostile environment.  "From my experience playing tackle, if I am more focused on having to hear the cadence or an adjustment by the quarterback, then I am less focused on my assignments and technique," Cameron said. "So crowd noise is very important."  Cameron said the wide bowl-shaped design of Memorial Stadium might contribute to Cal's less-than-overwhelming home environment.  "It could be just the way the stadium is built," he said. "Autzen Stadium is really small so it can get real loud there, and a place like Washington is where it goes straight up, it can get real loud. I don't really know if it is the fans or the stadium. Wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins encouraged Bears fans to bring props to help them make noise if need be. "Bring whatever noise maker you have," the junior said. "Bring a toy that makes a little noise, bring a radio. Bring thundersticks. Anything that creates sound, bring it."

Some players said they were not concerned with crowd noise one way or another.  "All that's going to matter is what is inside the lines," junior tailback Marshawn Lynch said. "We are going to have to play the game."  Quarterback Nate Longshore said the fact that this week is homecoming week will contribute to the overall energy in the stadium.  "It's going to be the place to be," Longshore said. "I'm sure it'll be loud."