Oregon football hosting Ohio State without fans likely after Oregon governor’s order

Oregon governor Kate Brown banned large gatherings for sports through September. Oregon hosts Ohio State on Sept. 12 and fans won’t be permitted.

Oregon hosting Ohio State on Sept. 12 is one of the marquee games of the 2020 college football season. Unfortunately, Oregon Governor Kate Brown just took all the wind out of Autzen Stadium’s sails after announcing live sports in the state will not be played in front of large crowds through September.

While this statement impacts all Oregonian sports, this hurts the Ducks the most. Oregon (and Oregon State) has three home football games in September. Given that Ohio State is favored to win the Big Ten again and make the College Football Playoff, how does Oregon win this one without the real benefit of home-field advantage?

Oregon football would like to try to move the game back to later in the year when fans can be in the stands, but the schedule logistics make that difficult. Perhaps a neutral site could host the game where Oregon and Ohio State football fans could attend? It wouldn’t be the same, but it would be a better alternative to no fans.

Though it is college athletics, this is major college football. This game features two of the 10 best programs in the sport. While Autzen is one of the most difficult road environments to play in, it’ll have the feel of a Big Ten bottom-feeder when the Buckeyes venture to Eugene. It is unfortunate for the Ducks they may not have the environment envisioned when the game was scheduled and what many fans had hoped would be one of the most memorable games in Oregon football history.

If Oregon were to play in front of a raucous crowd and get some sweet, delicious liquid sunshine on its side, maybe the Ducks could do just enough to upend the juggernaut Buckeyes in Eugene? While getting football back in any capacity would be welcomed, home-field advantages have the biggest impact in the college game. Oregon is getting hosed here, but it’s understandable.

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