For years some of the elite college football teams wouldn't venture to the state of Oregon. But in 2003 Michigan paid the Ducks a visit. Being on the sidelines, seeing the Wolverines come out was a real strange experience. Strange because teams like that never came to Autzen or Reser Stadium.

There is a simple explanation and it has to do with money.

Teams like Oklahoma and Michigan only play 3 (sometimes 4) non-conference games. They never wanted to waste a trip to a place like Eugene or Corvallis where the stadiums held 40,000 people. They could simply play at home against XYZ University, fill the stadium with 80,00 people and make a ton of money.

Now that ABC is picking up Oregon games, and now that Oregon has 50,000 people in the stadium it finally makes financial sense to come to Eugene.

That's the Ducks.

The Beavers are a different story.

I had an Athletic Director tell me how hard it is for Oregon State to get good teams to come to Corvallis.

Seriously, what's in it for an opposing team ?

A team from the midwest, for example, has no fan base, no alumni, and doesn't recruit in Corvallis.

What's the motivation for playing a game there ?

Money ? No way. They could drive a couple hours and get paid more by playing at Ohio State, Michigan, or any other place.

Charters to Eugene aren't cheap.

Oregon State has tried to do 2 for 1 games with some of these big time schools and they have said no.

I remember Kansas State wanted the Beavers to go there a few years ago with no home game in return. Former AD Mitch Barnhart said no way.

The next time you wonder why these teams you see on tv aren't coming our way, now you know.

Your comments are always welcome

Ron
RPivo@kgw.com