Washington coach Rick Neuheisel observed that Autzen is merely a stadium and therefore is unable to run, catch or tackle. But the Huskies will prepare for him, er, it, as much if not more than any particular player on the Ducks' roster. Crowd noise makes communication for a visiting offense nearly impossible. It makes it difficult to call audibles at the line of scrimmage. It eliminates the snap count as an offensive advantage.
Offensive linemen have to watch the ball, making it harder to notice defensive stunts.
It also is irritating. UCLA used whisper drills to prepare for Autzen. The Bruins whispered their way to six illegal motion penalties, including three in a row in the first half. The Bruins' offense was completely out of whack, managing less than 200 total yards. Just like Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey imploded in front of the boisterous crowd at Husky Stadium, so too are teams expected to crumble in front of Autzen.