College Football 2012: Big 12 vs. Pac 12 in Battle of Toughest Stadiums

Each week at YB11, we'll put two of conferences (Big 12, Pac-12, Big East or ACC) in a head-to-head battle and break down specific players, coaches and anything else we feel like comparing.

A college football stadium is many things to its fans.

To some, it is a sanctuary. It is a place of pride, a place of memories and a place more special than anywhere else. Big 12 and Pac-12 fans are no exception to these feelings, as both conferences house many historic venues. However, two stand out more than any other: Texas' Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium and Oregon's Autzen Stadium.

Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium

Home of the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns football team since 1924, the current official stadium seating capacity is 100,119. The stadium's size is impressive, but it is the history and tradition within that make it so special.

Upon completion in 1924, Texas' stadium was deemed the "largest sports facility of its kind in the Southwest." At the time, it held just 27,000 people. Starting that first season, traditions began to form and grow into what they are today.

From Bevo making his grand entrance to "Smokey The Cannon" being fired after every touchdown, this stadium is full of tradition. Fans have deemed it "Football Heaven," courtesy of Yelp.com. Yes, Texas' football stadium has a Yelp page, where fans have ranked the stadium 4.5 stars out of 5.

The stadium was named after legendary Texas head coach Darrell K Royal in 1996. He led Texas to three national championships and 11 Southwest Conference titles. Beyond the name, students dedicated the stadium in honor of the Texans that had fought in World War I. Each year since then, one home football game is designated as Veterans Recognition Day.

As the "Texas! Fight!" cheer rings through this stadium, fans are known to stand the entire game. Attending a game at Darrell K Royal is an experience unique to the Big 12. Plenty of universities have outstanding facilities, but Texas does it just a little bit larger than everyone else.

After all, everything is bigger in Texas.

Autzen Stadium

Home of the University of Oregon Ducks, Autzen Stadium only holds 54,000 fans. While small, this stadium is filled with just as much tradition as stadiums double its size.

Autzen Stadium is only 44 years old, as the stadium opened in 1967. It was named after Thomas J. Autzen, a lumberman, sportsman and philanthropist from Portland, Oregon. It is situated on a 90-acre site that is approximately one-quarter mile north of the main campus.

The most famous tradition is the Oregon Duck doing push-ups after every touchdown. The Duck has been praised by the likes of ESPN for his strength and ability to do many push-ups every game. Beyond the duck, Oregon's Autzen Stadium has become the home of the Nike fashion show, as the football team dons a new uniform practically every game.

Most impressive for Autzen Stadium is not the push-ups or the uniforms, but instead, its noise. Many visitors, from broadcasters to visiting fans, have said Autzen is the loudest stadium in the nation. In fact, the 2007 history over the USC Trojans recorded a record 127 decibels. The falls right between a jackhammer and a jet place, according to Travel + Leisure.

This stadium may be small, but it is mighty.

So, between Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium and Autzen Stadium, which is the toughest stadium?

Oregon's Autzen Stadium wins this battle. Ranked as one of the best college football stadiums in America, according to Travel + Leisure, Autzen Stadium makes up for its size with its noise. Having been around for considerably less time than Texas' stadium, Oregon has really solidified itself at the top of  its game.

At the end of the day, however, the ultimate reason Oregon cannot be topped is its noise level. Visiting teams are in for a surprise, as Duck fans create more noise than stadiums double its size.

The environment the Ducks create is one that is tough for opponents, as it puts them immediately in a high-pressure situation. That pressure becomes a mental game for many, which can benefit Oregon in crucial third-down situations. Ultimately, the noise alone may be impressive, but it is what it does to visiting teams that is really impressive.

While Autzen Stadium came out victorious in this matchup, Texas fans should also be very proud of Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium. Both stand at the top of the nation, something any fanbase can feel good about.

Here's hoping the Oregon Ducks never further expand their stadium, as most fans' eardrums may not be able to handle it.