[Tuck4Bama]

Florida coach Urban Meyer talks about defending The Swamp. And he has, going 15-0 there as Florida's head coach.

ROB C. WITZEL/The Gainesville Sun

The Florida Gators are one of the toughest teams to beat at home, unbeaten in their last 17 games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.



California recently showed Tennessee what a difference home field can make.

And some people believe Nebraska could upset Southern Cal on Saturday because the Huskers get the Trojans in Lincoln.

Home field advantage is one of the biggest intangibles in college football. But what makes it such a huge edge? Is it crowd noise? Is it visiting teams being uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings?
Coaches and players say it's a combination of all those things.

"There's a lot more to it than just the field," said Cal coach Jeff Tedford, whose Bears recently beat Tennessee at home after getting crushed in Knoxville last year. "It's the comfort level of being here on Friday. Not having to travel. Staying in a hotel you're used to. The gameday routine in your own locker room. Those types of things can make a difference."

A big difference. Last year, SEC teams won 67.4 percent of their home games. A look at most major conferences shows similar figures. Big 12 teams won 67.9 percent of home games, Pac-10 teams won 66.7 percent, Big Ten teams won 64 percent while the ACC won 60.2 percent.

Keys to home field edge - News - GatorSports.com