SEATTLE - For all the mistakes second-ranked Oregon made a week ago at home almost giving points away, the result was still an impressive shutout by the Ducks.

While the flash of Oregon's offense continues to get attention - and rightfully so - the Ducks defense is now also proving headline worthy.

The test for Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12) was familiar last week, trying to slow down the spread offense of Arizona, which has similarities to the Ducks' own system. Tonight's challenge is different and will put pressure on the Ducks secondary: facing Mike Leach and Washington State's pass-happy offense.

The Ducks should have no problem scoring on a struggling Cougars defense that collapsed in the fourth quarter last week versus Colorado. But this will be the first true test of an Oregon pass defense that so far is giving up only 210 yards per game through the air.

"I think it's a great opportunity for us," Oregon cornerback Terrence Mitchell said. "(WSU receiver Marquess Wilson) is an NFL prospect and a lot of us have those kind of dreams so it's a great opportunity to go show what we can do."

While it's technically a home game for the Cougars (2-2, 0-1), playing in Seattle also makes it easier for Ducks fans to make the trip north. Washington State has played a game at the home of the Seattle Seahawks every year - minus 2004 - since 2002 as a nod to its massive alumni base in the Puget Sound region.

But last year, athletic director Bill Moos changed the format for the game and rather than playing a non-conference foe in Seattle, decided that for the foreseeable future whichever Oregon school the Cougars are scheduled to host would be the opponent in the NFL stadium.

Last year's game against Oregon State drew just under 50,000. This year, nearly 60,000 tickets have already been sold. And while the Cougars are trying to turn the town crimson for the night, there's bound to be plenty of highlighter yellow in the crowd, too.

"It'll be different. We're not playing in Pullman, so it's going to be a totally different environment and both teams are going to be excited," Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan said.