Some fans left early and it was still more hostile then Memorial Stadium is 99.9% of the time. And you don't have to be an a$$ to be a hostile environment.
Start winning and we'll get that intimidating environment back. It has way more to do about winning and perception of success than it does with what conference you're in. Think back to the Coliseum in the mid-2000s.
It has to do with our fan base. Guy beside me got asked to sit down on the big 3rd down and long vs BYU where we hurt Taysom for last time. It's pathetic.