You have some good points Go guins, but I still think we will be doing well. Perhaps 17k average is bit high, but not much. Here is why:
1. I think the fact that there is a sense of newness.
2. Improved defensive play, which we all expect.
3. The locality of this first recruiting class. When is the last time any of us saw older and younger fans in attendance? I am almost 50, so I am old, but I am talking even older. Likewise, I am not talking about students (yet), but young parents (those with kids from toddler through HS) and high-school kids themselves. The university better bone-up and pay to keep these tailgate lots open and protected all day (including during the game).
4. The game against Pitt will be largely irrelevant as with much of the money games. Fans expect to lose, even though we have beaten Pitt once.
5. The level of expectation is higher. This will taper down as we reach mid-season. However, at that point, the conference-only fan-base (those interested in better games) should begin to show up. The net result is similar-levels.