What I don't understand is that Firestone is the perennial tournament course whipping boy around here. Eugene CC looks and seems to play a lot like Firestone, yet the general consensus seems to be positive for Eugene CC.
Eugene CC seems to be narrower than Firestone due to tree overgrowth.
apples and oranges
How so, Mr. G?
come out and visit and it will be self evident...happy to host
I believe travel is the best way to understand other golf courses
TV does not do it justice, nor does typing an answer on GCA
Brian, do some research, study, and you will figure it out, but unfortunately, Firestone will remain as it is 
Having played both of these courses, I will wade into this...
I was completely taken by Eugene when I played it a few years ago. I found it to be a solid layout (despite the somewhat random water hazards) with some great one-shotters. Admittedly, a part of the appeal was the uniqueness of the evergreen backdrops. And while the fairways do look tight and can be downright intimidating off the tee, I found the course far more forgiving than Firestone South. Wider fairways, larger greens (as I recall), easier recovery shots from the trees.
What really sets Firestone apart -- and what I think many people fail to see on TV -- are the substantial elevation changes and severe fairway contours. Finding a level lie at Firestone requires a precise shot off the tee. It may seem a monotonous "up and back" layout, but I guarantee you will find most every hole to be quite challenging.
As Mr. G says, they are indeed apples and oranges. But both are perfectly delicious.