TEMPE, Ariz. – Each road game includes it’s own specific challenge, which is why Jim Fassel says “I try to prepare them for whatever we are going to see.”

At various times during the season, Fassel hones on what he believes is the most important aspect to that weekend’s road trip. “If it is really going to be loud, I get speakers on the sideline,” he explained. “If it is going to be really hostile and nasty, I talk to them about that.”

What brainstorm did Fassel have this week, leading up to today’s game against the Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium? Well, on Wednesday, the first major practice of the week, it was a bit windy at Giants Stadium, and so even though the sun was shining brightly and the temperature was seasonal, Fassel brought his team indoors to work in the bubble. It was a nice, clean, quiet, mild environment.

Perfect. Fassel prepared the Giants for what awaits them today, which is unlike any other game on the road they will experience this season. Rarely are NFL games played at a college facility, but this game takes place on the Arizona State campus. It is doubtful the attendance will reach 40,000 at a building that seats 73,014. During their visit each season, the Giants always are welcomed here by a sizeable contingent of transplanted New Yorkers who cheer for them. No wonder the Giants have won three of the last four times they’ve faced the Cardinals in the desert. No wonder the Cardinals this season have lost three of their four home games.

Call it the home-field disadvantage.

“Last year we had a good game there on Sunday night and the stands were half full,” safety Sam Garnes said. “It doesn’t matter. Once we get in our minds what it takes to win games and how we need to approach it every time we step on the field, we’re definitely one of the best teams in the NFL. We can’t play down to other people’s level. That’s what we’ve been doing all season.”

As usual, the Cardinals (2-5) are operating at a low level, but as the Giants start their second half of the season, they cannot concern themselves with the plight of their opponent. They fell into that trap once already and exited Washington with a 35-21 loss. At 4-4, the Giants have boxed themselves in, leaving no margin for error, and will no doubt have to look in the mirror for motivation, as what they confront in the seats and on the field does not figure to be very formidable.

“It’s almost like you want to go on vacation when you go to Arizona this time of year,” Tiki Barber said. “You got to guard against that.”

There is plenty for the Giants to guard against. Two weeks ago, they fell behind the Redskins 14-0 and never fully recovered. Last week, they fell behind the Cowboys 17-0 and needed to score 20 unanswered points after halftime to squeeze out a 27-24 overtime victory. If the Giants are lulled by the warm air and the pristine grass field, they could be in for trouble. The Cardinals, as always, aren’t very good, but they did beat the Eagles 21-20 back on Oct. 7 in Philadelphia.

Call it urgency or desperation, but everything came together in the second half against the Cowboys, with big plays from unexpected sources, a rare blocked punt and finally, a game-winning field goal by Morten Andersen. The Giants believe the way they pulled out the game will spark them, starting today. But they have yet to show whether the real Giants were the team that stunk up the joint in the first half or the team that dominated in the second.

“If the one that showed up in the first half shows up again,” guard Glenn Parker said, “then we’re probably in for a lot of cuts next week.”