Washington football coach Chris Petersen isn’t happy with the Huskies national exposure.
The No. 6 team in the country has yet to kickoff in primetime on the East Coast, and this Saturday they won’t play until 10:45 ET. Unless you’re a night owl living, chances are you haven’t watched many Washington Huskies games.
Petersen feels that has stunted the growth of the program and kept them in relative obscurity despite dominating their opponents.
On CollegeGameday this week, Kirk Herbstreit responded to those complaints.
Kirk Herbstreit says Washington "should be thanking ESPN" for airing Washington games, regardless of kickoff time https://t.co/54Hu34AA1N pic.twitter.com/w8l6TsSzde
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) October 7, 2017
Not exactly the warm and sympathetic shoulder Petersen might have been looking for.
“You should be thanking ESPN for actually having a relationship thanks to Larry Scott with the PAC 12” Herbstreit said, “because now your games are seen.”
The Huskies were a relative unknown to the average college football fan when they were chosen as one of four teams for the College Football Playoff last season. They are off to a similarly hot start this season, sitting at 5-0 and having scored at least 30 points in all five games.
Of the Power Five conferences, the PAC-12 easily receives the least attention. Arguably the most marketable team in the conference, Oregon, grew in popularity largely because of the high-tempo Chip Kelly offense and their flashy uniforms.
If Washington keeps winning, more people will want to watch their games and their profile will increase.
Alabama didn’t become the ratings drawing powerhouse they are overnight.
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