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Seattle 'Too Civilized' For College Football

caption: Chris Petersen smiles as he takes questions from reporters after being introduced as the new head football coach at the University of Washington, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, in Seattle.
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Chris Petersen smiles as he takes questions from reporters after being introduced as the new head football coach at the University of Washington, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, in Seattle.
AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

The University of Washington introduced Chris Petersen as the new head of Husky football yesterday.

Petersen compiled a record at Boise State of 92-12 over eight seasons. At Monday's press conference, Petersen said whenever he came to Montlake to face the Huskies, he felt envious.

I mean when you walked into this stadium, this beautiful environment, there’s not a better one in college football. And you pack it with these passionate people in purple. Holy smokes. I mean, I was very, very irritated to tell you the truth. But deep down I really liked it. Because that’s what college football should be all about.

If Washington is such a great place for college football, in the past 13 years, why hasn’t the team won more than eight games in a season?

Maybe we’re too civilized.

That’s the theory from Wall Street Journal sports reporter Rachel Bachman. I asked her what she means by “civilized.”

The UW will pay Petersen between $3-4 million a year for five years, with the chance for an annual bonus of $1.175 million.

Why you can trust KUOW