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For coming away with a win, Steve Sarkisian was noticeably irritated.
Washington's coach was irked Monday with what he described as his team's lack of energy during Saturday's precarious 30-27 win over Eastern Washington. It was Washington's first season opening win since 2007. It also left Sarkisian lamenting the team's approach.
''I really feel like we played the game not to lose,'' Sarkisian said.
The Huskies may have lost if not for cornerback Desmond Trufant's interception in the end zone with 29 seconds left in the game. Trufant tangled all afternoon with lanky, 6-foot-5 Eastern receiver Brandon Kaufman, who challenged Trufant with numerous fade routes.
As the day went along, Trufant adjusted. Trufant disguised his coverage on the final play long enough to fool Eastern quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, then made a game-rescuing interception.
''We knew since we were in press coverage that's when they convert their routes to fades,'' Trufant said. ''I wanted to show press then at the last second I bailed before the quarterback saw me. He obviously didn't see how I changed up and he just threw the ball.
''It worked great in the end.''
Aside from Trufant's big play, Washington's defense was far from great. It allowed 504 yards to its FCS opponent. Now the Huskies brace to host Hawaii (1-0) and its quarterback Bryant Moniz, who threw for 5,040 yards last season.
Moniz compiled 299 yards of total offense in Hawaii's season-opening 34-17 win over Colorado on Saturday in Honolulu, including a career-high 121 rushing yards. The former walk-on even has his own website hyping him for Heisman Trophy consideration.
Moniz manages the Warriors' run-and-shoot offense, presenting Washington with a second consecutive opponent that will spend most of the day spreading it out with four receivers or more.
''They could become very similar (to Eastern) if we allow the game to go that way,'' Sarkisian said. ''Hopefully we can get them out of that mold of dinking and dunking their way down the field.''
Washington expects to be at full health to counter Hawaii. Sophomore quarterback Keith Price sprained his right knee Saturday when he slid into the turf. Against Eastern, he wore a knee brace which he said slightly hindered him. He'll have a custom brace ready for Hawaii.
Wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (sprained ankle), cornerback Quinton Richardson (sprained ankle), and running back Chris Polk (knee surgery two weeks ago) are all expected to practice and play.
That's part of the good news. Washington caused four turnovers last week and Polk ran for 125 yards. Price couldn't be more pleased to have Polk in the backfield.
''Aww, man. It's lovely,'' Price said. ''Just give him the ball and watch him run.''
Sarkisian wondered if his team's enthusiasm would be there in the opener. Saturday's answer left him smarting and vowing to increase the team's emotions during practice this week.
''We should be aggressive, we should be relentless,'' Sarkisian said. ''For a team that I'm coaching to play that way is one of the most disappointing things that I've seen around here.
''I don't think we had a bunch of missed assignments on the other side of the ball. We had some, but that's football, you're going to make some mistakes. But at least if we're making mistakes, we're doing them at 100 miles and hour. And we were playing at, like, 75 miles an hour.''
