No. 25 Washington edges Hawaii 17-16 despite bad offense in 2nd half; Ross has 2 touchdowns

Hawaii linebacker Tevita Lataimua (52) attempts to chase down Washington wide receiver John Ross as Ross returns a kickoff in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner) (The Associated Press)

Washington quarterback Jeff Lindquist drops back to pass in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Hawaii, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner) (The Associated Press)

John Ross scored on a reverse and a 91-yard catch and No. 25 Washington held off Hawaii 17-16 on Saturday night despite a weak second half in coach Chris Petersen's Huskies debut.

The Huskies overcame late pushes from Hawaii and offensive problems late in the game, when their best accomplishment was running out the clock.

Jeff Lindquist threw for 162 yards in his first start for Washington after Cyler Miles was suspended for the game. But most of Lindquist's total came on the big play to Ross.

Washington's defense struggled early, spotting Hawaii a 10-0 lead on its first two possessions. The Rainbow Warriors lost the advantage in one quick second-quarter burst, turning the ball over on downs and then allowing the Huskies' second-longest pass play in school history.

Hawaii's Joey Iosefa rushed for 143 yards and a touchdowns.