Just so we’re clear, Graham is the guy, Chow says

University of Hawaii football coach Norm Chow wasted little time in announcing Taylor Graham will remain the starting quarterback.

Quarterback controversy?

"None whatsoever," Chow said in the aftermath of the Rainbow Warriors’ season-opening 30-13 loss to 24th-ranked USC on Thursday night.

Graham, a junior, was 16-for-41 for 208 yards. His lone touchdown throw — a 60-yarder to freshman Keith Kirkwood — came on the Warriors’ final offensive play of the game. He was intercepted four times, including one returned 35 yards for a touchdown.

"That’s the first time the kid’s played in four years," Chow said of Graham, who was making his first start since his senior year at Wheaton (Ill.) North High in 2009. Graham attended Ohio State for three semesters and redshirted at UH in 2012.

"Anybody who watched could see the talent that young man has," Chow said. "He’s one of our real leaders. There’s no question he’s the guy."

Chow said he "anticipated" the possibility of the offense struggling for rhythm in the opener because of the new personnel and schemes.

"Say what you want, USC is a good, long, quick, fast football team," Chow said. "You knew that was going to be a problem because, as much as you want, you can’t simulate (game conditions) in practice. But (USC’s quarterbacks) had problems, too. That was expected."

Cody Kessler and Max Wittek have dueled at quarterback since Matt Barkley completed his USC eligibility at the end of the 2012 season. Kessler, who started against UH, was 10-for-19 for 95 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted once, and was sacked for a safety. Wittek was 5-for-10 for 77 yards. He had neither a touchdown pass nor an interception. He was sacked twice.

"That was the first time those two played (extensively)," Chow said. "And it was the first time (Graham) played. You can’t judge it off of that. There’s no way."

Chow said Graham has been atop the depth chart based on his play in spring practice and training camp. Chow said he reviews videos of "every single play" in practices and games.

"(Graham) has a big-time arm," Chow said. "You could see that on the last play of the game. I love the leadership. That’s what I like. He’s going to be better."

With one game down, Chow said, "the expectation level goes up."

The Warriors widened the offense, opening with a five-receiver set. They also ran out of the pistol formation several times, and there was a stretch where plays were called without a huddle.

In the middle of the second quarter, it appeared the Warriors went conservative, calling running plays behind inside-zone blocks. Chow said the intent was to change the pace because USC’s pass rush was causing protection problems when the Warriors were in wide formations.

Still, Chow was not satisfied with the outcome.

"I don’t believe in moral victories," Chow said. "That pisses me off. When it was 5-3 (UH), the hope was we would go up 8-3 or 12-3. That’s what bothers me the most. They took advantage of our mistakes. We did not take advantage of their mistakes."

But Chow said he liked the Warriors’ effort.

"My whole talk to the players was: ‘Play hard,’ " Chow said. "That’s all I care about. Sometimes you can’t control what’s going on in a ballgame. The ball is oblong. It bounces in funny ways. But you can control yourself — your attitude, your passion. I thought the players did that. I told them after the game I was proud to be their coach. We need to play that way and not lose sight of that. It’s one game. We need to bring that energy and passion no matter where we play, when we play, what time, what venue."