It was not the University of Hawaii football team’s finest hour.

But the Rainbow Warriors’ 55-0 loss to San Diego State, like many of their games this season, featured a slow defensive start. This season, 10 opponents have scored five touchdowns and two field goals on their opening drive. In the first two drives — 20 possessions — opponents have produced 11 touchdowns.

“We’ve got to figure out our slow start,” head coach Nick Rolovich said following Saturday’s game. The Aztecs, who entered with the nation’s top rusher, threw scoring passes on their first two drives.

Against Michigan in the season’s second game, the Warriors’ best defensive start came in their worst overall performance. Safety Damien Packer intercepted Michigan’s first play. But the Wolverines scored a touchdown on every possession after that.

In the past three games, opponents’ average opening drive was 10.7 plays, 70 yards and 4 minutes, 37 seconds. Each of the three opening drives ended with touchdowns.

UH defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa is admittedly puzzled by the slow starts, which usually are followed by strong defensive stretches.

“I’m trying to figure it out,” Lempa said. “I have no idea. I have to find out.”

Lempa also is concerned about lapses. A week ago, the Warriors made an interception and forced five consecutive punts before New Mexico’s Tyrone Owens broke free for a 72-yard scoring run. Against San Diego State, backup running back Rashaad Penny scored on a 73-yard burst in the middle of the third quarter.

“It was the same play at the same time,” said Lempa, noting the Warriors usually recover with swarms when a running back gets through the first level. ‘They hit a crease, and we didn’t get him down. We have to be faster. That’s going to happen. Guys are going to break. But you’ve got to get them down, and play the next down. You can’t let him go all the way to the frickin’ end zone.”

But Lempa said he is pleased with the Warriors’ hustle and perseverance to overcome injuries to key players. Lempa is hopeful that cornerback Jamal Mayo, who missed the past three games, will be ready for Saturday’s game against Boise State.

“The kids are playing hard,” Lempa said. “Looking at film, guys are trying. They’re trying to do the right thing. They’re not always doing the right thing, but they’re trying to do the right thing. And they’re running to the football.”

The Warriors played 10 freshmen on defense against San Diego State. Freshman safety Keala Santiago played 34 of the 58 defensive snaps.

“The younger guys are playing well,” Lempa said. “That’s all we can do. We do the best we can do. It’ll pay off in the long run.”