Some things just do not improve with time.

After a frame-by-frame video analysis of Hawaii’s 41-36 victory over Tennessee Martin, head coach Nick Rolovich’s second impression was the same as the first.

“It’s still ugly,” Rolovich said.

Ikaika Woolsey’s three interceptions were parlayed into 21 UTM points. The Rainbow Warriors missed several tackles, including two would-be sacks. And they whiffed three times on Londell Lee’s 79-yard punt return for a touchdown.

“I thought the punt return was embarrassing,” Rolovich said. “We lost contain.”

They nearly lost much more. Lee’s touchdown put UTM ahead, 36-35, with 9:02 to play.

But wideout Marcus Kemp’s 63-yard touchdown play and the Warriors’ final defensive stand gave Rolovich his first head-coaching victory. Rolovich was hired in November as Norm Chow’s successor.

“We’re not going to win a lot of games turning the ball over that many times and having a punt return (for a touchdown) or poor tackling,” Rolovich said. “I know that.”

Rolovich acknowledged there “were times the defense strung some plays together that were pretty good.” In the first quarter, the Skyhawks averaged 7.9 yard per first-down rush. After that, they were held to an average 3.7 rushing yards on first down.

“We’re still not good tacklers,” Rolovich said. “We had chances to make plays, and we don’t make them. As far as tackles for loss, we just have to make those plays.”

Rolovich also said Woolsey needs to make better decisions on some throws. Woolsey was 9-for-18 for 205 yards and four touchdowns. Two of his passes were intercepted in UH territory. “I’d rather him not make those decisions,” Rolovich said of the interceptions.

But Rolovich said: “I thought the team showed some grit. I thought there were plenty of chances for this team to fold, and we didn’t.”

Rolovich, who enjoys studying UH football history, invited former Warrior running backs Nuu Faaola and David Toloumu to watch the game from the sidelines. Rolovich also brought back Gaylord Carreira, who used to retrieve the tee following UH kickoffs and then lead the cheers with windmill-arm motions and tumble rolls. UH did not retain Carreira after Bob Wagner was fired as head coach at the end of the 1995 season. His jersey also was repossessed.

“I’ve been thinking about that for a long time,” Rolovich said of Carreira’s return. “I like history. I heard his tales around the community. I paid attention to it. He’s almost a cult hero. I’ve got two texts from players who said they want him to be there every game.”

Rolovich named Carreira as an honorary captain, and gave him a specially made No. 97 jersey and the game ball.