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He felt his team controlled most of the game Saturday but lost 26-21 at Michigan Tech in a nonconference matchup.
“We dominated a lot of the football game; we just didn’t win,” Sawyer said. “It makes you absolutely upset, just mad. (Michigan Tech) played well enough to win. I give them credit, but that’s a team we should beat.”
Sawyer was especially upset with the second half, during which the Huskies erased a 14-13 halftime deficit and grabbed all the momentum.
The Warriors failed to capitalize on a turnover by the Huskies on the first possession of the second half and were stopped on the goal line on two consecutive plays early in the fourth quarter.
Michigan Tech took a 26-14 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter and held on for the win.
“When we played, we played well,” Sawyer said. “We just can’t afford to sit around and wait for something to happen. We have to play more urgent.”
In particular, the Warriors need to make things happen on defense. After leading the nation in turnovers a year ago, they forced just one against the Huskies.
Junior quarterback Steve Short completed 24 of 28 passes for 236 yards, hitting quick pass after quick pass.
Teams spread the field last season against the Warriors and found success. They will face it often again this year, including against Northern State in Saturday’s home opener.
“It takes a little while to get used to, but that’s what we practice for,” safety Justin Jensen said. “The most important thing is to go through practice and work on what the opponents will do.
“With those three-step drops, you have to get a good read on the quarterback and a better break on the ball.”
Sawyer planned to spend more time with the defense this week, encouraging them every step of the way.
“I want to let their confidence come out,” he said. “We have to play faster and we have to challenge receivers and be more physical.
“I saw a better effort today in 7-on-7 (drills) understanding that they can make plays. You can’t watch the game; you have to play it.”
The Warriors managed 373 yards on offense, but didn’t put many points on the board. They turned it over on downs after the turnover and failed on four plays from the Huskies’ 5 early in the fourth.
Greg Preston, a transfer from Division I-AA Tennessee-Martin, completed 14 of 26 passes for 141 yards in his first start at quarterback. Amir Ross played one series, completing all three passes for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Sawyer said the quarterback situation would remain the same, with Preston starting and Ross playing a series or two.
Overall, the Warriors simply need a more consistent effort from the offense.
“We focused on the red zone and short yardage throughout camp and did a nice job, but we failed at it (Saturday),” Sawyer said. “We hope it’s a great lesson and doesn’t continue.”
