Storrs — Luke Carrezola knows from experience that something positive comes out of every football game.

Even from a painful defeat like Saturday's 28-24 loss that ended with the clock running out with UConn at the Navy 1-yard-line.

"At the time after the game, it definitely hurt," the junior said Tuesday. "I definitely believe that all that hurt and suffering for that next 24 hours just builds a team more together and stronger."

The Huskies have little choice but to learn from the mistakes that contributed to their demise in their American Athletic Conference opener. They're now preparing to host Virginia (0-2), an Atlantic Coast Conference team, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

"I've got to believe positively," said coach Bob Diaco when asked about how the late loss will affect his team. "But I wouldn't believe anything other than that. We've always used the information that we've been able to collect for our own good. We've always been able to take the strain and the fire and the pain and the adversity and use it as a strengthening partner."

"So I would think that everyone in our organization would be more mentally strong and more excited for work than they would otherwise have been without that moment."

Carrezola pointed out the Huskies responded well last season from a tough defeat, although one certainly more lopsided than the Navy game.

After suffering a humbling 37-13 loss at Cincinnati on Oct. 24 that dropped UConn's record to 3-5, the Huskies rebounded with three straight wins to save their season and earn a bowl bid.

"It's kind of similar to last year when we played Cincinnati," Carrezola said. "I was sitting in this chair saying the same message. Just look at what happened after that Cincinnati loss. Hopefully, we're just ready to do the same thing and win this next game."

Carrezola, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound defensive end, has been a bright spot for the Huskies. He had a big game on Saturday, contributing seven tackles, including three for losses, and a sack.

UConn's defense helped lead a comeback. After giving up 21 points to Navy's triple option in the first half, the Huskies (1-1, 0-1) seized control and allowed just one touchdown in the final two quarters. Junior cornerback Jamar Summers scored on an 86-yard return off a fumble recovery.

A goal line stand in the second quarter was the turning point, according to Carrezola. The Huskies stuffed four running attempts short of the end zone. They were down by two touchdowns at the time.

"That was huge," he said. "I think that set a standard for this defense. Us being able to play up to that level all the time, that's what we're going to expect out of each other."

Of course, not falling behind early on certainly would make life easier for the Huskies, who've faced a fourth-quarter deficit in both games this season. They trailed 21-14 with about 10 minutes left against Maine before rallying for a 24-21 victory.

The defense plans to do its part to correct the problem.

"I think we need to do a better job of starting fast," Carrezola said. "Instead of trying to settle into the game just start off with better plays as a defense. If we do that, I think we can have an extremely good defense."

If UConn's defense can recapture last year's terrific form, the Huskies just may start a winning streak. In 2015, they were ranked 15th in the nation in scoring defense, seventh in red zone defense and 33rd in total defense.

Through two games, UConn has looked vulnerable at times, allowing 24.5 points per game. That's higher than last season's 19.5 average.

Carrezola believes the defense's play is trending in the right direction.

"Every day is a learning experience, for sure, just watching film and practicing," he said. "I think we'll just continue to get better and grow more together."

News and notes

• UConn wide receiver Noel Thomas' senior season is off to a terrific start. He leads the AAC and ranks third nationally in receptions per game at 10. He has 186 receiving yards and a touchdown. "He's prepared himself to have this level of production," Diaco said. "He got very serious about his work dating back to January... and it hasn't stopped." ... With a touchdown off an interception and fumble recovery in his career, Summers is only the fourth player in program history to accomplish that feat. ... True freshman Teddy Allmendinger of Avon saw action at fullback versus Navy. He was on the field for a touchdown and a key third down conversation. "He's got a unique skill set," Diaco said. "He's been a real pleasant surprise. He's very smart, very mature young man. And he did a fine job."

g.keefe@theday.com