By JANIE McCAULEY
AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE (AP) - Washington coach Rick Neuheisel asked his team to keep competing against Idaho for 60 minutes no matter what the score.

Playing football is a privilege he wants the Huskies to appreciate.

"We've learned that these things are not guaranteed," Neuheisel said after No. 13 Washington easily defeated the Vandals 53-3 Saturday, 11 days after the terrorist attacks.

Neuheisel didn't have to motivate much. The Huskies were anxious to play again.

Washington's defense and special teams had another brilliant day and the offense made major strides. Just three minutes into the second quarter, the Huskies (2-0) already had scored on a kickoff return, blocked field goal and punt return.

"That takes a little pressure off," said quarterback Cody Pickett, who gave the Huskies their first offensive touchdown of the season on a 25-yard scoring run in the second quarter. "You go out there and know you have a little cushion, but you keep trying to put points on the board."

Most players were relieved to be on the field again.

"It makes me happy to have something like football to take my mind off things," said receiver Paul Arnold, who had a 14-yard touchdown catch. "We tend to complain that we don't want to go to practice, but when you see what went on, football is not that bad after all."

The game was the first event at 72,500-seat Husky Stadium since the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Fans faced heightened security and had their bags checked as they entered the stadium, but there were few complaints about the wait.

A pregame ceremony featured 2,700 high school band students playing patriotic music along with the Husky band on Washington's annual band day. About 350 firefighters and police officers also participated.

There was a moment of silence for victims of the attacks - and for 16 Washington football fans who died in a Sept. 12 plane crash in Mexico, during an alumni trip to the canceled Sept. 15 Miami game.

"I'm almost in tears and the game hasn't even started yet," Washington offensive coordinator Keith Gilbertson said. "We got to play a game today, but the reality is we're at war. I don't know that sports is going to change, but our country has changed."

Washington gained 434 yards of offense, and Pickett continued to show Neuheisel he was a good choice to succeed Marques Tuiasosopo. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 158 yards and an interception. It was the first time Pickett has been picked off since being named the starter in spring drills.

Standout tight end Jerramy Stevens, considered one of the nation's best at his position, broke his left foot in the first quarter. Neuheisel said he likely will miss eight weeks. Also out for about eight weeks is senior tailback Braxton Cleman, who suffered a broken clavicle.