TEMPE, Ariz. – Tuned-in anger-management counselors likely cringed at the sight of all the temper-tantrums.

It was that kind of night in the heat at Sun Devil Stadium, where eight unsportsmanlike-conduct or personal-foul infractions were called on players – and assistant coaches – from Washington and Arizona State.

The biggest culprit seemed to be Sun Devils freshman sensation Vontaze Burfict, an extraordinarily talented middle linebacker who has a knack for losing his cool at the wrong time.

An over-excited Burfict aided the Huskies’ opening drive. His personal foul penalty after a near-interception by Jake Locker on third down turned a sure UW punt into a second opportunity.

It immediately landed Burfict a spot on the sideline, and in coach Dennis Erickson’s doghouse.

And it hurt – Locker connected with Devin Aguilar for a 49-yard touchdown pass on the following play.

Burfict sat out the next ASU defensive series. More fireworks ensued.

He got into it with running back Johri Fogerson on the Huskies’ first drive of the second quarter, and was called for it. Then he went helmet-to-helmet on a receiver at the 12:09 mark, and cost the Sun Devils another 15 yards on a personal foul call.

This time, Erickson stuck with him – and it almost paid off when Burfict sagged back in coverage and picked off a Locker pass at the ASU 10 – only to be negated by a hands-to-the-facemask penalty on teammate William Sutton.

Then the extracurricular stuff started happening. Burfict went nose-to-nose with UW offensive guard Senio Kelemete late in the first half after a play.

And late in the third quarter, after Huskies tailback Chris Polk bounced off Burfict in the middle of a pile, and broke off a 23-yard TD run, Burfict appeared to intetionally throw a forearm at UW receiver James Johnson at the end of the play.

Extra points

In somewhat of a surprise moved, Victor Aiyewa in the starting defensive backfield at strong safety, with Nate Williams shifting to free safety. … Receiver Jordan Polk (knee) and defensive end Kalani Aldrich (knee) did not make the trip. … Defensive tackle Cameron Elisara (neck), who came out in the fourth quarter last week against Arizona, was not in pads to start the second half. … Receiver Anthony Boyles saw his first career action on special teams late in the first quarter. … Erik Folk’s string of field goals made was snapped at seven kicks after he missed a 48-yard attempt with 15 seconds remaining in the first half. … UW punter Will Mahan used a rugby-style punt on his first attempt, and booted it 59 yards. .

It’s the NCAA’s longest active streak. … Before Thomas Weber’s miss on a 41-yard field goal early in the third quarter, Washington’s opponents has been 17-of-17 on attempts this season.

Todd Milles: 253-597-8442

todd.milles@thenewstribune.com