As Utes got hurt, backups took up slack

Early in Utah's 41-21 win over Texas A&M, trainer Bill Bean and defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham approached coach Urban Meyer with a message.

"Hold onto the ball," they said. "We're running out of defensive players."

Over the first and second series of the game, starting safety Eric Weddle, backup Kawika Casco and nose guard Steve Fifita were sidelined with knee injuries.

"Unbelievable," said Meyer, who joked that he passed the "hold-on-to-the-ball" advice to offensive coordinator Mike Sanford during the game.

Fortunately for the Utes, they had an even better plan for overcoming the scenario.

"One thing about this team last year and obviously this year is when someone drops a rifle, someone picks it up and goes hard," said Meyer.

While recalling how tight end Ben Moa stepped in for injured tailback Brandon Warfield in 2003, the coach praised players like Casey Evans and Antonio Young for stepping up in last week's season opener.

"We had some guys do some nice things," said Meyer. "That's the sign of a good, invested team."

Being able to adjust right away, explained defensive line coach Gary Andersen, is part of the program's philosophy. Coaches are constantly reminding players that they're all only one snap away from contributing in a game.

"That's like a tradition here. Everybody just wants to play," said Fifita, who compared the early rash of injuries in the game to a practice a week earlier when safety Morgan Scalley and linebacker Corey Dodds were hurt within a short period of time. "When your number gets called, you're ready to go."

Though Fifita eventually returned to play in the second half against A&M, reserves Tevita Kemoeatu and Kite Afeaki stepped in and helped the Utes keep the Aggies in check.

"Those reps, you can't simulate that in practice. You have to get game reps," said Andersen. "So that was a positive for us."

By game's end, seven players rotated across the defensive line for Utah. They were among 62 Utes who saw action in the lopsided contest.

As for Saturday's game at Arizona (8 p.m., KJZZ, Ch. 14), only Casco (out for the season) and Weddle (MCL sprain) are out with injuries. Fifita, who suffered a minor tear in his left knee, is listed as probable.

"I'll be all right," he said after Monday's practice. "It's getting a lot better."