Utah Utes football notebook: Bye week perfect timing for bruised, battered Utes

When it comes to bye weeks, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has a game plan. He's determined to keep his team sharp, maintain their timing and take no steps back.

Getting guys healthy and rejuvenated both mentally and physically is also part of the equation.

This week, it's of extreme importance.

Saturday's 30-14 win over Louisville came with a price.

Running back Matt Asiata, who suffered a season-ending knee injury, headlined a cast of Utes injured in the game.

Asiata, a senior captain, tore his right ACL on a 24-yard first quarter touchdown run.

"Obviously it's very disappointing for Matt, his family and for us — everybody's disappointed," said Whittingham, who added that Asiata is sorting things out concerning his future. He could apply for a sixth-year of eligibility and has until the end of the season to do so.

With Asiata sidelined, Eddie Wide becomes the primary back. He stepped in Saturday and finished with a game-high 129 yards. Sausan Shakerin, who is recovering from shoulder and wrist injuries, moves into the No. 2 spot and Shaky Smithson may make the switch from receiver to provide depth.

The depth chart is also being altered on the defensive line. Starting tackle Lei Talamaivao is out until further notice with a leg injury.

There's better news on the offensive line where left tackle Zane Beadles is recovering from a leg contusion. The senior is expected to be back for Utah's Oct. 10 conference opener at Colorado State.

Whittingham praised freshman Sam Brenner for filling in when Beadles was sidelined. He also noted that reserves Dave Kruger and Sealver Siliga stepped up and got the job done when Talamaivao went down.

"I wouldn't say I was surprised," Whittingham said of the reserves who stepped into the spotlight. "They work hard in practice."

Several other Utes also got banged up in the game. None of the other injuries, however, are deemed serious.

"Everyone else is just bumps and bruises and that type of deal," Whittingham said.

Losing Asiata and Talamaivao, whose outlook is still unclear, comes as Utah prepares for a season-ending stretch of eight consecutive league games.

Whittingham acknowledged the bye week comes at a very good time from an injury standpoint. Any adjustments to be made will come in practices Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

"I think we just pick up and go. Our guys understand the situation," Whittingham said. "Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game. When they occur, the guys that are in the backup roles need to step up and pick up the slack."

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com