Recognizing the insensitivity of using war images in football, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham no longer endorses the slogan his program adopted to describe how players fill the roles of fallen teammates.

So the phrase "Pick up the rifle" will not appear in the Utes' promotional materials, even if, as senior offensive tackle Zane Beadles said, "That's something we've lived by ever since I've been here. It works for us."

That's true. While football teams at every level try to develop and prepare players for opportunities that may or may not ever come, the Utes have succeeded like few others -- especially in high-profile positions. Running back Eddie Wide is the latest example, having made the All-Mountain West Conference first team in a junior season when he never could have expected to rush for 1,032 yards, simply because of Matt Asiata's presence.

Asiata injured his knee while scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of the fourth game. As of that moment, Wide had gained 71 yards. Yet in the tradition of quarterback Brett Ratliff in 2005 and running back Darrell Mack in '07, Wide took over the position and just kept running, right into Wednesday's Poinsettia Bowl against California in San Diego.

"We're always preaching -- I'm sure, like everybody else -- that you're always one snap away from being the guy," Whittingham said. "You'd better get yourself ready, you'd better work hard, because you never know when your number's going to be called. We've been fortunate to have some depth in the positions where guys have gone down."

Mack helped save a Utah season that also ended in the Poinsettia Bowl by gaining 1,204 yards in '07 after Asiata broke his leg in the opening game. Having intended to redshirt, Mack was activated the next week and became the starter in the third game.

Wide was in the Utes' plans this season as an alternative to Asiata, while carrying the ball only 16 times in the first three games. Everything changed in late September, and Wide responded with 130 yards in three quarters against Louisville and was held under 100 yards only twice in the next eight games.

"It's been fantastic, being able to get the opportunity to be the main running back now," Wide said. "It's a bittersweet situation with Matt, but you've got to keep going."

The same is true for the Utes' bowl opponent. Running back Jahvid Best, once considered a Heisman Trophy candidate, remains sidelined by the concussion he sustained Nov. 7. Shane Vereen replaced him and rushed for 193 yards on 42 carries in Cal's signature win over Stanford.

Whittingham credited Wide with consistent effort from the day he arrived on campus in '07. "Whether he's fourth team or first team," the coach said, "he has never changed his work habits."

Yet Wide's success remains a pleasant surprise to everybody, including himself.

"I actually didn't think I was going to be able to do this," he said, thanking his offensive linemen. "Once you get the ball more, you get a good groove. The flows just keeps going."

Wide's smooth running was interrupted at Texas Christian, where one of the country's best defenses held him to 25 yards on 14 carries. Otherwise, he thrived in conference play, including a high of 145 yards against Wyoming and a 114-yard effort at BYU, where he gained 51 yards in the fourth quarter as the Utes rallied to force overtime.

The Poinsettia Bowl will count toward Wide's season statistics, so he should top 1,100 yards. His chances of producing similar numbers next season hinge on Asiata's plans. If Asiata requests and receives a sixth season of eligibility from the NCAA, the Ute coaches will look for ways to use both backs, possibly playing them together.

As for this season, let's just say they're just thankful Wide picked up where Asiata left off.

kkragthorpe@sltrib.com