For the second week in a row, the Utes are looking for a new starter at tackle. Sophomore Lei Talamaivao, who earned his first start in place of injured Kenape Eliapo on Saturday, was lost for the season when he broke his right fibula in the first quarter of the 42-21 win over UNLV.

Finding his replacement is the immediate concern for the Utes' defense as they prepare for Saturday's game at Utah State.

"I hope we have some young guys grow up fast," Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen said.

Freshman Sealver Siliga and senior Aaron Tonga filled in for Talamaivao on Saturday. The defense not only survived without Talamaivao, but excelled as the Utes held UNLV to 83 total offensive yards in the second half. UNLV running back Frank Summers had only five yards in the second half after gaining 82 in the first.

That performance gave the Ute defenders confidence they can continue to smother teams without experienced players.

"Guys are going to go down, it's just part of the game," defensive end Paul Kruger said. "There are always going to be guys who are going to fill in. We have great players all over this football team so it doesn't hinder us."

Nevertheless, a lack of depth is still a concern for the Utes, who in two weeks travel to Colorado Springs to play Air Force. The Falcons improved to 2-0 Saturday with a 23-3 win at Wyoming.

Originally, the Utes thought they might redshirt Siliga and fellow freshman Dave Kruger. Now Kruger could be pulled out of his redshirt season, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said Saturday.

He also suggested the Utes may consider moving junior Koa Misi inside. Injuries forced Misi to move inside last season after the first two games. Eliapo is out six to eight weeks with a broken foot suffered in the Michigan win.

"We might have to shuffle the deck; something is going to have to happen," Whittingham said.

The problem isn't one for the defense to solve alone, quarterback Brian Johnson suggested. The Utes didn't play well offensively in the first half, looking similar to the team that struggled against Michigan in the second half of the opener.

The Utes have to get their offensive inconsistencies worked out so they don't have to depend on the defense so much.

"The best way to keep those guys fresh is to keep them off the field," he said.

Against Michigan, Utah managed just 28 total yards in the second half. The Utes finished with 440 offensive yards Saturday, after having only 171 in the first half.

"We had a pretty rough start, but we won the game," receiver Brent Casteel said. "Coach always says at any point in time you're going to face adversity and something isn't going to go right. We were ready for it after the first half. The second half was our time to shine, but we can't let this keep going."

lwodraska@sltrib.com