Nov. 20, 2000

By SCOTT BELL
The Daily Herald

PROVO, Utah - A day later, it's still hard to fathom.

That was Brandon Doman on the field Saturday, was it not?

The same guy who played receiver last year, who almost switched to defensive back in the offseason and who spent a good portion of this season as the third-string quarterback?

The same guy who hadn't started a game

at quarterback since 1994, when he ran the option for Skyline High?

Well, yes, it was. In LaVell Edwards' final home game, Doman led BYU to a 37-13 win over New Mexico.

"It was awesome," Doman said. "I don't know if that validated me or not. I never second guessed myself. I knew the team could play well if I played."

If Doman never doubted, he must be of strong faith. The fact is, coaches were planning to redshirt him at the start of the season when Bret Engemann and Charlie Peterson were both healthy. If not for injuries, Doman never would have played. He probably would have been making plans to try out as a

defensive back for BYU's new coach next spring.

But the opportunity was created, and Doman more than seized it. He wrapped his whole body around it and made it part of him.

After 400 yards of total offense, including 349 passing yards, who knows if he'll ever let go. Of course, Doman didn't take too much credit.

"All I had to do was throw to the right guys, and they were open," Doman said. "The offensive line was giving me tons of time."

Now, the only question is what took coaches so long to give Doman a chance. He not only scrambled like everyone expected, but he looked off receivers, improvised, provided leadership and made accurate throws.

The Cougars took advantage of Doman's mobility by using sprint outs, play-action passes and even the occasional option play. New Mexico obviously never saw it coming.

"Coach (Lance) Reynolds did an awesome job," Doman said. "He utilized what I can do. He got me out of the pocket, and that's a weapon you can't replace."

Indeed, that seems to be the new standard in football, from guys like Daunte Culpepper and Mark Brunell in the pros to Josh Heupel and Marques Tuiasosopo in college. QBs who can move and throw have been the way to go.

Doman will receive a much stiffer test this Friday against Utah, the top-ranked pass defense in the country. But for at least one day, he was king.

"He played really well," receiver Jonathan Pittman said. "I was kind of shocked. I thought he might have some jitters. But he's been waiting his turn, and now it's his time to shine."

Doman just happened to shine in Edwards' final game, helping the legendary coach go out a winner in his last home game after 29 years as BYU head coach.

"He's an icon," Doman said.

"He's like the prophet. When he walks into a room, there's respect there. We're going to miss him bad. It was an honor to play in his last game."