Seasoned Doman senses sharper start for Cougars

Former Brigham Young quarterback Brandon Doman would like to forget the first month of last season, his first as the Cougars' offensive coordinator.

September 2011 included a controversial quarterback switch, a running game that ranked among the worst in college football and a 54-10 home blowout by rival Utah.

The Cougars regrouped and won eight of their final nine regular-season games. This season, Doman envisions a much better start with returning starting quarterback Riley Nelson, running back Michael Alisa and leading receiver Cody Hoffman.

"I just feel like I know who we are as an offense," he said. "I didn't know last year."

That offense will be on display for the first time when BYU hosts Washington State at 7:30 p.m. Thursday on ESPN.

"I've been through some battles as a coordinator and made a lot of mistakes. Hopefully I've learned from those," said Doman, who played quarterback at BYU in 2000 and 2001.

■ CHANGING COURSE - BYU used a running back-by-committee approach last year, but plans to feature Alisa as its primary back.

"There is not a better feeling knowing that you worked hard for this and the team is depending on you," said Alisa, a junior who was recruited out of high school by UNLV, among others. "I'm just excited to serve as best as I can and in as many ways as I can."

Alisa didn't start until the ninth game last year and was one of four backs with at least 74 rushing attempts. He ran the ball 85 times for 455 yards (5.4 per carry) and three touchdowns.

■ BIG SHOES TO FILL - Freshman wideout Dylan Collie, who is not being redshirted, said he is motivated by the fact his older brother Austin is the school's career leader is receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Dylan even wears the No. 9 that Austin, now with the Indianapolis Colts, wore for the Cougars.

"He is just like his brother, just not as big," Doman said. "But all the moxie, the confidence, the way he runs and the way he makes plays is very similar to his brother."

Dylan is the fourth Collie to play receiver at BYU, joining his father, Scott, and brothers Austin and Zac.

■ STUDY HALL - BYU's quarterbacks are getting an education from former Cougars standout Max Hall, the winningest quarterback in school history. The NFL free agent joined Mendenhall's staff as a student assistant coach.

"I try not to be overbearing with them," Hall said. "But at the same time, I try to answer questions they might have. I'll give them some tips on footwork and throwing."

Hall led 32 BYU victories from 2007 to 2009. With 11,365 yards passing, he ranks second on the school's career list behind 1990 Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer, who had 15,031.

Dave McCann is a former Las Vegas newscaster now working at KSL in Salt Lake City. He is the play-by-play voice of BYU sports on BYUtv and hosts "True Blue" at 5:30 p.m. Mondays on BYUtv (Cable 352). McCann can be reached at dmccann@ksl.com and on Twitter: @DaveMcCannKSL.