INJURY UPDATE: Besides Pitta, Mendenhall reported two other injuries. Offensive lineman Ray Feinga suffered a low back sprain and was replaced by R.J. Willing. Cornerback/safety Andrew Rich suffered a "bell-ringer" against the Falcons.

Meanwhile, linebacker Shawn Doman underwent an appendectomy Friday and did not make the trip to Air Force.

COLLIE AT QB: In the days before the season-opener against Northern Iowa, BYU coaches decided to make Collie a backup quarterback in addition to his responsibilities as a wide receiver. He has spent considerable time every week playing QB.

But it wasn't until Saturday that he lined up in that position.

Midway through the third quarter, Collie took a direct snap and ran for 15 yards and a first down.

"It's something we've been practicing and scripting," Collie said. "It's a carryover from the first part of the season when I was backing up Max (Hall). I love it. Every chance I can get the ball in my hands, I like it."

When asked why the coaches waited so long into the season to use Collie at quarterback, Mendenhall replied, "We just haven't needed it. We've been practicing it each week. I was hopeful that we'd have a chance down the stretch to be in a championship game. It was very helpful in a few key situations. To our staff's credit, we held it as long as we could. All I've asked is that it's ready every week."

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com