Age of prosperity: Historically, BYU's senior QBs have had successful seasons

PROVO — If there is one factor that determines success for BYU football over the past 30 years, it's this: When the Cougars have a senior quarterback at the helm, they win. And win big.

Since 1976, when BYU has a senior QB, it wins a little more than 80 percent (95-21-2) of its games.

When told that statistic recently, senior John Beck smiled.

"Sweet," he said. "Sounds good."

The last three times BYU had a senior under center, the Cougars posted records of 12-2 (2001), 8-4 (1999) and 14-1 (1996). In all three of those seasons, they claimed conference championships and found themselves in the national rankings.

One of those quarterbacks was Brandon Doman, who is now the Cougars' quarterbacks coach. He remembers well what he was feeling the summer heading into his final year.

"It was an opportunity of a lifetime for me because I wanted to be the quarterback here so bad for so long," said Doman, who led the Cougars to that 12-win campaign five years ago. "I had played a couple of games my junior year, and this was my last chance and my only chance, to be the quarterback. I took advantage of every opportunity to make the most of it. I knew that if I played well, the team would play well, too. I put a lot of pressure on myself to play well and get better."

What is it about senior quarterbacks at BYU?

"For one, no one is older than you anymore," Doman said. "As a young guy, you come to practice and you come to all of the meetings and you always think you're better, yet psychologically, it's the 'big brother' syndrome. I've got three brothers, and it was so hard to beat them in a one-on-one basketball game, even though I was taller or faster. Now you become the older brother and you've been around the block. You have a lot more confidence."

Does that mean big-time success is in store for Beck this season?

"The one thing Beck has is so much experience," Doman said. "You've been with your teammates for a long time and it's do-or-die. You're a lot more comfortable and confident."

Beck says he's ready to follow in the footsteps of those who have preceded him.