BYU football: Ex-Aggie Nelson at home as a Cougar

PROVO — In his first game as a BYU Cougar, sophomore quarterback Riley Nelson enjoyed an unforgettable night standing on the sidelines at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, watching his new team fashion a monumental upset over then-No. 3 Oklahoma.

He saw senior starter Max Hall engineer a game-winning, 78-yard drive in the fourth quarter that propelled BYU to a 14-13 victory.

"It was a performance I'd like to emulate one day," said Nelson, speaking publicly for the first time since transferring from Utah State and joining the Cougars. "It was absolutely one for the history books. He showed toughness, competitiveness, football-savvy. It was a pleasure to watch. Especially having all the background from Max, knowing him well, and being in meetings with him every day. Then to see him go out and perform like that, it gets you excited inside."

Meanwhile, as he saw Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford, the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, go down with a shoulder injury, giving way to redshirt freshman Landry Jones, the magnitude of Riley's job as Hall's backup momentarily entered his thoughts.

"I know Max is a real competitor, and it's going to take a lot to get him out of a game. I think he may have to have a limb dangling off before that happens," Nelson said with a laugh. "But that's the nature of the game. I prepared all week, and all camp, knowing that opportunity could present itself. When it does, you go in there and try to realize the situation and not make it bigger than it is, and just play your game. But that was way in the back of my mind."

Nelson has continued preparing himself for whatever may happen this week as the Cougars get set to visit Tulane on Saturday.

Quarterbacks coach Brandon Doman said BYU has been fortunate in recent years not to have injuries at the QB position. Since the start of the 2005 season, the Cougars starter has missed only one start due to injury.

"Statistically, over the years — not the last five years — there's a 60 percent chance the starting quarterback's going to be injured and the backup plays," Doman said. "We've been really fortunate. Cross our fingers and knock on wood."

That said, Doman is happy to have Nelson in the program. "I'm really excited about Riley," he said. "That's a fortunate get for BYU. He's an exceptional young man."

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said he'd like to see Nelson play eight to 12 quarters this season to groom him for the future.