BYU football: Patience paying off for BYU quarterback James Lark

Lark and Nelson are close friends and they've been supportive of each other. For years, they've been roommates when they've traveled to road games, and they've sat together in countless team meetings.

But only one of them can start the Poinsettia Bowl.

"If he's called upon, or if I'm called upon, I feel confident that we'll be able to execute the game plan and give ourselves a chance to win," Nelson said.

In Las Cruces, N.M., Nelson stood on the sidelines and watched Lark turn in one of the best passing performances at BYU in years.

"To see him get to showcase what he can do and to be so prepared and play so well with the opportunity that he got, I'm glad it turned out that way for him," Nelson said. "I'm happy for him."

Offensive coordinator Brandon Doman, who took over as a starter toward the end of his junior season as BYU's quarterback before starting as a senior, said he understands what Lark has been through.

"Unfortunately, mine happened when I was a junior, and his happened as a senior," Doman said. "He's been loyal and he's a great friend and I couldn't be more happy for him."

And Doman liked watching Lark excel in his first start. "I was so proud of him," he said. "I couldn't have been more pleased for how he did."