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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 19 least 40 yards — but also by taking calculated risks. In perhaps the highest-profile game at WKU in Brohm's tenure, the Hilltoppers were at No. 19 and undefeated Marshall in the regular-season finale in 2014. In a shootout that pushed into overtime, Brohm didn't feel great about his defense getting a stop. So after Doughty threw his eighth — eighth — touch- down pass, Brohm told his guys to line up to go for a two-point conversion, down one. With son Brady tug- ging on brother Greg's arm on the sideline question- ing the audacity of the decision, Brohm called another pass for Doughty, who completed it for the conversion and the 67-66 victory. But it's not only about aggressive and gutsy play-call- ing. It's about the kind of plays that Brohm calls, too, that are factors in the offense. "There were times where Coach Brohm opened up the game with a trick play, a flea-flicker or a reverse pass or a trick screen. He's going to run at least five of them a game. He will," former WKU receiver Jared Dangerfield said. "He wants to win. He wants his of- fense to be dynamic. He likes the big plays. It causes good team momentum and that's what he's looking for in the game. He won't be afraid to run that flea flicker the first play of the game." PERFECT BALANCE Brandon Doughty was getting reamed. Bobby Petrino doesn't ex- actly have a smooth way with words, and early in Western Kentucky's training camp in 2013, Petrino was lambasting his third-year quarterback. And it was taking a toll — Doughty was taking the criticism personally. But then Jeff Brohm stepped in, pulling Doughty aside before a prac- tice. Brohm was in his first year as WKU's quarterbacks coach and of- fensive coordinator and still building a relationship with his players. But what he did at that moment, before that camp practice, solidified Doughty's loyalty. And heart. "He said, 'I'm going to yell at you a little bit more just so he doesn't yell at you as much,'" Doughty said. "That's when I was like, 'Wow, this guy is really look- ing out for me. He's doing it just to put on a show for Coach.' Right then and there, I was like, 'Man, I believe in this guy. I believe he's here for my growth, for me personally and our team. He's not just here to collect a paycheck.'" The player-coach bond only grew from there. More than a year removed from Bowling Green, Ky., and on the Miami Dolphins' practice squad, Doughty talks to Brohm still at least once a week, usually more. "He really is a second father," Doughty said. "He's someone I look to for advice. Going through a little bit of adversity in the league, he's someone who has been there, who has done it. He's a player's coach. I like to be involved in his life as much as I can." Same goes for Brohm with Doughty, even after Brohm's role shifted at Western Kentucky. Brohm served as Doughty's QB coach and coordi- S Y A W L A Y A T S T A E R G A Get everything you're looking for, all at a great price. We have what matters most to you, like a comfortable bed and a delicious breakfast, plus free Internet and free bottled water in your room, great local beer with Best Brews™ and much more. e t t e y a f a L t s e W n o t a r e h S y b s t n i o P r u o F E T T E Y A F A L T S E W / M O C . S T N I O P R U O F T A W O N K O O B 1 1 5 5 3 6 4 5 6 7 R O 8 0 8 9 7 7 7 0 0 8 L L A C R O . S L E T O H T A E R G . S E T A R T A E R G ©2011-2012 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved. Aloft, Element, Four Points, Le Méridien, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions visit fourpoints.com/westlafayette