Doughty’s Day: WKU QB claims Conference USA MVP, returns for sixth season

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Redshirt senior quarterback Brandon Doughty signals upward following WKU’s 67-66 overtime win over No. 19 Marshall in Huntington, West Virginia. Doughty threw for 491 yards and eight touchdowns to five different receivers in the upset victory. The Hilltoppers’ win spoiled the Thundering Herd’s bid for an undefeated season. Nick Wagner/HERALD

Elliott Pratt
December 10, 2014

Doughty isn’t done.

Redshirt senior quarterback Brandon Doughty has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA and will return to the Hill for the 2015 season.

Doughty was redshirted his freshman year in 2010 and had his season cut early in 2011 with an ACL injury.

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The Davie, Fla. native had a season to remember during his senior campaign with a WKU record 4,344 passing yards and 44 touchdowns. The QB also set the WKU career record for TD passes (58) and completion percentage (66.4) while earning a spot on the Second-team All-Conference USA. 

Doughty was named the Conference USA Most Valuable Player, the league announced on Wednesday. Doughty threw for more than 300 yards in nine games this season to help the Hilltoppers to their second bowl game in four seasons.

WKU and Central Michigan play in the inaugural Bahamas Bowl on Dec. 24 at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.

“It’s been a crazy day,” Doughty said. “It’s an honor to be able to get a sixth year and not many people get to do that. We’re trying to keep the focus on the Bahamas and beating Central Michigan right now and having this day is really special for my family.

“That MVP only goes to those teammates. Those guys made me look so good. Cam Clemmons and other guys on the line do a heck of a job. Receivers make plays for me. It’s not just about me, it’s about those teammates too.”

Doughty was named the Conference USA Player of the Week on four occasions. He threw for at least three touchdowns in eight games and had four contests in which he threw for five or more touchdowns.

The quarterback set a C-USA record for passing yards in a game with 593 against MTSU on Sept. 13 and threw eight TDs in WKU’s win over previously unbeaten Marshall.

In total, Doughty has broken or tied 17 C-USA or WKU school records.

 “If you bought stock in WKU football a month ago, you would have a pretty good return on your investment right now,” athletics director Todd Stewart said. “It’s been a heck of a month for our program…we’re thrilled to have our quarterback back for another year.”