Southpaw Jesus or St. Patrick?

by Nestor on Dec 5, 2006 6:18 AM PST in Football Comment 30 comments

We can see some weary discussions about some kind quarterback controversy brewing in the Bruins Nation over who is going to start our bowl game. Honestly I don't think this is all that big of a deal. Bruins are right now in a pretty solid situation. We have two damn good quarterbacks to chose from over who is going to lead us in the short and long term future:

Photos: SPJ (Daily News), St. Patrick (AP)

I think before reaching any conclusions (and we have put up a QB poll on the right side) we have to consider few factors.

First the stats. Here they are:

Bruin Quarterbacks

	Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	YPC	TD	Int.	Rating
Ben Olson	79	124	63.71	822	10.41	5	5	124.64
Patrick Cowan	130	240	54.17	1542	11.86	9	7	114.69

Of course while taking notes from these stats we should keep in mind Cowan faced tougher opponents.

From the stats. SPJ is more accurate. Sure his stats slipped a little from his first game. However, I will chalk that up to the inadequate offensive game planning/scheming which shook his confidence starting in the Rice game and then unraveling in the Washington game. But I think the coaches can bring SPJ back in a comfort zone, if they put together an offensive package that fits his physical abilities.

I think SPJ has the stronger arm. Before leaving with his injury SPJ threw some perfect bombs that his receivers dropped. I don?t think I have seen Cowan throw any bombs like Olson except for those two connections he made with Breazell against ASU.

Now in Cowan, I love this kid?s moxy. He has the leadership ability which you can sense in the way he operates at the LOS. He checks off with confidence and swagger. He wasn?t spectacular against Southern Cal by any means, but he made the right decisions at the right time against a stout pro caliber defense.

Cowan has the stats and that performance against Southern Cal to tip the balance in his favor a bit. However, SPJ also showed some speed in his starts. I think SPJ has more straight line speed, and better at roll outs, but Cowan has far better overall feet, quickness, and acceleration. He has the kind of pocket presence that reminds me a little bit of Number 18. In terms of rushing.

I don?t know folks. I love both of these kids. However, I do think what Dorrell said leading up to his announcement of the starter for our last game is operative in this case. Dorrell said (emphasis mine):

"It is possible that Ben could start," Dorrell said. "I want to make sure he's ready. He's feeling close to 100 percent, so physically, he's feeling a lot better. Mentally, I've got to make sure he's ready to go in this kind of game. Pat knows as well that the plans are if Ben is ready to go and is 100 percent, (Olson) will get the opportunity to be the starter. Pat knows if that's not the case, he's going to be the guy, just like the last six weeks. They're both on the same page."

I think if SPJ is healthy, 100 percent, and looking better in practice, he should get the start against Florida State, and show us what he can do. I wanted Cowan to start against Southern Cal because I didn?t think it was worth it to start SPJ who was still getting back to full 100 percent. Given that he should be by all account totally healthy by the bowl game, I think this time SPJ should get the nod.

I am open to the idea of rewarding Cowan with a start against Florida State, and then bring in SPJ in the second quarter, and have them alternate to see who can get us the win, leading to an open competition in spring.

However, I do think given Dorrell specifically took the position that SPJ should be the starter when he is 100 percent, he owes Olson the start. There is a credibility issue here. SPJ is the most hyped, sought after recruit in Dorrell?s career-to-date. I think lot of recruits in Southern California and around the country will keep a close eye on how Dorrell handles this.

In any event, right now I like both of our QBs. I will take any of them over other QBs in the Pac-10. My vote goes for starting SPJ in the Emerald Bowl. I am interested in hearing in what everyone else thinks.

GO BRUINS.

0 recs | Comment 30 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I'd agree on split time for the bowl game

Play each guy for a half, or alternate by quarter or something. It's essentially an exhibition. Obviously I want the Bruins to win, but everything at this point should be focused on building for next season. The more snaps they get the better.

by LA Seitz on Dec 5, 2006 7:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Vote for Olson to start but split time

If McNeal didn't make that interception we'd be talking about how ineffective the offense was in the red zone settling for 2 FGs.

by bluestreet on Dec 5, 2006 7:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Start Olson

This bowl game is important but it's not critical. It's not a conference game or a BCS bowl. It would mean a lot to get a win over FSU, but I really don't think it's that much of a risk to start Olson. But more importantly, KD owes Ben. He has done everything he can to be ready and had won the starting job. It is not fair to lose your job to injury, especially after you've played 5 games. I think Ben is pumped and ready to go, and I want to see him in action in a big game. I don't think there is too much pressure on him either, so he should relax and play well.

by tasser10 on Dec 5, 2006 7:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Olson

Watching both BO and PC play, it is very clear that Olson is our #1 guy. PC did an admirable job most of the time, was a capable back-up, and of course won over our hearts last weekend, but just doesn't have the raw talent that BO has. If BO is 100%, he should get the nod for FSU. If we are going to make a serious run for a BCS bowl berth next year, it's going to be with BO.

by godblesstyus95 on Dec 5, 2006 8:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Depends on Our Goals . . .

If winning the game is the most important goal - start Cowan. Cowan has gained far more experience this year, and now is a known commodity. He has gotten better each week, and I loved his ability to scramble, which he showed last week. Even in this scenario, I would love to see Ben Olson in for a series or two.

If building for the future is the most important goal - start Olson without hesitation. Cowan has earned my respect this year, and I will always be thankful for him getting a victory over SC. But Olson is the future, without a doubt. Olson will start next year, and if next year is what this game is about, then Olson should start.

Two Other Points:

(1) Karl Dorrell's job. If UCLA embarasses itself in the bowl game (looking doubtful thankfully), KD is still on the hot seat in a big way (obviously). So, I'm not sure he can afford to make this game against FSU "all about the future." For that reason, I think he is going to go with the guy who gives us the best chance to win, period. If Olson starts it will be because he showed that he is 100% (in practice). and that he is the better of the two quarterbacks.

(2) Hidden in all the USC euphoria, is that fact that our offense is still, well, very very mediocre. I sure hope we are recruiting some speed at running back and kick return specialist. Our lack of talent on special teams (esp. kick returning) and tailback really hurt. Maybe its KD's system, but I just don't see the talent on offense.

by rfirpo on Dec 5, 2006 8:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Start Cowan

The guy earned it last weekend. He didn't panic under pressure--that 3rd down conversion to Breazell alone should let him start.

Olson has been out for so long, and no matter how many reps you take in practice, it doesn't make up for not being in a real game situation in months.

by Westwood Wizard on Dec 5, 2006 8:15 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Our Offense

Yes are offense isn't great, but it's been that way all year. USC is one of the best defensive teams in the country. They only give up 14.9 points per game. So we shouldn't be suprised that we scored 2 field goals when we were in the red zone. Most teams in the country can't score on USC in the red zone. Also we don't have any go to guys like they do. They have Steve Smith and dwayne jarrett. So lets not talk about how are offense is so ineffective.
This years team is built on defense and last years team was built on offense. Hopefully next year we can have both!

Cowan, is a hell of quarterback, if he didn't scramble like he did we would have never scored a touchdown against USC. This kid can be amazing! He is absolutely no fear in taking a hit.

by abby8065 on Dec 5, 2006 8:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Cowan

I believe Cowan deserves to start, for showing so much poise against the number 2 team in the country!

by abby8065 on Dec 5, 2006 8:25 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

This is not easy

Points:

Anyone who believes this is only an exhibition as far as KD is concerned, I want some of that stuff you are smoking....
KD must win this game to ensure any job security at UCLA. 8 wins is worth discussing. 7-6 with a win over SC is like the latter Donahue years, not inspiring.
SPJ's lack of confidence was troublesome to me as the season wore on. He clearly played not to make a mistake, and I am not sure how he gets out of that mode. A bold leader like Cowan can make up for a lack of talent, especially when he is not afraid to take the step, 'ala the third down pass to BB against SC. The team can rally around that.

Whatever KD does, it should be to ensure UCLA has a best chance to win this game.
Bill

BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Dec 5, 2006 9:21 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Can not forget

Florida State has an excellent defense. Their offense sucks. If Dorrell wants a win to keep the critics off his back, then starting Olson might be a gamble in his eyes. It's hard to get back to game speed. Practice can only do so much. But I agree that Dorrell should keep his word and give him his job back if he's 100%. Whomever starts, we need to see both quarterbacks in the game. The impression can not be given to either Olson or Cowan that one is favored over the other. That can wait until the Spring. A little competition for the starting roll only increases one's desire to play better.

by TheStick on Dec 5, 2006 9:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

My two cents worth

I now live in Florida, and as might be expected we get lots more Florida, FSU, Miami and now South Florida stuff than you in Westwood. (In fact, just about every night there's a "vintage" football game featuring one or two of those schools.)

My perception is that FSU has a decent defense but an absolutely awful offense, far worse than KD's WCO. I guess you can call it an East Coast Offense. FSU's QB is abysmal. FSU might show some improvement because Bowden fils has been dumped overboard, but I doubt it.

Hence, this is unlikely to be a game that will require 30+ UCLA points to win. Something like 13-9 (gee, where did that come from) may well do it.

That said, probably either PC or BO will be able to put enough points up to win, as long as the defense gets the same breakfast (which from back here appeared to be raw meat on December 2.) So assuming BO is 100%, does KD start him, on the theory that you don't lose your job because of an injury. Or does KD start PC, as a reward for everything PC has done since BO went down?

From what I've seen, BO is the better QB. Assuming he's healthy, I would start him based on the "can't lose job thru injury" thesis. That would probably be accepted by PC without a whole lot of grief. But I would make sure PC got plenty of playing time against the Seminoles.

P.S. Just a guess, but I don't think there will be an enormous number of FSU people making the trek to SF. No one is talking it up or making any noise about the game at all. There is much more interest in Florida, naturally, and with the coaching vacancy at Miami. I think this would be a great opportunity for UCLA to really gain a home field advantage. And make sure everyone wears blue -- that looked really great when I watched on 12-2 (and every time I've watched the videotape since then.)

by Fox 71 on Dec 5, 2006 3:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

WE MUST WIN THIS GAME!!!!

The Emerald Bowl will validate the turning point for this team. If you don't believe winning this game is important then I can't help you. The idiots across town would love to call our victory over them a fluke. I for one do NOT want to give them that satisfaction. This game will get a lot of attention because we knocked off the #2 Trojans. All of the sports media outlets will have an eye on this game to see if the Bruins are for real. WE MUST WIN!!!! Anything but a victory is unacceptable!

U---C---LLLLLLLL-A U-C-L-A FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!!

by bruinelder on Dec 5, 2006 9:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I think Practice should tell us...

if Ben shows he is good to go in practice, then he should get the start. He showed in the beginning of the year that time off isn't a big factor, and it is wrong for him to lose his job from a dirty hit midway through the season. If he can't do it though, then Pat should start. Let's see how they do in practice. Either way Pat should get SOME playing time just for his admirable job on Sat. Let him take his bows, but don't punish Ben for getting hurt.

by isodore on Dec 5, 2006 10:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I think it should come down to studying FSU

and then determining if they'll need a gutsy, quick-minded, mobile St. Patrick or if they'll need a surgical passer like BO, who's pretty mobile himself.

Personally, I like your point that recruits will be watching. Cowan got enough glory for a lifetime on Dec. 2 and I think he'll understand if Ben gets the start. If we can avoid a quarterback controversy, then it's a testament to how much control Dorrell has over the team and it's goals. You give the ball back to Ben for FSU and then see how he does.

The more good news is I think the team loves both guys.

by bruin95 on Dec 5, 2006 11:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Cowan

Where's the loyalty? Where's the confidence? I mean Ben Olson was suppose to be good, and as the year went on all he did was get less good. Cowan, stayed consistent and even improved as the year went on.

So I say we stop treating Cowan like a spare tire, just to get us to where we need to go until we get the full size tire back.

He's proved to be what we need. He's earned his stripes and he's paid his dues. He showed integrity and honor by learning the offense on the off chance he'd get to play. I say let's see if Olson has the same kind of integrity. And if the chips fall his way, then so be it.

But my vote is to show some loyalty, I'm tired of hearing about how great Olson is supposed to be. Skills can be learned, but heart can't be. And Cowan has all the heart UCLA needs to win the big games.

by mictlan on Dec 5, 2006 12:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

With all due respect

Ben is a FAR better quarterback. Cowan is mobile, but (injury aside) so is Ben.

He has a stronger arm, is more accurate, and makes better reads. It's not even close.

Pat Cowan is a tough SOB, but he's not a very good quarterback.

Go Bruins...F@#$% Southern Cal... UCLA Fight Fight Fight!

by HomeBruin on Dec 5, 2006 12:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorry, HB

but I have to disagree with you on your statement that PC is not a very good quarterback. Maybe I'm taking your statement out of context, but I think as far as hitting 9 or 10 different receivers during a game, then yes, he's not very good at that it appears.

But Pat has that god given leadership, poise and guts and quicker decision making(per Wayne Cook) that you can't teach and that makes him a very decent quarterback in my honest opinion. It's kind of like Ben and Pat at this point are combined the same person as Cade McNown was in the 90's. If Ben proves himself to have those intangibles that Pat has now, then he will be very good. If Pat can come along as a more efficient passer, then you have a great quarterback there. I'm very split with these two guys. They're both very great players.

I think Karl starts Ben to prove his word is legitimate to recruits like Nestor said. There will be no love lost if Pat doesn't start; it's a bowl game against a 6-6 FSU, yet a big enough game to give Ben a chance at a big game atmosphere. We need to give Ben a chance again because he went down playing in a game and you have to put him back in there for his psyche.

by bruin95 on Dec 5, 2006 2:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cowan "deserves" a start

We all know "big ben" is still the future of this team and will hopefully fulfill expectations with a vastly improved offense next year. That being said, PC really deserves to be rewarded for SC win and, in fact, the past three games. Ben should get in after the first two or three series, the two should split until the 4th quarter and then determine who is moving the offense better and stick with that guy to win. I will say, Ben is obviously the better QB, but PC is much more mobile and depending on how the game plays out, he may give us the best opportunity to win.... I still can't believe we beat SC and the rest of this discussion is just icing on the cake type stuff....

Go Bruins, Go Howland, F-Lavin, and let's get rid of Dorrell....

by BruinManDan97 on Dec 5, 2006 12:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Cowan...

He earned the start, he's won 3 straight, and why risk an injury to the Bruin QB of the future in a lower-tier Bowl game. Cowan should start, and has proven he can win a big game. If he's ineffective, perhaps bring Olson in off the bench...

by norcalbruin95 on Dec 5, 2006 2:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

He also lost

4 straight. And if it werent for the defense on Saturday we would all be saying the offense should have done more to win this game. Kind've like SC is doing right now in calling for Sanchez to start and for Kiffin to be canned.

by BruinFanatic1988 on Dec 5, 2006 4:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Start Cowan

He earned it. I do think Olson is the better quarterback overall, but I would hate to see him reaggrivate an injury in a semi-meaningless bowl game.

Ben starts next year. At the very least we know we have a realiable backup.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 5, 2006 5:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Cowan has earned it, and if it wasnt for Durrels terrible play calling, he would have beaten SC and NorteDame....

Give him his bowl game and let Cowan and Olson fight it out for the spot next year...

GO BRUINS!!! Beat SC

by ralph95 on Dec 5, 2006 7:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly

I don't think PC has "earned it".

He has moxie. I really like the kid. But, he's a mediocre QB skillwise, and I can't get over that. As sorry as I am to say it, and as much a part of UCLA lore as PC will always be, that's the truth.

Let's be loyal, and give the kid his due, but I think it would be a mistake to anoint him based upon the performance of an anemic offense that was hardly the driver in the recent victory. Again, just saying.

by Menelaus on Dec 5, 2006 8:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't say...

the pro-Cowan crowd is "anointing" Cowan with anything. I think we mostly agree that Olson is the most skilled QB on the team. In my opinion, giving Cowan the start is a decision that will benefit the team. This team's foundation is our defense. Why not lean on the D, and go with a game-tested Cowan who's played the last 8 games, ending the year with 3 straight wins.

I highly doubt that Olson will be 100% by December 27th, not to mention that he has had ZERO playing time since October 7th. Also, FSU's strength is their defense. Why risk additional injury and jeapordize next year over a single crappy bowl game. Is Olson really going to benefit by playing a single game in the middle of December? I say let him heal completely, and then come out full strength next season.

by norcalbruin95 on Dec 6, 2006 8:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough

We probably don't disagree much.

Of course, I wouldn't suggest that BO should play unless he's 100% ready physically.

That said, I can't say that I follow the rationale that, because UCLA has a good defense, we should play less than our best QB and lean on the D. Part of my point is that, tested or not, PC hasn't done all that well over his 8 games (SC game obviously excluded).

In the end, I want a healthy BO to get as much game experience as possible before next year. Otherwise, assuming he wins the QB derby next year, we will be starting a guy with only a few games after a long break from the game. Every bit counts.

Besides, it's also the principaled thing to do. BO won the job, and unless your Gehrig, I don't think you should keep a starting job when the guy in front of you gets hurt and recovers.

by Menelaus on Dec 6, 2006 10:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

I have been reading rumors that BO's knee is not completely healthy.

So take that FWIW.

I think the thing that concerns me about PC is that against Southern Can he made most of the big plays via his scrambles.

I am sure FSU will be seeing the tapes and devise a game plan based on that.

So we are going to need a QB who can do more than scrambling.

If Ben is healthy he may be the person. But then again rumors are that he still may not be 100 percent.

by Nestor on Dec 6, 2006 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think...

it's going to take more than 13-17 points to win a game like this. If we had a shitty defense (a la 2005), then yeah, I would be more tempted to start Olson at 95% vs. Cowan at 100%. However, a healthy BO will be the KEY to our offense next year. If he goes down again in this game against FSU, next year is looking pretty grim, at least offensively. Having Olson 100% healthy next year is worth more to me than some win against a crappy FSU team in some 3rd tier bowl game.

My #1 concern is Ben's knee.

by norcalbruin95 on Dec 6, 2006 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Injury doesn't cost you your job

Great job Pat Cowan last week - enough to win. Enough to get your name immortalized with John Barnes and Norman Dow.
If Olson is 100% Olson starts, period. Oh, and loosen the reins on him, KD. The short leash he was kept on in Seattle was a BIG part of why the Bruins became dawg meat in September. Svoboda STILL sucks, and needs to go bye bye in January. Is Homer Smith still walking? Pair an offensive minded brain like that with a physical specimen like Olson and stand back.

The Mad Bruin

by lostnacfgop on Dec 5, 2006 9:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Cowan did his job as the backup!

A lot of you seem to be saying that Cowan deserves to start because he won his last three starts, including a huge win over U$C. But guys, isn't that what a backup QB is supposed to do? You are supposed to come in and fill the shoes of the starter without missing a beat. And Cowan did that pretty well, as should be expected when you get a scholarship to be a QB at a major university.

The competition for the starting job happened before the season started, and Olson won. Has he done anything that makes you think he cannot do his job? You have no evidence of this. I firmly believe that Olson should get the start, for the sake of KD keeping his word, and to give Ben a chance to prove himself, as PC got a chance to prove himself. And it will not be easy against a very good FSU defense. You can always make a switch during the game, and both QBs should prepare as though they would each play at least half the game.

by tasser10 on Dec 6, 2006 7:35 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

"EXHIBITION GAME".... wwwwHHHAATTTT???

Since WHENNN does playing a off-year, ACC powerhouse, Nationally Respected Bobby Bowden FSU team HERE ON THE WEST COAST constitute a "throw away" game? That's Upset Euphoria talking. We need to wake up and smell the National Exposure...

We are locked in a DEATHMATCH with a cross-town juggernaut whose coffers are growing by the BILLIONS every year and whose recruiting, academic and coaching standards (better, lack of) have literally BURIED us football-wise for 7-years. We HAVE no playoff system in D-1 FB, so EVERY GAME is a playoff - regular season or not.

I WANT TO DECAPITATE FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES and SEND THEM HOME wishing they never HEARD of the Emerald Bowl!!!!! DON'T YOU???

You start COWAN because he is the TEAM LEADER right now and EVERY ONE of your athletes is on record as saying so. You start COWAN because, to date the kid presents the most potent threat to FSU's brutal, fast-attack defense (a defense that starts SENIORS). You start COWAN because you CAN'T AFFORD to change a WINNING FORMULA.

You start OLSEN only -- and ONLY -- if he WINS THE $^#@*^ JOB IN PRACTICE, not because you "promised" to restore the Homecoming King his rightful spot in the driver's seat.

Now... if you want to put a smile on the faces of Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, Pete Carroll, Lloyd Carr, tell them your head coach picks HIS starting quarterbacks according to who wins your campus's "most popular" contest. As Bill Parcel's would say, "Now see? THAT'S why you're 7-5."

GO BRUIN BLUE.

by theREAL_LOGAN5 on Dec 7, 2006 3:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs