During fall camp, the consensus around the football team was
that the result of the quarterback battle between Patrick Cowan and
Ben Olson was a foregone conclusion. Despite coach Karl
Dorrell’s best attempts, no one really believed that a
two-star recruit who had one year of high school playing experience
could compete with Olson, a hyped five-star recruit who was once
the nation’s No. 1 quarterback prospect. Following
Cowan’s breakout performance last weekend against the
Wildcats, it appears that battle may have been much closer than
some assumed. “We’ve always have confidence in Pat, and
we know he can do the job,” Dorrell said on Tuesday.
“He has a good grasp of the offense, and we’re not
going to change the game plan with him in there.” This
Saturday, Cowan will certainly have the chance to earn his
coach’s confidence. Starting at quarterback against the No.
18 Oregon Ducks in raucous Autzen Stadium, Saturday’s game is
the Bruins’ toughest test thus far this season.
“I’ve been preparing this week just like I have every
week,” Cowan said. “Sure, there are more media to talk
to, and I got more reps at practice, but my mindset doesn’t
change.” If there is one thing that Cowan will have to
change, it’s the way his teammates look at him during
practice. They know that despite Cowan’s efforts to diminish
its importance, everyone looks to the starting quarterback with the
game on the line. “Pat’s been waiting for this moment,
and you can tell he’s excited,” Dorrell said. “He
is in an unfamiliar position, but the guys know he can do the
job.” Cowan, who was 20-29 for 201 yards passing against
Wildcats, at least has the benefit of being on the field last
Saturday, and being part of a live game situation. Add that to the
fact that he spent two years under the tutelage of former
quarterback Drew Olson, and Cowan is more excited than he is
nervous. “I’m naturally a relaxed person,” Cowan
said. “I have been part of this program for a while, and Drew
taught me a lot last year, so I feel like I’m ready.”
Facing a Ducks defense that is first in the Pac-10 in passing
defense, and likely salivating over the idea of facing a rookie
quarterback, Cowan will get every opportunity to prove that he is
ready.
TAYLOR UPDATE: Junior linebacker Christian
Taylor sat out of practice on Tuesday with an injured left ankle,
but is still expected to play in Saturday’s game against the
Ducks. “We held Christian out, but he is getting
better,” Dorrell said. “He had good strength in his
ankles, and was able to do some basic drills. “We will have a
better idea of what he can do when he practices tomorrow.” If
Taylor can’t go against the Ducks, sophomore Kyle Bosworth,
who filled in for Taylor in the second half against Arizona, will
be a more than capable replacement. “If the coaches need me,
I’ll be ready,” Bosworth said. “I have definitely
spent some more time studying film this week, and I am prepared to
go out there.”
RASSHAN PREPARING: With redshirt Patrick Cowan
now the starter, that means redshirt freshman Osaar Rasshan has
moved into the back-up role. Rasshan, who spent most of his time on
the scout team last season, is looking forward to the increased
opportunity. “I have been waking up at 7 a.m. to watch game
film,” Rasshan said. “Trust me, I usually don’t
wake up that early. “I feel like its not only my
responsibility, but I owe it to my teammates.”
EXTRA POINTS: Cornerback Michael Norris and
wide receiver Joe Cowan took part in some drills Tuesday, but are
definitely out for this Saturday’s game.