Cowan to Start against USC

by Paragon SC on Nov 30, 2007 5:43 AM PST in USC Football

I'm not surprised.

With the tenure of Karl Dorrell on its last legs KD is pulling out all the stops to pull out a win on Saturday and the final card he can play to givem a chance is to start Patrick Cowan. Of the three QB's that ucla has Cowan seems to be the most effective to run the bruin offense. The kid is real gamer I'll give him that, he got right up after that hit that Rey Rey put on him last year and he has shown he can be mobile, not Dennis Dixon mobile but he can move.

Patrick Cowan, who hasn't played since suffering a concussion and slight collapse of his right lung Nov. 3, will start at quarterback for UCLA against No. 8 Southern California on Saturday.

UCLA coach Karl Dorrell made the announcement after practice Thursday, saying Cowan would get the nod because of his mobility. Dorrell also said it's possible that Ben Olson and Osaar Rasshan would see action at quarterback as well against the Trojans.

Rasshan was 0-for-7 with one interception while playing the first half of UCLA's 16-0 victory over No. 18 Oregon last weekend. Olson played the second half -- his first action since injuring his left knee Oct. 6 -- and was 4-of-10 for 64 yards with one interception. Olson's knee is still bothering him.

Dorrell gave a hint of what was to come on Wednesday, saying: "This is a pretty fast defense. Whoever is playing has to have his mobility. That's a concern with Ben, given his injury and his recovery from the injury."

I really don't think Dorrell has a choice. Ben Olson looks to be a fragile as tissue paper and Rasshan while being very mobile is one-dimensional, at least Cowan can run and throw the ball. I think SC was preparing to see multiple QB's thrown at them as ucla's offense sputters so this shouldn't be a big deal. It's simple really keep the ball in front you to take away the big play and things should go well.

We'll find out in 36 hours!

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The Kitchen Sink

Obviously it's their team, but that seems to be a bad thing to do to both Cowan and Olson. I read in one of the LA papers (I think) that Cowan just started taking reps this week, and that's he's not completely match-fit, as they say in the world of soccer.

In the meantime, it's saying to Olson - sure you've been working hard to overcome injury, but on balance we can't scheme anything that actually plays to your strengths when playing a large and fast defense. Thanks for showing up.

So, to recap:

Dorrell knew that Cowan was effective against USC last year
The two teams are very similar in capabilities this year as last year
Dorrell waited until the week before the game to start working in the QB better suited to the gameplan they want against SC
the game plan for Cowan involves him being able to run, and he's not fully fit.

Is the UCLA coaching staff on offense really that dumb? Are they trying to fuck over their players?

Don't get me wrong, I want USC to win tomorrow... but even for a rivalry game, it pains me to see coaches who can't think far enough ahead to give their team what they need to have a chance at success. In the market of "amateur" college football, that's the only currency these players have - the coaches get their pay check either way. Shameful.

by DC Trojan on Nov 30, 2007 9:17 AM PST reply actions

Shake the Booty?

I figure they'll probably be gunning once again for Booty this year to stop the run. Booty now more seasoned can run out of pockets and pass. Inversely, I figure USC will adjust quite quickly to UCLA's line. And that grass better be dry somehow.

by Joe Trojan on Nov 30, 2007 6:34 PM PST up reply actions