At this point, the UCLA football team knows how to deal with quarterback changes.
The Bruins have used four quarterbacks this season and have not had one start four consecutive games.
This week, as UCLA (5-5, 4-3 Pac-10) prepares for Oregon (8-2, 5-2 Pac-10), redshirt junior quarterback Ben Olson is making his return to practice after missing about five weeks with a knee injury. The former blue-chip recruit entered the year as the team’s unquestionable starter ““ Ânow he is trying to get in shape to be the Bruins’ backup this weekend.
But the Bruins know their starter is Osaar Rasshan, and that’s really all they care to think about.
“I don’t know (if Olson will be able to play). That’s up to the coaches,” senior wide receiver Brandon Breazell said. “I really don’t pay attention to that.
“It’s not that hard (to switch quarterbacks) because we all trained over the summer and got all our timing down,” he said. “Everybody’s been getting reps in practice, too, so it’s really not that different.”
Almost every team in the Pac-10 has had to deal with instability at the quarterback position. Only two quarterbacks in the conference ““ Arizona’s Willie Tuitama and Washington State’s Alex Brink ““ have started every game.
Dorrell has been very tight-lipped about Olson’s prospects at seeing the field against the Ducks, who coincidentally lost their star quarterback Dennis Dixon in their last loss to Arizona.
“We said there was an outside chance that Ben would be available this week (against Oregon),” Dorrell said. “We did not say that he was going to be the backup for sure. We would like for that to happen. But we’ll have to determine where he is at by Thursday.”
Olson seems to have faith in his coach, too.
“(Whether or not I play), that’s not in my control,” Olson said. “I’ve definitely learned that you have got to worry about the things that you can control. If I’m needed, I’ll be ready.”
Surprisingly, the quarterback carousel hasn’t caused any friction among the four signal-callers who have seen the field: Olson, Rasshan, Pat Cowan and McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
That may have something to do with the fact that the changes have mostly come because of health issues, not poor performances.
“We’re all pretty cool,” Rasshan said. “People like to see, you know, tension and a lot of negative energy. But we’re all mature. We all understand that we all want to play … but that this is the only position where only one guy can play.
Perhaps another reason why the return of Olson isn’t on the minds of most of the Bruins is Rasshan’s improved play.
The redshirt sophomore started the year at wide receiver and took the first snaps of his career eight games into the season against Arizona. He started against Arizona State and looked uncomfortable in the pocket at times. But it seems that the week off after the loss to the Sun Devils has really helped his progress.
“The kid is getting better by the day,” Breazell said. “I’m glad to see him grow.”
SENIOR SEND-OFF: This Saturday will be the final home game for 25 seniors on the UCLA roster. The Bruins need a win in one of their next two games to become bowl-eligible.
The Bruins have a legitimate shot at upsetting the No. 9 Ducks. Heisman candidate Dixon is out for the season, and his backup, Brady Leaf, is dealing with an ankle injury. Also, the Bruins typically play well after a bye week.
The seniors aren’t worried about the bowl eligibility, though; they just want to end their careers positively.
“Oh man, I don’t worry about that, I’m a senior,” Breazell said. “I’ve got two games left in my career. I’m worried about being healthy to play in this next game and my last game.”