Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Al-Qaida urges Muslims to help Syrian rebels

Neuheisel tabs Cowan as UCLA's starting QB

Former starter Olson displeased by decision according to newspaper report

Image: Patrick CowanGetty Images file
Quarterback Patrick Cowan, who played in five games last season, has been named UCLA's starter this coming season, according to a report in the L.A. Daily News.

Not even halfway through spring practice new UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel has settled on Patrick Cowan as his starting quarterback for the coming season, according to a report in the L.A. Daily News on Sunday.

Cowan and former starter Ben Olson were candidates for the position. Olson, who worked with the second-unit offense on Saturday, expressed his frustration about how quickly the decision was made.

"It's disappointing. It's definitely very disappointing," Olson told the Daily News. "It's one of those things where all you ask for is a fair opportunity, and you can pretty much figure out after four days of spring ball, where you're learning new stuff, it's pretty tough to feel like you've been given a fair shot.

"That's all you ask for as a player, and that's my opinion. Whatever the coaches decide to do, it's their choice. They are going to do what they feel is the best for the team."

Neuheisel said the decision isn't a final one.

"We're giving Pat the first chance," Neuheisel said. "We haven't made any decisions yet. We're just trying to see where it goes from there. If it gets to a position where we have to switch it over, then we have to switch it over."

Olson has completed 55.3 percent of his passes for 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his career. Cowan has completed 52.8 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

© 2011 NBC Sports.com

advertisement
Video: Football from NBC Sports
Memphis fulfills BCS dream
Tigers officials thrilled to announce that school has been accepted to join the Big East Conference in 2013.

Slideshow
Image: Joe Paterno
  Joe Paterno (1926-2012)
A look at the career of legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image:
  BCS title game
Check out photos of Crimson Tide's victory over Tigers.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Kansas State running back Pease is tackled by Arkansas defensive tackle Jones during the Cotton Bowl Classic football game in Arlington, Texas
  Bowled over
Check out the action from the postseason games.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Kansas vs Oklahoma State
  All-American team
Check out which players were best of the best at each position.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image: Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio - Wisconsin v Oregon
  College cheer
Check out some of the college football cheerleaders from across the country.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos