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Neuheisel tabs Cowan as UCLA's starting QB

Former starter Olson displeased by decision according to newspaper report

Image: Patrick Cowan
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.
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updated 11:15 p.m. ET April 13, 2008

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.

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"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.

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