Monday, coach Karl Dorrell announced his intentions to switch
quarterbacks, making Drew Olson the starting quarterback against
Oregon this Saturday. The announcement came as a surprise to most
after Dorrell stated in Saturday’s postgame interview that he
would stay with current leader Matt Moore.
“I was surprised when I found out, mostly because of
(Dorrell’s) statements this weekend,” Olson said after
practice Tuesday.
After Saturday’s 31-13 loss to Washington State, Dorrell
responded to questions about Moore’s play by saying,
“There is no (quarterback) controversy,” and that he
was sticking with Moore. But after watching film Sunday, Dorrell
came back with a different opinion, stating Olson had appeared to
have a better “feel” for the offense.
“Drew seems to have a little bit more of a handle on what
we’re doing offensively, and that’s why we made the
change,” Dorrell said Monday. “Matt understands what
we’re doing, but the feel of what he’s doing is not
quite as natural at this time. He needs more reps himself.
“But given the situation we’re in, we want to make
sure we’re maximizing our potential as well as we can to put
the best product of offense on the field.”
Finding the potential appears to be the easy part with the more
athletic Moore demonstrating an ability that will improve with more
time. On the other hand, putting out a solid product has been the
difficult part for Moore.
In the loss to WSU, Moore threw two interceptions and lost one
fumble while often overthrowing passes and holding onto the ball
too long. But Olson, who played in the fourth quarter, also threw
an interception. Still, in his six starts, Olson led the team to
five victories, even as Moore has lost two out of the last three
games.
“There were things that I know I could have done better,
little things mostly,” Moore said. “But I didn’t
expect (a change) to happen so sudden.”
For the two athletes, this football season has rivaled anything
even FOX could offer ““ months of controversy, surprise
announcements, injuries and a barrage of media.
And what’s worse is that it could continue for the next
two years.
Both sophomores, the two quarterbacks have flip-flopped in the
depth charts numerous times in the span of 10 games. Now, after
Monday’s announcement, the final count comes to four, putting
Moore back on the sideline and Olson in the huddle.
“Now I’ve got to get back into the saddle because
this wasn’t something I was counting on,” Olson said.
“It’s not the easiest thing to do after sitting out for
a few weeks, I’m a little rusty.”
With two games left, UCLA fans will continue to do what
they’ve been doing all season ““ hold their breath to
see if Dorrell’s change will pay off.