COWAN OUT FOR 3 WEEKS.

Byline: BRIAN DOHN

Staff Writer

Any budding quarterback controversy at UCLA was pruned Monday when the school said backup Patrick Cowan suffered a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

Cowan will be sidelined for at least three weeks, but given that time frame and UCLA's schedule, it will be at least a month before he is ready for a game.

That gives Ben Olson, who missed Saturday's win against Washington because of headaches (the school still is not calling it a concussion), time to cement his role as starter. UCLA plays Saturday at Oregon State, and hosts Notre Dame on Oct. 6. After a bye week, the Bruins host California Oct. 20, which could be when Cowan is again available.

Olson, who is expected to return to practice today, did not practice last week and did not dress against Washington. He will be backed up by McLeod Bethel-Thompson.

"Whoever our quarterback is, that's who we're going to ride with," UCLA tailback Kahlil Bell said. "We have confidence in all three guys, Ben, Pat and Mac. Whoever is in, my job is to protect him, the offensive line's job is to protect him."

Cowan, who completed 17of30 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown against the Huskies, was injured after throwing an interception early in the fourth quarter. It was his first action of the season after missing a month with a torn hamstring.

Olson started UCLA's first three games and completed 49of97 for 702 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.

Also, UCLA will be without junior receiver and Oak Park High product Gavin Ketchum for an extended period of time. Although X-rays of Ketchum's right ankle were negative, sources said he suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss more than a month.

Ketchum had five catches, including a touchdown, in four games.