UCLA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: TAYLOR PLAYS THROUGH PAIN.

Byline: BRIAN DOHN Staff Writer

PASADENA -- The ice bag on Christian Taylor's left ankle numbed the pain, but only temporarily.

Taylor figures to still be in a lot of pain today as he recovers after UCLA's 25-7 defeat of Oregon State at the Rose Bowl.

It has been this way for weeks for Taylor, who is practicing sparingly and relying heavily on the training staff to get ready for games because of a high ankle sprain he suffered a month ago.

``What it really needs is about two months, but that will come when the season is over,'' said Taylor, who has played in every game. ``It's tough. It's been hard. It's probably been my most challenging football season I've had.

``I've had injuries in the past, hamstrings and stuff, but this is physical and mental. I can't move as well, so I'm taking more hits, but I'm not making excuses.''

The effect of Taylor's ankle was noticeable early on when he blitzed Oregon State quarterback Matt Moore. Although Taylor had an angle, he couldn't plant his left foot and cut sharply to get to Moore.

Still, Taylor's importance to UCLA's defense is paramount, since he calls the plays. He finished with five tackles, including two for a loss and sack, against the Beavers.

``Mentally, it drains you because there's so much extra preparation,'' Taylor said. ``I had to do double because I have to get treatment all day, then I have to watch more film. I can't practice that much, so I have to go through it mentally.

``It's gone this far. The biggest thing for me is I just want to finish. I want to finish with these guys.''

Olson's return? Bruins quarterback Ben Olson, who was the starter before being injured Oct. 7, said he planned to go through a full week of practice next week and be ready to play against Arizona State.

Whether he is named the starter, or whether backup Patrick Cowan will make his sixth start, will be determined shortly. But UCLA offensive coordinator Jim Svoboda said he believed a quarterback shouldn't lose his job to injury.

``That's how I've done it and I'm sure how a lot of coaches have done it,'' Svoboda said. ``When he feels he's 100 percent and can play at his best, he'll be ready to go. We'll just have to make that decision if he's 100 percent. We'll just have to see.''

Svoboda was asked if Olson would start against the Sun Devils.

``He'd have to play close to where he was,'' Svoboda said. ``He's our starting quarterback.''

Medlock's climb: Bruins placekicker Justin Medlock matched his career high with four field goals, the third time he accomplished that feat this season (he also did it against Washington and Rice).

In the process, he moved past Skip Hicks and into second place in school history with 335 points. Kicker John Lee is the record-holder with 390.

-- Jill Painter contributed

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

UCLA linebacker Christian Taylor sacks Beavers QB Matt Moore in the second half.

Chris Carlson/Associated Press