UCLA NOTEBOOK: IT'S A QB CONUNDRUM.

Byline: Billy Witz Staff Writer

If you think the BCS is confusing, check out the UCLA quarterback situation.

Cory Paus can't grip a football, but he hasn't lost a handle on the starting job. Scott McEwan probably will start for the first time in his career but remains the backup - something that baffles Washington State coach Mike Price: ``I don't know why Cory starts ahead of him.'' And the quarterback who might get the starter's reps this week is Ryan McCann.

Welcome to the new soap opera: ``As the Quarterback Turns.''

UCLA coach Bob Toledo didn't name his starting quarterback for Saturday's game at Washington State because his first two choices are hurt. But he didn't do anything to clear up a picture that not only is clouded by injuries to Paus and McEwan but by their performances of late. Paus was 5 of 16 for 105 yards with one interception, and McEwan came off the bench to complete 15 of 24 for 221 yards and two touchdowns, nearly rallying the Bruins from a 21-point halftime deficit at Stanford.

Asked if Paus, when his thumb heals, remains the starting quarterback, Toledo said: ``He's our starting quarterback, yes.''

A few minutes later, Toledo was asked who would start the following week, against Oregon, if McEwan played well.

``That's a great question,'' Toledo said. ``Then I would have to make a decision. I would play who was the most efficient at that point.''

Price, after viewing the Stanford game, cast his vote for McEwan.

``I don't know why Cory starts ahead of him, but he must have a good reason,'' Price said. ``I thought McEwan looked darn good.''

For now, Paus and McEwan are just worrying about getting healthy.

Paus first injured the thumb during summer workouts and rested it for three weeks. He and Toledo said for the first time Monday that the thumb has been partly responsibility for some of Paus' problems completing routine throws this season.

``If you can't hold the ball, you can't throw it well,'' said Paus, who is listed as doubtful. ``I can only hope I wake up Friday or Saturday and feel ready to go and have the coach have to make a decision. I really want to play, but it wouldn't be up to me.''

Meanwhile, McEwan has taken treatment Sunday and Monday on his ankle. Today and Wednesday are the Bruins' heaviest practice days and he hopes to participate in them.

When McEwan was told by reporters Toledo said his performance Saturday could earn him a start against Oregon, he expressed surprise.

``That's nice having that come from the head coach's mouth,'' said McEwan, a fifth-year senior from Thousand Oaks High. ``I know the last thing he wants is a quarterback controversy, especially with a junior and a senior.''

--Injury report: Strong safety Jason Stephens (turf toe), who left at halftime, is out and will be replaced by freshman Ben Emanuel. Center Troy Danoff (separated shoulder, sprained ankle) won't take a snap this week but could play. If not, he'll be replaced by freshman John Ream.

Receiver Ryan Smith (separated shoulder) is probable, and Paus, tight end Blane Kezirian (concussion) and receiver Brian Poli-Dixon (dislocated shoulder) are listed as doubtful. Guard Shane Lehmann (sprained ankle), who has missed the last two games, is probable.

--Finger-licking good: Price, after his team allowed 446 yards rushing to Oregon, already has a game plan in place for DeShaun Foster, who is fourth in the nation with 143.9 rushing yards per game.

``We made sure to air-mail express that tape so he can start licking his chops and be overconfident,'' Price said.

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Cory Paus is the starter but might not start against Washington State.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer