Passing Game Isn’t Very Long on Options

Quarterback Drew Olson is having a breakout season statistically. He has completed 59.3% of his passes for 1,775 yards with 15 touchdowns, and his 135 efficiency rating ranks him fourth in the Pacific 10 Conference.

But when it comes to completing deep throws, Olson has not done that too often this season. His longest completion is a 57-yard screen pass to running back Maurice Drew, who did the work.

Olson said offensive coordinator Tom Cable keeps vertical pass plays in the Bruin game plan each week, but opponents have done a good job taking away Olson’s opportunities.

“Teams have just had the right coverages,” he said. “There are times that you want to throw deep, and you’re hoping that they are in a certain coverage. But it doesn’t work that way.”

After getting a chance to air it out some against California two weeks ago, which included a 46-yard touchdown pass to Joe Cowan, Olson did not complete any deep throws in Saturday’s 21-0 victory over Stanford.

“We knew that we were not going to throw for that many yards, because they keep everything in front of them,” Olson said. “So everything was pretty much short.”

With senior Craig Bragg returning to the starting lineup this week against Washington State, Olson said he hopes to have his favorite deep threat more involved in the offense. He likes the idea of having Bragg and Tab Perry as long-ball threats.

“It’s all fun then,” Olson said. “Obviously, with Craig I feel real comfortable throwing the ball to him.”

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Center Mike McCloskey sat out his second consecutive practice because of post-concussion symptoms and will not play against Washington State if his headaches do not stop by Friday, according to Coach Karl Dorrell.

Sophomore Robert Chai would start in McCloskey’s place. “Robert has a lot of experience; he was a starter for us a year ago,” Dorrell said. “He’s grown with what we’re doing too.... We feel very comfortable if it comes to him playing for us.”

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Senior running back Manuel White did not practice because of soreness in his legs but is expected to play against Washington State.... Saturday’s game will not be televised live, but on Sunday, FSN West 2 will show a taped broadcast at noon.