Olson, at 90%, not ready to start

Although UCLA sophomore quarterback Ben Olson -- who has been sidelined since Oct. 7 because of a knee injury -- has been cleared to play, he will watch Patrick Cowan make his sixth consecutive start Saturday at Arizona State.

It’s a role Olson understands because he’s still not completely healed.

“My knee feels about 90%. There are still little twinges here and there when I’m trying to come out of certain play fakes,” Olson said after Tuesday’s practice. “But it felt really good today.”

Cowan, who won his first start last week in UCLA’s 25-7 victory over Oregon State, said that he was glad to have Olson back in practice.

“Not only does it bring more competition back to the team,” Cowan said, “it improves both of our games and everyone around us. Having another arm around is also good.

“Ben is looking a lot better than when he first returned to practice. He’s throwing the ball real well and he’s starting to move around more.”

Olson, who said he had a talk with Coach Karl Dorrell about getting back on the field, would like to play this week against the Sun Devils but acknowledges that he may have to wait because of his injury.

“I try and be chipper every day.... Every player wants to feel like they are supported,” Olson said. “It’s been tough being hurt. The whole thing is not a fun experience to go through.

“I’m just trying to get back and do whatever I can to help the team win. Pat has been doing a great job. So we’re just going to try and build off what we did against Oregon State and beat Arizona State.”

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Oregon State defeats USC and Arizona State at home and then loses at UCLA. Washington State defeats the Bruins at the Rose Bowl but loses at home to Arizona and then on the road at Arizona State.

“I’m sure there are several reasons for that,” Arizona State Coach Dirk Koetter said about the up-and-down play in the Pac-10 this season.

“Injuries play a part. Experience plays a part. We are playing with a lot of young guys on offense right now.... They have a tendency to concentrate some days better than others. That shows up in their preparation....

“We are definitely inconsistent, but I don’t think we’ve cornered the market on that.”

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UCLA starting middle linebacker Christian Taylor rode a stationary bike in practice Tuesday because of an ankle injury but was expected to play against Arizona State. Running back Kahlil Bell, sidelined since Oct. 21 because of an ankle sprain, did not practice. Starting center Robert Chai didn’t practice Tuesday because of a sore shoulder.

lonnie.white@latimes.com