Olson deep-sixes Oregon State with record performance

PASADENA, Calif. – The “other” college quarterback in Los Angeles is pretty good, too.

UCLA’s Drew Olson, who plays in the shadow of USC Heisman winner Matt Leinart, threw for a school-record six touchdowns Saturday in a 51-28 victory over Oregon State.

A week earlier, Olson tied Cade McNown’s UCLA mark of five scoring passes in a game. Leading No. 8 UCLA (4-0 Pacific-10 Conference) to a 7-0 start that is its best in seven years, Olson has thrown for 21 touchdowns with only three interceptions.

Before the outburst against OSU (4-3, 2-2), Olson had rallied the Bruins from late deficits against Washington, California and Washington State.

“The game has slowed down for Drew. As long as he keeps doing what he’s doing, I don’t see us losing anytime soon,” said UCLA tight end Marcedes Lewis, who caught two short passes for touchdowns.

Olson wasn’t assured of playing for the Bruins this year, or if he would keep the No. 1 job. The senior underwent surgery on his left knee last January, then came to fall camp battling highly regarded newcomer Ben Olson (no relation) for the starting job.

“This is the most I’ve been at ease, in a good way, not being overly relaxed,” Drew Olson said. “I just feel confident. I feel like my game has been getting to a point where it needs to be and where I expected it to be.”

Ben Olson made his debut late in the game and threw an incompletion on his only pass.

Drew Olson completed scoring throws of 43 and 20 yards to Maurice Drew, 2 and 3 yards to Marcedes Lewis, 48 yards to Ryan Moya and 46 yards to Brandon Breazell.

The record came in the fourth quarter on a perfectly thrown ball that Breazell, in full stride, caught over his shoulder for the Bruins’ final TD.