Daily Cal: Tedford Says Riley Is Starter 'As of Now'

By Andrew Kim

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For the first time in nearly a month, Cal coach Jeff Tedford committed -- though ever so slightly -- to a starting quarterback early in the week.  Asked whether Kevin Riley would remain his starter against Oregon at today's media luncheon, Tedford answered, yes, "as of now." Still, Riley and senior Nate Longshore will continue to split reps in practice, according to Tedford.  It appears that Riley has created a small bit of separation over the 2007 incumbent, as Tedford suggested that the redshirt sophomore had a sizable hand in the Bears' 41-20 win over UCLA last Saturday.   "I think the difference in the game was decision-making," Tedford said. "They had four turnovers, we had zero. Kevin was harassed a little bit, but held on to the ball, pulled it down when he needed to. He didn't make any poor decisions with the ball, and that becomes critical in a close game."

Riley went 11-of-22 against the Bruins in a two-touchdown effort. For the season, the quarterback carries a 53.3 completion percentage, but as Tedford noted, he's been able to avoid turnovers tossing just two interceptions in 150 attempts.  But since his first start in the season opener against Michigan State on Aug. 30, Riley hasn't broken the 60-percent mark with his throws. The win over UCLA saw the first time Riley broke the 50-percent mark in October.  Nevertheless, Tedford seems to have seen enough accuracy in Riley's throws to commit this early. Leading up to the last few games, Tedford had waited until Thursday or even Friday night to make his decision. "I thought he made some really good throws (against the Bruins)," Tedford said. "He made some throws with tight coverages that were right there, where (the defense) either made a good play or we maybe dropped the ball."

Tedford said he was also impressed with the way Riley sidestepped UCLA tackle Brian Price during the flea-flicker that produced a 53-yard score to wideout Nyan Boateng.  Aside from his knack for avoiding turnovers, Riley's ability to stave out of the pocket could provide the sophomore with some much needed job security.  "His mobility, pulling the ball down and go, gives us an extra dimension that isn't always there with Nate," Tedford said.