Kevin Riley Named Starter for Michigan State
Jeff Tedford has just named Kevin Riley the starting quarterback. He said Nate Longshore will also play against Michigan State. Much more to come….
The first rumors were interestingly set off by...heh...Kevin Riley's Facebook wall.
Anyway, it's likely Riley will be starting the game, and we could see Longshore in on either alternate drives or quarters, depending on the way the game shapes up or how either player performs. I'll add more once Tedford announces more.
Click the link to read more about this developing story!

EDIT: More specifics from CalBears.com:
"Kevin is going to start the first game," Tedford said. "We feel like both of them have had great camps, but Kevin's going to take the first snaps and we'll see how it goes from there. Nate will play in the game; I don't know exactly when, but Kevin will start.
"We feel Kevin has had a good camp; they both have, we're confident with both of them. We feel like Kevin has the ability to make plays; we feel great about Nate's experience and knowledge and his play-making ability as well. We want to see with the roles reversed, how that works. We're looking for the best chance to be successful.
"It's so close, it's going to continual evaluation."
Riley saw action in four games last year as a redshirt freshman, throwing for 563 yards and five touchdowns. In the Armed Forces Bowl last season, Riley played the final three quarters and helped the Golden Bears erase a 21-0 deficit en route to a 42-36 victory. He connected on 16-of-19 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns to earn game MVP honors.
"I'm just getting ready for Michigan State," Riley said. "It's an honor to be named the starter, especially after what Nate's done at Cal. We're in good hands having two good quarterbacks here. I just have to prepare, watch film and get ready for this game.
While both quarterbacks alternated opportunities working with the first-string offense throughout camp, Tedford agreed that Riley became more comfortable as camp went on.
"My first day with the one's was probably my worst practice at camp," Riley said. "After that, I just calmed down and stopped thinking so much and just played football. It's continued through camp and every day I feel like I'm getting better and better."
The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And triply so as compared to TwistNHook!
2 recs |
81
comments
Read Related
Comments
I'm on the Rose Bowl bandwagon, too!
If nothing else, this is shaping up to be an entertaining season that (hopefully) will re-energize Cal football and set us all up for that final step up to championship levels—if not this year, then in 2009 or 2010.
While I believe Coach Tedford made his choice solely on who he thinks gives the Bears the best chance to win NOW, I think the selection of Riley can have benefits in the longer run. Not only does it give experience to a guy who will be around for at least another year, it also has to make Brock Mansion feel a little better about his spot in the program. Had Tedford stuck with Longshore, then you’re looking at a very high likelihood that Riley would be the projected starter for both 2009 and 2010, leaving Mansion with just his senior year. But with Riley taking over the reins this year, at least for now, that sends two messages to Mansion: (1) Coach Tedford will allow a younger QB to compete for playing time against an experienced incumbent, and (2) if Riley succeeds like we all hope, he very well might leave for the NFL after his junior year, giving Mansion two full years to start. At least we can all hope it works out that way.
And three cheers to Nate Longshore, too. He’s already accomplished great things for Cal football, not the least of which was a conference co-championship, and the Bears just might need him yet. Might this be 2004 all over again? Kevin Riley as Aaron Rodgers, Nate Longshore as Reggie Robertson, Jahvid Best as Marshawn Lynch, Slocum/Vereen as J.J. Arrington, … The parallels aren’t perfect, especially with nobody on this team ready to play the role of Geoff MacArthur, but I can’t help but have some of the same feelings of cautious optimism that I had this time four years ago.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on
Aug 22, 2008 9:42 AM PDT
up
0 recs
Give me a helmet, coach. I’ll play MacArthur!
I also agree on Longshore. I have nothing but the greatest respect for him and hope that he takes advantage of the opportunities provided to him by Coach Tedford.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 22, 2008 9:46 AM PDT
up
0 recs
get his autograph tomorrow
tell him how much you appreciate him.
by AndBears on
Aug 22, 2008 9:53 AM PDT
up
0 recs
I’m not sure Geoff MacArthur will be there tomorrow.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 22, 2008 9:57 AM PDT
up
0 recs
Wow, Olsonist is rolling over in his grave.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Aug 21, 2008 7:43 PM PDT 0 recs
I wager olsonist will have something to say about this.
by Itchy25 on Aug 21, 2008 7:43 PM PDT 0 recs
Riley REALLY needs to make his page, yknow, private.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Aug 21, 2008 7:48 PM PDT 0 recs
This is more important than any presidential candidate choosing his VP.
by bears'R'us on Aug 21, 2008 7:49 PM PDT 0 recs
I heard that Longshore had trouble remembering all the houses he owned, so Tedford really had little choice.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 21, 2008 7:49 PM PDT
up
0 recs
And Brock Mansion had a lovechild with a CalTV reporter…
by bears'R'us on
Aug 21, 2008 7:52 PM PDT
up
0 recs
And Kyle Reed left the team to speak at the San Jose State National Convention as a Keynote Speaker.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 21, 2008 7:56 PM PDT
up
0 recs
I’m very happy for Riley and I am sad for Longshore. I am officially retiring as the Nate Longshore antagonist.
Go Bears.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on Aug 21, 2008 7:49 PM PDT 0 recs
And for Hydro, the dream is dead.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 21, 2008 7:51 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Also, Olsonist, thanks for being so understanding with your other post. I just wanted to focus everything into this 1 thread as compared to having multiple threads going. We’d love to hear all of your thoughts, pros, cons, and other ideas, of course. As the resident Rileythusiast, you must be excited.
Excited like fuck!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 21, 2008 7:57 PM PDT
up
0 recs
I have no thoughts except Go Bears! I’m really looking forward to the season, to yelling myself hoarse.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Aug 21, 2008 8:06 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Looking at Riley’s Facebook page I almost crapped my pants when I saw that his major was Nuclear Engineering. But then I thought, no one tells the truth on Facebook. His player bio says Business. Having caught him on that, I just know I’d totally own his ass on XBOX NCAA Football.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Aug 21, 2008 8:22 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Hydro 2012?
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 21, 2008 7:56 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Also, Avinash, if you want to edit your post to add more stuff, go right ahead. Please, however, feel free to use the “body paragraph” as compared to the “intro paragraph” so as to keep the other front page stories from falling down too far. Thanks for putting this up so quick, I was busy watching the gymnastic gala.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Aug 21, 2008 7:59 PM PDT 0 recs
Avinash I moved your new edit to the body paragraph.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 21, 2008 8:31 PM PDT
up
0 recs
HOLY SHIT!!!
Congrats to Kevin… I couldn’t be happier. We’re going to see his potential. Frankly, I would’ve felt just as good if Nate would have won it. But it’s a good problem to have…. having too much talent to choose from.
by danzig on Aug 21, 2008 8:00 PM PDT 0 recs
By “Longshore will also play”, I wonder if Tedford means he will hold for extra points?
by bears'R'us on
Aug 21, 2008 8:02 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Does bringing Riley water count?
This is where Tedford earns the big bucks. There is a way to have both QBs get solid opportunities, help the team, and keep both happy to play. Can he pull that off? We shall see!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 21, 2008 8:18 PM PDT
up
0 recs
I’m with you on either way being good. I’d love to see Longshore start the 2nd half to cheers.
by zoonews on
Aug 21, 2008 8:11 PM PDT
up
0 recs
That would be so perfect!
Imagine Nate coming into the second half with a 10 point cushion and the crowd cheers…. then he finishes the game up 20! The crowd give standing ovation to both QBs….All demons exorcised.
by danzig on
Aug 21, 2008 8:45 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Good for Kevin! And GO BEARS! 9 Days!
http://mymindgrapes.wordpress.com
by 408 on Aug 21, 2008 8:21 PM PDT 0 recs
I agree 408. Great for Kevin. Whichever way Tedford went, Longshore or Riley, I would have been pleased because we’ve got to believe in Tedford’s decision-making. Zoonews, I’d also love to see Longshore starting the 2nd half to cheers. It will be interesting to see what situation Longshore would come in on. In the Armed Forces Bowl, Riley came in for a change of pace and caught fire; Tedford left him in, presumably to keep the good momentum going. I wonder: if Riley starts out hot, will Longshore even get a chance? And if Riley slows down, and is replaced by a dominant Longshore, would Riley ever come back in?
by Davis Bear on Aug 21, 2008 8:40 PM PDT 0 recs
I think Riley is Oski Jesus.
Even if you go back to the Oregon State game, Hydro and Danzig would be especially helpful here, but if you go back to the OSU game, for a first game where he only found out he was starting 10 minutes before the game against a premier defense he played well. Gutty performance. Even with the losing play he was trying to win the game (not tie it).
This is going to be good.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on Aug 21, 2008 8:47 PM PDT 0 recs
He did play great, but we just don't remember it that way
During the 1Q, he was horrible… but once he hit Hawk deep early in the 2Q, things started to click for him.
The 3Q is why we think of our offense as bogging down during that game. We only had two possessions during the 3Q and we were trailing… we had one long ass drive that ended with four goal line runs and turned it over on downs… Riley played okay during that drive, but we didn’t get any points. Hence the bad taste.
During the 4Q of course, he played awesome but mostly against a cover2 and his yardage was padded due to a 8 yard pass that turned into a 64yard TD courtesy of the Hawk. Then later in the Q, more passes against the cover2 and nice connections with Hawk and Jordan.
Then came “THAT PLAY”… and it soured our memory of that game for all of us… but really he played great overall. He ended the game going 20/34 for 294yards completing 59% and a pass eff rating of 145.0…. 2 TDs with one rushing TD. Those third quarter goal line rushes wasted a TON of time while we were behind and that was the diff in the game in my opinion.
The one INT was not Riley’s fault… as I recall it was Gibson that blew his protection so Riley was hit while throwing.
by danzig on
Aug 21, 2008 10:31 PM PDT
up
0 recs
That throw to Hawk in the first half was big time
The most impressive part about it was the situation…it was 3rd and 3 and we weren’t moving the ball particularly well. For Tedford to call that play I felt showed a lot of trust in Riley. It also showed that Riley could really throw the ball.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by CBKWit on
Aug 21, 2008 10:53 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Congratulations to Riley. I look forward to seeing him start.
btw, imagine the line to get Riley’s autograph at fan appreciation day…
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Aug 21, 2008 8:52 PM PDT 0 recs
David Seawright is the starter for FGs
From here
On the starting placekicker:
“[David] Seawright’s the kicker, for field goals. We’ll continue to evaluate for kickoffs. We felt like Seawright has a great upside. We will continue to evaluate, it’s going to be a day-to-day thing, but as of right now, Seawright’s the No. 1 kicker. I feel like there’s a great upside there, leg strength. He struggled early in camp, but once he got his bearings, he was very consistent kicking the ball. He gives us a little bit more range.”
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Aug 21, 2008 9:01 PM PDT 0 recs
HOLY SHIT AGAIN!!
Totally the right decision… Kay only going 50% from beyond 30yards will kill us when we get into conf play and our games are close due to new QB & new WRs. 50%??? We got nothing to lose, so let’s try Seawright.
by danzig on
Aug 21, 2008 9:18 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Yeah, this is one “controversy” where the decision seemed obvious.
http://mymindgrapes.wordpress.com
by 408 on
Aug 21, 2008 9:22 PM PDT
up
0 recs
well, now i’m interested in finding out who won between hagan/conte and kane/hill.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on
Aug 21, 2008 9:26 PM PDT
up
0 recs
And I want to know who won between Riley and Longshore. That’s the big apple!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 21, 2008 9:37 PM PDT
up
0 recs
women's huddle reps 1-1
so Riley got starter, Kay didn’t… interesting. I think the cutest players won. I can finally understand were Tedford’s head is.
by AndBears on
Aug 22, 2008 9:30 AM PDT
up
0 recs
yeah baby
Riley is my fake boyfriend and the cutest starting quarterback ever!
by OskiWeeWee on
Aug 23, 2008 7:36 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Kevin the Man!
Very excited about the season now! Kevin makes everybody around him better. Congrat’s Kevin.
by GreekBear39 on Aug 21, 2008 9:55 PM PDT 0 recs
OMGOMGOGMOGMOGMOGMOGMGOMOGMOG
ahem. ok back to my pasta, reminding myself that the season hasn’t fucking started yet.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Aug 21, 2008 9:57 PM PDT 0 recs
OH SHIT! PASTA! YOU CHOSE PASTA OVER MEATBALLS! UNBELIEVABLE!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 21, 2008 10:00 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Bold Mr. Tedford!
I guess a number of us (potentially all of us) will be proven either very right or very wrong
by Tedfordisgod on Aug 21, 2008 10:10 PM PDT 0 recs
Shocked
While I don’t express so on my blog or in my posting here or on CyberBears, in private, i have been a Longshore supporter. I’m disappointed he didn’t win the job, but I trust Tedford’s judgment. It must have been very difficult for Tedford to bench a fifth year senior that was once ranked the best junior quarterback and that took the team to a 10 win season in 2006.
One thing to note, is that if Riley struggles, no longer will most fans get on Nate’s back. If Riley was benched for ineffectiveness, he would no longer lurk behind Nate.
http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/
by BeastMode on Aug 21, 2008 10:13 PM PDT 0 recs
update from Okanes:
http://www.ibabuzz.com/beartalk/2008/08/21/post-practice-thursday-2/
I’m surprised that Seawright and Kay are still “battling it out” for kickoff duties. I remember reading that Seawright was almost never short of plugging it into the end zone, and Kay had trouble getting it to the 10 last year…seems odd.
Also, pretty nuts that Boateng isn’t 1st team. I thought he was supposed to be the second coming of Desean, only bigger.
Also, I can’t help but feel a little bad for Nate. Prospects of an NFL career coming out of 2006 and now a benchwarmer, to a great degree because of a ticky tack ankle injury.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Aug 21, 2008 10:25 PM PDT 0 recs
I am really surprised by this. I had prepared for Nate to start (he was the incumbent and Tedford seemed to play him at times when he obviously should not have been on the field) and was willing to support him, but I am thrilled that Riley won the starting position. I am looking forward to this season more than ever.
by Berkelium97 on Aug 21, 2008 10:33 PM PDT 0 recs
Some other news
- Boateng is not going to start at WR. Possibly an issue of Tedford trying to cut down on attitude issues (this a rumor in JO’s blog’s comments so probably false)
- Longshore doesn’t talk to anyone after the news gets out
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Aug 21, 2008 10:50 PM PDT 0 recs
Boateng
Watching him in spring ball, he clearly has talent comparable to Ross and Calvin (though not necessarily superior, which is an assumption a lot of Cal fans have made). However, he often looked like he was simply dogging it and not putting in a lot of effort. In one practice he was last out of the entire team in getting in position for cool down stretching. With the other guys having similar talent and practicing hard, and the addition of (especially) Marvin Jones and the other recruits, this does not particularly surprise me.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by CBKWit on Aug 21, 2008 11:02 PM PDT 0 recs
You’d think he’d put in the work considering all the shit he went through and how the university probably bent over backwards to allow an SEC student with a criminal history transfer…
but then again maybe I just answered my own question.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Aug 21, 2008 11:04 PM PDT
up
0 recs
I heard (here?) that Boateng was workin’ hard recently, tho, being "inspiring" and all that. Word was that he shaped up attitude-wise.
by zoonews on
Aug 22, 2008 10:23 AM PDT
up
0 recs
well, according to the article, probably not.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Aug 22, 2008 12:26 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Tuesday, Rusty S. @ the Chronicle had Tedford saying Boateng and Ross “struggled with consistency”. If we believe the official word and trust their raw talent, I s’pose that means that they ain’t running their routes.
by zoonews on
Aug 22, 2008 12:46 PM PDT
up
0 recs
After last year, the last thing Tedford wants to see is dogging it on routes.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 22, 2008 2:59 PM PDT
up
0 recs
I am
now more excited for the season to begin and will sleep well tonight.
"The Bear will not quit! The Bear will not die!"
-- Former Cal quarterback ('56-'58) and coach ('82-'86) Joe Kapp
by monolake on Aug 21, 2008 11:05 PM PDT 0 recs
Very surprised!
I have to eat my words, I was sure he would start NL. Does this perhaps mean that Cignetti was strongly pro-Riley?
This plus Seabiscuit starting makes me think that Tedford is taking a bold, new approach to the season!
This is going to be a very young team on offense. If we make it through the first part of the season ok, we could be on to something big.
GO BEARS!
by OskiMonsta on Aug 22, 2008 4:30 AM PDT 0 recs
Alright bitches, I’m Kevin Riley’s Facebook friend so don’t even think of messing with me.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on Aug 22, 2008 7:48 AM PDT 0 recs
You’re Bobak Mortazavi, aren’t you?
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 22, 2008 7:52 AM PDT
up
0 recs
Actually but he’s a friend of a friend. Someone I know named KEVIN RILEY knows him.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Aug 22, 2008 7:59 AM PDT
up
0 recs
Now, I know how to find you. Look at all the people he befriended there to see which one is the ugliest.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 22, 2008 8:35 AM PDT
up
0 recs
He’s really gotta look into that private profile option….
by turkey on
Aug 22, 2008 9:05 AM PDT
up
0 recs
Spencer Hall is a stalker!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 22, 2008 9:10 AM PDT
up
0 recs
it's the same guy
Spencer Hall IS Orson Swindle
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
by ragnarok on
Aug 22, 2008 10:59 AM PDT
up
0 recs
YEAH! THIS ROCKS!`
Man, I can’t remember ever going into a season with less enthusiasm, but this changes everything! Finally, finally! Thank you Coach Tedford!
GO BEARS!!!
by CaliSeth on Aug 22, 2008 3:03 PM PDT 0 recs
I knew you’d be happy!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Aug 22, 2008 3:15 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, pooooooooooooor lil Twisty )-;
Do I detect some disappointment, Twist? :-) This must really make you depressed after your vigorous off season campaign of spin and lies to have Longshore reinstalled as the starter. (-: How are you feeling? Do you need a hug? Someone give Twist a hug!
Behold A New And Brighter Future – Our Savior – Kevin Riley
by CaliSeth on
Aug 22, 2008 3:22 PM PDT
up
0 recs




