This is not an examination of why Kevin Riley is one step from being sublime.

This is not an explanation of how Cal's OL is a sleeping giant, ready to arise.

This is not even an explication of why Cal's DL will be playing with - wait for it - an enthusiasm unknown to mankind over the next 9 games (yes, I included a bowl).

This IS a comparison to another coach at a different program who inherited a downtrodden program with lesser facilities in a talent rich state and only four wins in the preceding three years, met with early success, but then seemingly hit a plateau.

BOBBY BOWDEN:

             W   L   T   Ranking
1976     5    6   0
1977    10   2   0    14
1978     8    3   0
1979    11   1   0     6
1980    10   2   0     5
1981    6     5   0
1982    9     3   0    13
1983    8     4   0
1984    7     3   2    17
1985    9     3   0    15
1986    7     4   1
           90   36  3
          69.77%

Had FSU's AD decided after the 1986 season that Bowden was not the guy, he would have had a point. Bowden had been there for 11 seasons, had not recorded fewer than 3 losses in any of the previous six seasons, and had seemingly lost whatever touch he had in guiding the Seminoles to back-to-back 10+ win seasons. He would have had a point, and he would have missed out on 14 consecutive years of Top 5 finishes, 9 consecutive bowl wins, and two national championships.

Tedford may not be the next Bobby Bowden. But we won't know until we've given him enough time with proper facilities to find out.