Kevin Riley News

Riley, California's starting quarterback, isn't shaving as long as the Golden Bearskeep winning, and they're riding a three-game winning streak.

Even the most optimistic of Cal fans knows it's out of reach now. With Saturday night's 31-14 loss to Oregon State, the Bears are essentially out of the Rose Bowl hunt.

Not the shoulders of 70,000 screaming fans, not in a sea of blue and gold, not on a bed of roses.

Jahvid Best took the direct snap from center, curled around left end and streaked for the goal line.

On Saturday at 4pm, I will be standing in the student section of Memorial Stadium to watch the California Golden Bears beat the Oregon State Beavers for the first time at home in four years - and seek revenge for 2007's heartbreaking loss.

When Oregon State last visited Berkeley two years ago, it resulted in quarterback Kevin Riley's most forgettable moment at Cal.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller How does a team define a successful season? Here's a guess that both California's and Oregon State's definitions includes a victory this weekend.

"When the boy began to delight in his daring flight, and abandoning his guide, drawn by desire for the heavens, soared higher.

California is back in the Top 25. Staying there for more than a week, however, could be a challenge.

Last week, Cal linebacker Mike Mohamed said he would know better after the game against Arizona State "what are all about." Facing another team in the Pac-10 would reveal which was "the real Cal"-the team that scored six points in two losses or at least 35 in each of its five wins.

Not only did that stop the clock, but the pass was nearly picked off by Vontez Burfict.

Cal kicker Giorgio Tavecchio says he never notices the distance of his field goal attempts - except in his dreams.

The Bears looked to run away with this contest early, thanks to the sharp throwing of Kevin Riley, who connected on some nice deep balls and threw scores to Marvin Jones and Jahvid Best.

Cal junior Kevin Riley has only completed 54 percent of his passes on the season, but many have been explosive plays off the running game.

The California Golden Bears are coming to the desert, and it's hard to say which team will show up.

There are two distinct ways to develop a quarterback. The college careers of two former Clovis West High stars, Jeff Tuel and Beau Sweeney, just might determine which method is best.

Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen , meet Arizona State's Sun Devils. They're waiting for you.

Did you attend this game? If so, start chronicling your sports memories today with ESPN's Sports Passport.

Another prolific offensive performance on Saturday put a little more distance between the Cal football team and its aberrant struggles of four weeks ago.

We're finally done. On the link you'll find the long versions of the game story and the notebook.