cal update

Tedford stands atop list of modern-era coaches

After Cal put together its best performance of 2009 in its Big Game victory over Stanford last season, it appeared coach Jeff Tedford wouldn't need long to get the one more victory necessary to become the Bears' career wins leader in the modern era.

But two dreadful performances to close out the season made Tedford wait nine more months.

He finally reached the milestone Saturday, when the Bears crushed UC Davis 52-3 in their 2010 season opener. The win gave Tedford a record of 68-35, putting him one win ahead of Pappy Waldorf, who was 67-32-4 from 1947-56.

"It's an honor, no doubt about it," Tedford said. "You hear so many stories about Pappy Waldorf, and I have huge respect for Pappy's boys and the tradition that they set for Cal football. It's a lot of hard work by everybody since day one that we've been here -- the coaches, the players, everybody like that. It's an honor because of the company you keep."

Cal defines the modern era as beginning in the mid-1930s. In the complete history of Cal football, Tedford ranks third all-time in wins behind Andy Smith (74) and James Schaeffer (73).

  • Quarterback Kevin Riley kicked off his third season as the Bears' starter by going 14 for 20 for 258 yards and three touchdowns in an efficient effort. He now has 40 career touchdown passes, tying
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    him with Mike Pawlawski for seventh on Cal's all-time list.

    "Kevin has had a tremendous offseason of preparation," Cal offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig said. "He's been through a lot of ups and downs in his career. The guy is a mentally tough, physically tough player. He's responded to every challenge that's been placed in front of him. We're just looking forward to him playing his best football."

  • The Bears led 35-0 at halftime, allowing Tedford to empty his bench in the second half. Backup quarterbacks Beau Sweeney and Brock Mansion each saw time. Nine players carried the ball for the Bears, and 11 players caught passes. The Bears got down to their fourth-string running back, Dasarte Yarnway, who had five carries for 22 yards in his Cal debut but also fumbled.

  • Keenan Allen's 120 receiving yards were the most by a Cal player since LaReyelle Cunningham had 138 at Maryland in 2008. The Cal record for receiving yards for a freshman is held by DeSean Jackson, who had 130 twice in 2005.

  • Sweeney scored his first career touchdown on a 4-yard run in the third quarter.

    -- Jonathan Okanes