BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) -Quarterback Kevin Riley returned to practice with No. 21 California on Wednesday night, less than a week after sustaining a concussion.
Coach Jeff Tedford, though, hasn’t named his starter for Saturday’s game against seventh-ranked USC.
Riley was injured while diving for extra yardage in the first quarter of the Golden Bears’ 26-16 victory over Oregon last week. Senior Nate Longshore, the former starter who has been Riley’s backup for most of this season, went 13-of-27 for 136 yards in the final three quarters for Cal (6-2, 4-1 Pac-10).
Riley started the Bears’ first four games this season, but Longshore took over for two games last month before Riley reclaimed his job Oct. 25 against UCLA.
Riley, a sophomore, has a stronger arm and better mobility. Longshore has more experience, but he lost both of his previous starts against USC.
Both quarterbacks have received equal practice time with Cal’s first team this fall, with Tedford sometimes waiting until game time to reveal his starter.
acks, and this is the perfect example why,” Tedford said.
Riley, who has passed for 1,065 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, sat out of practice Tuesday after undergoing two days of neurological tests. He acknowledged being woozy after the hit, but felt he would be healthy enough to play against the Trojans.
Tedford said earlier in the week that he wouldn’t name his starting quarterback until Thursday, but Riley had to participate in at least Wednesday’s practice to be considered. With Riley back in the mix, Tedford might not name his starter until Cal arrives at the Coliseum for the nationally televised game.
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