Hail Tedford

Nov. 4, 2008

Football Press Conference

California head coach Jeff Tedford

Opening statement

"We have been up and down. I don't think we have put a complete game together yet. I think our defense did a nice job last week against Oregon, they are a very difficult offense to defend. It would be nice to put a full game together, but we are young in some areas and I think we are developing each week. I think that is the key, trying to get better each week."

On status of quarterback Kevin Riley

"We don't know completely yet. We will test (Kevin Riley) this afternoon and see how he does. As far as his concussion, it was a mild concussion. It wasn't one where you feel he will be out a couple of weeks. I think he is going to be ready to play this week, but we don't completely know yet."

On deciding between Riley and Nate Longshore

"We evaluate them through the week. We had a lack of consistency early in the season with Kevin and we went back to Nate to get a faster start. We see how they practice and make a decision like that."

On tailback Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen

"We are fortunate to have two strong tailbacks. Jahvid is a guy who has been hampered a bit. He dislocated his elbow and missed a game there, but he has recovered fine and wears a brace. He is an exciting player, there is no question about it. He has great speed, he catches the football very well...great balance and pass protects well. He is an excellent back when he gets in the open field, he can make big plays and make you miss. Shane is very similar...has good speed, pass protector and good balance. We are fortunate to have two guys that we can go back and forth with."

On team defense

"I think the main thing has been how hard they have played. I think our linebacking corps is playing really well. They are running to the ball, making a lot of plays. I think our defensive coordinator (Bob Gregory) has put them in a position to be successful. I think with the hustle comes the opportunity to create turnovers because they are in position. We have a lot of interceptions, some through tipped balls and some through overthrows. I think the trait that sticks out with them is that they are playing very hard. I think anytime you do that, you have a chance."

On this year's game against USC compared to years past

"It feels the same. We have tremendous respect for USC. They are very well-coached. They have great players, great athleticism, play hard. There are no chinks in their armor. They are an excellent football team. I think it has been documented maybe the best defense in the country. It's a great opportunity to come down there and play such a great team. It's always a challenge."

On if winning the turnover margin will be important for winning Saturday's game

"I do. I think that's one of the stats this is critical. If you turn the ball over against USC, your chances of winning go way down. If you can force some turnovers then your chances go up. I think the turnover margin in this game is going to be critical."

On perception that the Pac-10 Conference is down this year

"From top to bottom, I have a lot of respect for all of the teams in the Pac-10 Conference. I think it's very competitive. I don't know. I just focus on what we are doing and try to develop every week. I couldn't really tell you or give you a reason why people have that perception. I have tremendous respect for all of the teams."

On differences between the 4-3 and 3-4 defense and what makes Cal's 3-4 defense so effective

"I think it takes advantage of our personnel. With our depth at linebacker, I think it makes you a little more versatile as far as being able to drop guys in the pass rush. Guys are a little more athletic dropping into areas with zone pressures and so on. I think it makes you more versatile, but mainly for us, it takes advantage of our personnel in our linebacking corps."

On USC's defense

"It's great. The numbers speak for themselves. Every year they have been great and this year's group is no different. Like I said, there are no chinks in their armor. They are very good up front, they have great linebackers...the secondary is great, great cover corners and safeties that can roam the field and are very good tacklers. They have a great scheme. Pete does a great job with what they have on defense and puts them in a position to be successful. They are well-coached, have great players and they work hard. They are as good as any I have seen."

On impact of new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti on quarterbacks

"I think it has been positive. He does an excellent job in the classroom with them, getting them prepared for the game. He has brought some new ideas and concepts. I think they have grasped those well. I think it has been a great transition."

On needing to run the ball with success in order to beat USC

"I think it always is. There is no way you are going to be one-dimensional against USC. You are not going to come in there and say you are just going to run it or you are just going to throw it. There is going to be some balance and need to be effective in both. They make it difficult to do that. Hopefully, we secure the football in the run game and protect the passer then we are able to do both."