Cal Football: 3 Reasons Jeff Tedford Is Not over the Hill Yet

After a disappointing 5-7 season with the Cal Golden Bears in 2010, many people may be saying Jeff Tedford is over the hill and 2011 will show that. 

It is very hard to pin all the fault for 2010 on Tedford, as his quarterback play throughout the year was very poor. Kevin Riley was inconsistent in 2010 and also missed the last four games of the season. 

Zach Maynard transferred from Buffalo and looked decent in the Bears' first game against Fresno State.

And at 50 years old, there is still plenty left in the tank, and here are the three reasons why Tedford is not over the hill yet. 

Take a Look Back at the Bears' 2010 Season

2010 was a very disappointing season for the Golden Bears as they finished 5-7 and failed to reach a bowl game for the first time since 2002. 

2002 was the first season for Tedford as Cal's coach, and the Bears were able to finish the season 7-5 as Tedford was named Pac-10 coach of the year. 

Week 4 of the 2010 season is what killed the Bears as they were at No. 14 Arizona and lost 10-9. The Bears passing game really let the team down as Kevin Riley was 13-of-26 for 116 yards and an interception. 

The biggest game that stands out from 2010 is Week 10 against No. 1 Oregon. The Bears had plenty of opportunities to beat the Ducks, but the passing game once again let the team down as Brock Mansion was 10-of-28 for 69 yards.

Ending the season with a 16-13 loss against Washington seemingly epitomized the Bears' 2010 season. The Bears' passing game once again stuck out like a sore thumb as Mansion was 12-of-23 for 92 yards and an interception. 

If the Bears could have pulled off these three games, they could have ended 8-4 rather than 5-7. Quarterback Zach Maynard was impressive against the Bulldogs in Week 1 of 2011 as he was 16-of-35 for 266 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. 

Look for Tedford to lead the Bears to a successful 2011 season. 

Golden Bears' 36-21 Win over Fresno State

Jeff Tedford originally started his coaching career out at Fresno State back in 1987 as a volunteer assistant coach. 

Following his first year at Fresno State, Tedford went to the CFL only to return to Fresno State as a quarterback coach in 1992. 

Tedford finally worked his way up to offensive coordinator at Fresno State from 1993-1997. 

The Bears got a huge win against the Bulldogs on Saturday, 36-21 in the first regular season college football game at Candlestick Park. 

Tedford has led the Bears to an opening win in each of the past five seasons, although this one may have meant the most to the Bears coach, as it came against his old team. 

The Bears were the Pac-12 team of the week because of their win against Fresno in Week 1 on espn.com. 

Tedford Will Bring the Bears Back to a Bowl Game in 2011

This isn't necessarily a reason why Tedford isn't over the hill, but rather a way he can prove to everyone that he isn't finished yet. 

Following their big win against Fresno State, the Bears will travel to Colorado, face Presbyterian at home, then travel to Washington. 

The Golden Bears have a golden opportunity to start the year out 4-0. After the easy start, the schedule will get testy. 

Oregon is slated next for the Bears as a road game, and that will be a very tough game for the Bears, even though the Ducks were just beaten by LSU. 

After their game against the Ducks, the Bears host No. 25 USC, who looked less than impressive in Week 1. 

The Bears then get Utah at home, travel to UCLA, and get both Washington State and Oregon State at home prior to the final two games of the season. 

The final two games for the Bears are on the road at No. 7 Stanford and at Arizona State. 

With the schedule the Golden Bears have in 2011, a 9-3 season could be obtained.