Cal QB can erase bad memory

Kevin Riley still grimaces at the memory.

With time running out and no timeouts, he decided to try to run for a touchdown rather than throw the ball to save time. It resulted in a 31-28 loss to Oregon State. Two years later, Riley has come full circle. He made all the right decisions in leading the Bears on the game-winning drive against Arizona State last week. It was the first time he had been in that position since the blunder against Oregon State.

"If I was now in that situation, I just would have thrown the ball out of bounds right away," Riley said. "It's just something you learn from, and I've learned from it and gotten better."

Two years ago, Riley was forced into his first start because of an ankle injury to Nate Longshore. He played well until the fateful, final drive.Riley had made 16 starts since then and last week got his first chance to lead his team in a game-winning drive as time dwindled. With 3:16 to go, Riley went 5-for-6 for 85 yards to set up Giorgio Tavecchio's 24-yard field goal with 21 seconds left.

Tailback Jahvid Best returned to practice after missing the past two with a slight concussion. He is expected to start Saturday.

• No. 22 VIRGINIA TECH 16, EAST CAROLINA 3, at Greenville, N.C. — Freshman Ryan Williams ran for a season-high 179 yards and Virginia Tech (6-3) avoided its first three-game losing streak in six years.

• APPEAL DENIED — The NCAA rejected a final appeal to reinstate Dez Bryant and Oklahoma State has probably seen the last of its All-American receiver, who will likely enter the NFL draft next year.

• OFFICIAL SUSPENDED — The WAC has suspended a replay official for one game after he failed to overturn a call last weekend between San Jose State and Boise State.