The Golden Bears started the season 5-0 and were ranked #2 in the country following their exciting win over #11 Oregon.  Cal was poised to pick up the top spot in the polls if they could beat Oregon State at home as top ranked LSU lost that day.  Cal lost to Oregon State and started a slide that saw them lose 6 of their last 7 regular season games.  There was not a lot of excitement coming into the Armed Forces Bowl and the Golden Bears started the game flat, giving up 21 unanswered points to start the game.  Going into half Cal was able to pull within 7 points as they trailed 14-21.  Quarterback Kevin Riley replaced Nate Longshore in the 2nd quarter and led on the Golden Bears to 6 touchdown drives and a victory over Air Force.  Kevin Riley passed for 269 yards and was named game MVP.  Running back Justin Forsett rushed for 140 yards.