What Is 2004 UC Davis Aggies football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 UC Davis Aggies football team represented the University of California, Davis in the NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 7-4 overall record under head coach Bob Biggs. They competed in the Great West Football Conference, which was in its first year of operation.

Key Facts

The 2004 UC Davis Aggies finished the season with a 7-4 overall record.
Head coach Bob Biggs led the team in his 10th season at UC Davis.
The Aggies played in the inaugural season of the Great West Football Conference.
UC Davis opened the season with a 31-24 win over Western New Mexico.
The team played home games at Aggie Stadium in Davis, California.

Overview

The 2004 UC Davis Aggies football team represented the University of California, Davis during the 2004 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing as an independent before joining a formal conference, the Aggies showcased a balanced offense and a resilient defense under veteran leadership.

Under head coach Bob Biggs, who was in his 10th season, the team achieved a 7-4 overall record, marking a modest improvement from previous years. The season was notable for being the first in which UC Davis participated in the newly formed Great West Football Conference, a league designed to support emerging Division I programs.

Record: The Aggies finished the 2004 season with a 7-4 overall record, showing marked improvement in their competitive consistency compared to prior seasons.
Head Coach: Bob Biggs led the team for the 10th consecutive year, bringing stability and a focus on disciplined, run-oriented football.
Conference: The 2004 season marked UC Davis’s inaugural year in the Great West Football Conference, a new league formed to support I-AA independents.
Home Stadium: The Aggies played their home games at Aggie Stadium, a 10,201-seat venue located on the UC Davis campus in Davis, California.
Season Opener: UC Davis defeated Western New Mexico 31-24 in the season opener, setting a positive tone for the rest of the campaign.

How It Works

The 2004 UC Davis Aggies football season operated under the structure of NCAA Division I-AA (now known as FCS), with a mix of non-conference and conference games shaping their schedule. The team's operations reflected a transition phase as UC Davis moved toward full conference affiliation.

Division I-AA Football:NCAA Division I-AA was the classification for football programs below the top-tier FBS; UC Davis competed here to balance competitiveness and resources.
Great West Football Conference: The 2004 season was the conference's first, including UC Davis, Cal Poly, Northern Colorado, and others aiming for FCS stability.
Recruiting Strategy: UC Davis focused on in-state talent, particularly from Northern California, to build a cohesive and disciplined team culture.
Game Schedule: The Aggies played a 11-game schedule, mixing regional opponents and emerging FCS programs to test their competitive level.
Offensive Scheme: The team ran a pro-style offense, emphasizing ball control and a strong running game led by senior quarterback Tyler Jones.
Defensive Approach: UC Davis utilized a 4-3 base defense, focusing on tackling fundamentals and limiting big plays through disciplined back-end coverage.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2004 UC Davis Aggies compared to other Great West Football Conference teams that season:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Notable Result
UC Davis	7-4	3-2	Bob Biggs	Won 31-24 vs. Western New Mexico
Cal Poly	7-4	4-1	Joe Aguirre	Defeated UC Davis 34-27 in November
Northern Colorado	5-6	2-3	Joe Glenn	Beat UC Davis 24-21 in close matchup
Sacramento State	4-7	2-3	John Volek	Lost to UC Davis 28-17 at home
North Dakota	7-4	3-2	Chris Mussman	Split games with conference rivals

The table highlights UC Davis’s competitive standing within the conference, finishing with a winning record and strong regional matchups. While they didn’t win the conference title, their 3-2 conference record placed them in the middle of the pack, demonstrating growth and potential for future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 2004 season was a pivotal step in UC Davis’s transition to full FCS competitiveness, laying the foundation for future conference success and program development. It marked the beginning of a more structured era in Aggies football history.

Conference Integration: Joining the Great West Football Conference gave UC Davis a formal structure and clearer path to postseason eligibility.
Program Growth: The 7-4 record signaled improvement, boosting recruiting and fan engagement for future seasons.
Player Development: Several 2004 players became key contributors in later years, including All-Great West selections.
Stadium Upgrades: The season highlighted the need for facility improvements at Aggie Stadium, leading to future renovations.
Regional Rivalries: Games against Cal Poly and Sacramento State intensified, building long-term competitive traditions.
Legacy Building: The 2004 team helped establish UC Davis as a consistent FCS contender in the following decade.

Overall, the 2004 UC Davis Aggies football team played a crucial role in the program’s evolution, bridging the gap between independent status and full conference membership in the FCS landscape.