What Is 2007 UC Davis Aggies football team

Overview

The 2007 UC Davis Aggies football team represented the University of California, Davis during the 2007 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing as an independent within the Great West Football Conference, the team was led by head coach Bob Biggs in his 13th year at the helm. The Aggies played their home games at UC Davis Health Stadium, a 10,300-seat facility in Davis, California.

Despite a losing overall record, the 2007 season marked a transitional period for the program as it continued to build toward greater conference integration. The Aggies showed moments of offensive promise but struggled with consistency on defense throughout the season. The year concluded with a modest 5–6 win-loss tally, reflecting both competitive effort and room for improvement.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, including a 3–2 mark in conference play, demonstrating competitiveness despite missing a postseason berth.
• Head coach:Bob Biggs, in his 13th season, maintained steady leadership, having previously guided UC Davis to multiple conference titles during its Division II era.
• Stadium: All home games were played at UC Davis Health Stadium, formerly known as Toomey Field, which underwent renovations to meet FCS standards.
• Offensive output: The Aggies scored 273 total points across 11 games, averaging 24.8 points per game, ranking them solidly within mid-tier FCS programs.
• Defensive performance: They allowed 291 total points, averaging 26.5 points per game against, highlighting defensive lapses in close losses.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2007 campaign featured several tightly contested matchups, with four of the six losses decided by a touchdown or less. The Aggies opened the season with a win against Azusa Pacific but faced a challenging non-conference schedule that tested their depth and resilience.

• Opening victory: UC Davis defeated Azusa Pacific 31–17 in the season opener, setting an optimistic tone with strong rushing performance.
• Conference clash: A 33–27 win over Southern Utah in October showcased the team’s ability to execute under pressure in Great West Conference play.
• Close loss: The Aggies fell 24–21 to Cal Poly, a key rival, in a game that had implications for conference standings and local bragging rights.
• Defensive struggle: A 48–21 loss to Eastern Washington exposed defensive vulnerabilities against high-powered FCS offenses.
• Season finale: The team closed with a 24–20 win over Northern Colorado, securing a winning conference record despite an overall losing tally.
• Quarterback stats: Starting QB Shane Boyd threw for 1,876 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the offense with moderate efficiency.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2007 UC Davis Aggies to peer teams in the Great West Football Conference based on season performance metrics:

This comparison highlights that UC Davis performed on par with similar programs in the Great West Football Conference. While their overall record was below .500, their 3–2 conference mark tied for second-best in the league, showing competitiveness within their primary matchups. The Aggies’ point differential was close, indicating that most games were decided by narrow margins, typical of developing FCS programs.

Why It Matters

The 2007 season was a building block in UC Davis’s transition from Division II powerhouse to a credible FCS contender. Though not a championship year, it provided valuable experience for players and coaches navigating tougher competition and scheduling.

• Program development: The season contributed to the long-term growth of UC Davis football as it adapted to the higher level of FCS play.
• Recruiting impact: Competitive games against teams like Eastern Washington helped enhance the program’s visibility for prospective student-athletes.
• Stadium upgrades: Continued use of UC Davis Health Stadium emphasized the university’s investment in athletic facilities.
• Conference identity: As a member of the Great West Football Conference, UC Davis helped legitimize the league during its formative years.
• Player development: Quarterback Shane Boyd’s performance laid groundwork for future offensive strategies under new coaching regimes.
• Fan engagement: Home games maintained solid attendance, supporting ongoing university efforts to build a strong football culture.

While the 2007 UC Davis Aggies did not achieve national recognition, their season played a quiet but important role in the maturation of the football program. Each close game and hard-fought point contributed to a foundation that would support future success in the FCS ranks.