What Is 2002 UC Davis Aggies football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2002 UC Davis Aggies football team represented the University of California, Davis in the NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record under head coach Bob Biggs. The team played as an independent and did not participate in a conference championship.

Key Facts

The 2002 UC Davis Aggies finished the season with a 5–6 overall record
Head coach Bob Biggs led the team during his 8th season at UC Davis
The Aggies played their home games at Toomey Field in Davis, California
They scored a total of 238 points, averaging 21.6 points per game
The team allowed 279 points, averaging 25.4 points per game defensively

Overview

The 2002 UC Davis Aggies football team represented the University of California, Davis in the NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing as an independent program, the Aggies were led by head coach Bob Biggs, who was in his eighth year at the helm. The team played its home games at Toomey Field, a historic venue located on campus in Davis, California.

Despite a slightly below-.500 record, the 2002 season reflected UC Davis’s ongoing transition toward becoming a competitive force in Division I-AA football. The team showed flashes of offensive potential but struggled with consistency on both sides of the ball. Their schedule included a mix of regional rivals and non-conference opponents, providing a balanced test of their capabilities.

Record: The Aggies finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, marking one of their more challenging campaigns under Bob Biggs.
Head Coach:Bob Biggs, in his 8th season, continued to build the program with an emphasis on balanced offensive play.
Home Stadium:Toomey Field in Davis, California, served as the team’s home venue, seating approximately 10,743 fans.
Offensive Output: The Aggies scored 238 total points across 11 games, averaging 21.6 points per game.
Defensive Performance: They allowed 279 points on defense, averaging 25.4 points per game, indicating room for improvement.

Season Performance

The 2002 campaign featured a challenging non-conference slate, with games against teams from various conferences and divisions. The Aggies opened the season with a mix of wins and losses, showing resilience but lacking the consistency needed for a winning record. Their schedule included matchups against fellow Division I-AA programs and lower-division opponents.

Season Opener: UC Davis opened with a 24–21 win over Western New Mexico, a Division II team, showing early promise.
Midseason Struggles: A three-game losing streak in September and October derailed momentum, including a 31–10 loss to Cal Poly.
Offensive Leaders: Quarterback Mark Day led the passing attack, throwing for over 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns during the season.
Running Game: The Aggies relied on a balanced ground attack, accumulating 1,842 rushing yards as a team.
Defensive Challenges: The secondary struggled at times, giving up 228.7 passing yards per game on average.
Final Game: The season concluded with a 35–28 loss to Humboldt State, another regional rival, in November.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2002 UC Davis Aggies with the previous and following seasons to highlight performance trends:

Season	Overall Record	Conference	Head Coach	Points For	Points Against
2001	7–4	Independent	Bob Biggs	253	197
2002	5–6	Independent	Bob Biggs	238	279
2003	8–3	Great West Football	Bob Biggs	312	209
2004	7–4	Great West Football	Bob Biggs	287	218
2005	6–5	Great West Football	Bob Biggs	254	267

The 2002 season represented a temporary dip in performance compared to surrounding years. While 2001 and 2003 saw winning records, the 2002 team struggled with defensive lapses and inconsistent offense. The data shows a clear rebound in 2003 when UC Davis joined the Great West Football Conference, suggesting improved organization and competition alignment.

Why It Matters

The 2002 season is a snapshot of UC Davis football during a transitional phase before joining a formal conference. It highlights the challenges of competing as an independent and underscores the importance of scheduling and program development.

Program Development: The 2002 season helped shape future strategies as UC Davis moved toward conference affiliation in 2004.
Coaching Consistency:Bob Biggs remained a stabilizing force, coaching through multiple seasons of rebuilding and growth.
Recruiting Impact: Performance in years like 2002 influenced recruiting, with future classes aiming for greater depth and talent.
Stadium Legacy: Games at Toomey Field preserved tradition while setting the stage for future upgrades.
Conference Transition: The struggles of 2002 emphasized the need for structured competition, leading to Great West Football membership.
Historical Context: This season is part of UC Davis’s broader journey toward becoming a consistent FCS playoff contender.

Though not a standout year in terms of wins, the 2002 UC Davis Aggies played a role in the long-term evolution of the program. Their experiences contributed to future successes, making the season a valuable chapter in the team’s history.