What Is 2009 UC Davis Aggies football team

Overview

The 2009 UC Davis Aggies football team represented the University of California, Davis during the 2009 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing as a member of the Great West Football Conference, the Aggies were led by head coach Bob Biggs in his 14th year at the helm.

The team played its home games at Aggie Stadium, a 10,343-seat facility located on campus in Davis, California. The 2009 season marked a moderate improvement from previous years, showcasing a balanced offense and a developing defense.

• Season record: The Aggies finished with a 7–4 overall record, including a 3–2 mark in conference play, reflecting a competitive but inconsistent season.
• Head coach:Bob Biggs, in his 14th season, emphasized player development and program stability, maintaining a consistent offensive scheme.
• Home stadium: Games were hosted at Aggie Stadium, which underwent renovations in 2007 to improve field conditions and fan experience.
• Offensive leader: Quarterback Michael Beaudoin threw for 1,847 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the team in passing efficiency.
• Defensive standout: Linebacker David Herd recorded 87 total tackles, anchoring the defense with consistent in-game performance.

How It Works

The structure and operation of the 2009 UC Davis Aggies football team followed standard NCAA Division I FCS protocols, including scholarship limits, scheduling, and conference alignment. Understanding key components helps clarify how the team functioned within collegiate athletics.

• Division I FCS:NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision allows postseason play via a 24-team playoff; UC Davis did not qualify in 2009.
• Great West Conference: The Aggies competed in the Great West Football Conference, a non-automatic qualifying league without a conference championship game.
• Roster size: The team maintained a roster of approximately 90 players, with around 63 scholarship athletes allowed under FCS limits.
• Game schedule: The Aggies played a 11-game regular season, including five home games and six away matchups.
• Recruiting: UC Davis focused on in-state talent, particularly from Northern California high schools, using NAIA and junior college transfers to fill key roles.
• Coaching staff: The staff included 10 full-time assistants, with a focus on offensive line development and special teams coordination.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2009 UC Davis Aggies compared to other Great West Conference teams:

The Aggies ranked second in points scored and allowed within the conference, finishing just behind North Dakota State. Their 3–2 conference record tied them with South Dakota and North Dakota State, but they did not earn a tiebreaker for any postseason recognition. The team showed offensive strength but lacked consistency in close games, losing three contests by seven points or fewer.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a transitional year for UC Davis football, setting the foundation for future competitiveness as the program aimed for a conference title and playoff berth. The performance highlighted both strengths in quarterback play and areas needing improvement on defense.

• Program development: The 7–4 record marked a step forward from the 6–5 finish in 2008, signaling gradual improvement under long-term coaching.
• Quarterback growth: Michael Beaudoin’s development was crucial, as he completed 58.6% of passes and reduced interceptions compared to prior seasons.
• Defensive challenges: The Aggies allowed 20.3 points per game, indicating room for improvement despite solid individual performances.
• Recruiting pipeline: Success in 2009 helped UC Davis attract higher-rated recruits from Sacramento and Bay Area schools.
• Conference realignment: The Great West Conference dissolved in 2012, making 2009 one of the last competitive chapters in that alignment.
• Legacy impact: Bob Biggs retired in 2012, making the 2009 season part of his final stretch of leadership at UC Davis.

The 2009 UC Davis Aggies season remains a footnote in the program’s transition from mid-tier FCS to future Big Sky Conference membership, reflecting both progress and the challenges of mid-major college football.