Aug. 9, 2002

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis, coming off a 10-3 season and its fourth NCAA Semifinal appearance in six years, is ranked fourth in Division II by Sports Illustrated in the magazine's college football preview edition published this week.

The ranking is the third high ranking for the Aggies this preseason, joining No.3 rankings by both Street & Smith's and Lindy's. UC Davis' poll position will get a stiff early-season test on Sept. 7 when the Aggies visit 2001 national runner-up Grand Valley State, Mich. The Lakers, who lost to North Dakota in the NCAA Division II Championship game last December, are ranked No.1 in all three preseason polls released so far.

UC Davis returns 19 starters from last year's team, including All-American wide receiver Michael Oliva, who finished the year with a school-record 75 catches and 1,365 yards.

The Aggies open practice for the 2002 season on Aug. 17. UC Davis will play its home opener on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. at Toomey Field against Abilene Christian, Texas.

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED PRESEASON TOP 10
1. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 13-1
2. Catawba (N.C.) 11-2
3. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 11-2
4. UC DAVIS 10-3
5. Valdosta St. (Ga.) 12-1
6. North Dakota 14-1
7. Texas A&M-Kingsville 9-2
8. Nebraska-Omaha 8-3
9. C.W. Post (N.Y.) 11-1
10. Chadron St. (Neb.) 10-1

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