Aug. 6, 2004

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis received 26 points and was picked third in the inaugural Great West Football Conference Coaches Poll, it was announced on Friday afternoon.

Cal Poly earned four first-place votes and was the top point-getter among the six league coaches, garnering 30 points. Northern Colorado (28 points) was picked second and UC Davis placed third. North Dakota State (21), Southern Utah (13) and South Dakota State (8) were fourth through sixth, respectively.

Northern Colorado and North Dakota State picked up the remaining two first-place votes.

The six schools begin their first year of competition in the Great West Football Conference this fall with UC Davis hosting South Dakota State and North Dakota State visiting Northern Colorado in the league's first games on September 4.

The Aggies, who have posted 34 consecutive winning seasons, open practice for the upcoming season on Wednesday. UC Davis finished 6-4 in 2003.

GREAT WEST FOOTBALL CONFERENCE PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Cal Poly, (4), 30 pts.
2. Northern Colorado, (1), 28 pts.
3. UC DAVIS, 26 pts.
4. North Dakota State, (1), 21 pts.
5. Southern Utah, 13 pts.
6. South Dakota State, 8 pts.