Football enthusiasts gathered in large numbers on Saturday afternoon to show their unwavering support for the UC Davis Aggies. The team's remarkable victory over Illinois State with a score of 42 - 10 marked a significant milestone. This season, the Aggies earned a bye and then had their first playoff game in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. It is their first FCS playoff appearance since 2021, and the fans' pride was palpable.

Freshman's Perspective: An Electric Atmosphere

Nico Costanzo, a UC Davis freshman, shared his experience. "As a freshman coming in my first year, the atmosphere of these games has been truly amazing. I've never witnessed the student section so packed. It's a great program to be a part of and watch. The energy in the stadium is infectious." The UC Davis student section remained enthusiastic throughout the game, ringing cowbells and holding signs to cheer on their team.

Alum's Pride: A Journey from Division II to I

Bill Strauss, a UC Davis alum, expressed his pride. "I am all in. We are all in. And the team is doing great. This year is the best season! Back in the '80s when I was in college, we reached the national championship in Division II. Now, seeing the Aggies achieve the same in Division I is awesome. It shows the growth and potential of our program."

Next Steps: Quarterfinals and Beyond

The Aggies are set to play South Dakota next week in the quarterfinals, and the game will not be held in Davis. Fans like Brian Jones are excited about the team's chances. "The entire nation wrote us off. We aren't just a Dakota or Montana team; we are Davis! We are going to make our mark. We're going to take ourselves to the national championship. Let's go Aggies!"See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter