 Weakening Cal's cause after the fact was its 45-31 loss to Texas Tech University in the 2004 Holiday Bowl.Cal played without two of the highest performing receivers in the NCAA, however, this loss was attributed in many press reports to the Bears' disappointment over being denied their first Rose Bowl appearance in 45 years.The Associated Press, as a result of two consecutive seasons of BCS controversy, pulled its poll out of the BCS formula.