The LSU sophomore was clocked in 10.02 seconds in the 100-meter semifinals today at the NCAA track and field championships. Holliday outshone the better-known Walter Dix of Florida State in the semis on the opening day of the four-day competition at Sacramento State.

"I don't feel like I had to make a statement," Holliday said. "I just wanted to qualify for Friday. I feel pretty good. I think I came out pretty good today."

Dix, the collegiate record holder and reigning NCAA champ at 200 meters, won his heat at 10.13, easing off at the finish. The two will square off in the finals on Friday.

"It's going to be fun," Holliday said.

Dix indicated he had yet to show what he can do.

"He's a good runner," Dix said of Holliday. "LSU is always producing great runners. I can't take nothing away from them. It's good competition. I'm hoping things will pan out the way they're supposed to on Friday."

Holliday's time was a personal best by .05 seconds and was the fastest by an American this season. The only faster ones this year were 9.97 by world record holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica and 9.98 by Bahamian Derrick Atkins.

Holliday, 21, also had the fastest time in the preliminary round of the 100 earlier in the day with a wind-aided 10.04 seconds. Dix won his opening heat in a windy 10.05.

Travis Padgett of Clemson, who has a best of 10.05 this season, barely made the finals with a 10.27-second run in the semis.