What Is 2013 Colorado State Rams football

Overview

The 2013 Colorado State Rams football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as members of the Mountain West Conference. Led by second-year head coach Jim McElwain, the team marked a significant turnaround from previous seasons, posting a winning record and securing a bowl berth.

The Rams played their home games at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado. Their 2013 campaign was notable for high-powered offense, dramatic finishes, and a memorable bowl victory that capped a resurgence under McElwain’s leadership.

• Record: The team finished with an 8-6 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in Mountain West Conference play.
• Head Coach:Jim McElwain was in his second season and earned praise for revitalizing the program after a 3-9 record in 2012.
• Bowl Game: Colorado State won the 2013 New Mexico Bowl on December 21, defeating Washington State 48-45 in a high-scoring shootout.
• Offensive Leader: Quarterback Garrett Grayson threw for 3,696 yards and 32 touchdowns, ranking among the nation’s top passers.
• Defensive Challenge: The Rams allowed 35.6 points per game, the worst in the FBS, highlighting a major area of concern despite offensive success.

Season Performance

The 2013 season showcased Colorado State’s offensive firepower but exposed defensive vulnerabilities. The team opened with a 41-14 win over Colorado and followed with a dramatic 42-35 victory over Washington State in a non-conference matchup.

• Early Momentum: A 38-17 win over Weber State in September helped build confidence early in the season under McElwain’s guidance.
• Conference Play: The Rams competed in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West, finishing third behind Fresno State and Boise State.
• Key Victory: A 69-41 win over UNLV in November set a school record for points in a conference game and showcased offensive dominance.
• Close Losses: Colorado State lost three games by a combined 10 points, including a 42-41 defeat to San Diego State on a last-second field goal.
• Garrett Grayson’s Season: Grayson’s 32 touchdown passes broke the school single-season record and placed him second nationally in TD passes.
• Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed over 500 yards per game on average, contributing to high-scoring, back-and-forth contests.

Comparison at a Glance

Performance comparison between the 2013 Colorado State Rams and selected Mountain West teams:

The table highlights Colorado State’s high-scoring offense but also their defensive shortcomings, as they allowed more points than any other team listed. While Boise State dominated defensively, the Rams relied on outscoring opponents, a strategy that worked in many games but led to close losses. Their point differential of -21 contrasted sharply with conference leaders, underscoring room for improvement.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a turning point for Colorado State football, signaling a return to competitiveness after years of underperformance. It demonstrated the potential of McElwain’s system and laid the foundation for future success.

• Program Momentum: The winning season and bowl victory boosted morale and recruiting for a historically underfunded program.
• Offensive Identity: The Rams established themselves as one of the most explosive passing teams in the nation under coordinator Dave Baldwin.
• Jim McElwain’s Legacy: His success in 2013 led to a move to Florida in 2014, where he became head coach of the Gators.
• Bowl Eligibility: Achieving a winning record and bowl berth ended a decade-long drought of consistent success.
• Player Development: Quarterback Grayson and WR Rashard Higgins emerged as all-conference talents, enhancing team reputation.
• Foundation for Growth: The season proved Colorado State could compete in the Mountain West with the right leadership and offensive strategy.

The 2013 campaign remains a pivotal chapter in Colorado State football history, remembered for its dramatic highs, offensive fireworks, and the promise of a brighter future.