What Is 2013 Dartmouth Big Green football

Overview

The 2013 Dartmouth Big Green football team represented Dartmouth College in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) during the 2013 season. Competing as a member of the Ivy League, the team was led by head coach Buddy Teevens, who was in his seventh consecutive year at the helm and ninth overall in his tenure.

Playing their home games at Memorial Field in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Big Green struggled to find consistency, finishing the season with a 4–6 overall record and a 3–4 mark in Ivy League competition. Despite several close games and strong individual performances, Dartmouth did not qualify for the FCS playoffs and finished fourth in the conference standings.

• Overall record: The team finished with a 4–6 win-loss record, marking a slight decline from their 6–4 record in 2012.
• Ivy League performance: Dartmouth went 3–4 in conference play, placing fourth among the eight Ivy teams.
• Head coach: Buddy Teevens, in his ninth season overall and seventh consecutive, led the program with a focus on player development and safety.
• Home stadium: Memorial Field, located on Dartmouth’s campus, hosted all five of the team’s home games during the season.
• Key players: Quarterback Quincy Riley and running back J.P. Ewing were among the offensive leaders, with Ewing rushing for over 500 yards.

How It Works

The 2013 season followed the standard Ivy League football structure, with teams playing a 10-game schedule consisting of conference and non-conference opponents. The Big Green’s schedule included matchups against traditional rivals and regional FCS programs, with standings determined solely by conference results.

• Ivy League format: The Ivy League does not participate in the FCS playoffs; standings are based on regular-season conference results only. Teams play a nine-game round-robin schedule.
• Schedule structure: Dartmouth played four non-conference games and six Ivy League matchups, a standard distribution for league teams in 2013.
• Player eligibility: All athletes must meet NCAA Division I academic standards and Ivy League-specific eligibility rules, which prohibit graduate students and transfers in some cases.
• Game timing: Each game consisted of four 15-minute quarters, with overtime rules following NCAA FCS standards for tied games after regulation.
• Recruiting cycle: The 2013 roster included players recruited in the Class of 2013, signed during the February signing period and enrolled in the fall.
• Coaching staff: Assistant coaches specialized in offense, defense, and special teams, with weekly game planning led by Teevens and coordinators.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Dartmouth’s 2013 performance against key Ivy League peers based on overall and conference records.

Harvard claimed the Ivy League title in 2013 with an 8–2 overall record and a 6–1 conference mark. Dartmouth finished just behind Columbia and ahead of Yale and Cornell, indicating a mid-tier performance in a competitive season. The Big Green’s inability to close out close games, particularly in conference play, contributed to their lower standing despite moments of strong play.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was significant for Dartmouth as it highlighted both the challenges and potential within the program under long-time coach Buddy Teevens. While the team did not achieve a winning record, it laid groundwork for future development in player recruitment and offensive strategy.

• Player development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, including future contributors like running back J.P. Ewing and defensive back Will McNamara.
• Coaching continuity: Teevens’ leadership emphasized long-term program building over short-term wins, a philosophy that shaped future seasons.
• Injury prevention: The team continued to implement safer tackling techniques, part of Teevens’ broader initiative to reduce head injuries.
• Recruiting momentum: Despite a losing season, Dartmouth maintained strong academic-athletic balance, attracting high-caliber student-athletes.
• Competitive parity: The Ivy League remained highly competitive, with no team going undefeated in conference play, underscoring the league’s balance.
• Foundation for improvement: The 2013 season served as a developmental year, preceding more successful campaigns in the mid-2010s.

Though not a championship year, the 2013 Dartmouth Big Green season contributed to the long-term trajectory of the program, emphasizing sustainable growth over immediate results.