What Is 2013 Florida Atlantic Owls football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Florida Atlantic Owls football team represented Florida Atlantic University in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 6–6 record under head coach Carl Pelini. They played their home games at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton and competed as a Conference USA member after transitioning from the Sun Belt Conference.

Key Facts

The 2013 Florida Atlantic Owls finished the season with a 6–6 overall record and 4–4 in Conference USA.
Head coach Carl Pelini led the team in his second season after replacing Howard Schnellenberger.
FAU played home games at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida, which has a capacity of 29,419.
The Owls scored 294 total points during the 2013 season, averaging 24.5 points per game.
Quarterback Tyler Harris started 10 games and threw for 1,822 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Overview

The 2013 Florida Atlantic Owls football team marked the program’s first season competing in Conference USA after leaving the Sun Belt Conference. Under second-year head coach Carl Pelini, the team aimed to build on its 2012 performance and establish itself in its new conference.

Playing their home games at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, the Owls faced a challenging schedule that included both in-conference and non-conference opponents. Despite a mid-season losing streak, the team managed to finish with a .500 record, showing signs of progress in its transition phase.

Record: The Owls finished the 2013 season with a 6–6 overall record and a 4–4 mark in Conference USA play.
Head Coach: Carl Pelini served as head coach for his second season, maintaining a 6–6 record in his second year at the helm.
Stadium: FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida, with a seating capacity of 29,419, hosted all home games.
Conference: This was FAU’s inaugural season in Conference USA after moving from the Sun Belt Conference in 2011.
Scoring: The team scored 294 total points across 12 games, averaging 24.5 points per game during the season.

How It Works

The 2013 season showcased how FAU adapted its football operations to Conference USA competition, including scheduling, player development, and game strategy. Each component contributed to the team’s on-field performance and long-term program growth.

Quarterback Rotation: Tyler Harris started 10 games and passed for 1,822 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the offense.
Defensive Performance: The defense allowed an average of 27.8 points per game, struggling at times against stronger opponents.
Running Game: Jonathan Wallace rushed for 779 yards and 5 touchdowns, becoming the team’s leading ground threat.
Special Teams: Kicker Kris Bartels made 15 of 19 field goals, providing reliable scoring in close games.
Home Record: FAU went 4–2 at home, demonstrating strong support from the Boca Raton fanbase.
Rivalry Game: The Owls lost to in-state rival FIU 28–20 in November, dropping to 0–3 against the Panthers under Pelini.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2013 Florida Atlantic Owls to the previous season and a peer program in Conference USA:

Category	2013 FAU Owls	2012 FAU Owls	2013 Middle Tennessee
Overall Record	6–6	1–11	8–5
Conference Record	4–4	1–7	5–3
Points Scored	294	178	345
Points Allowed	334	418	302
Head Coach	Carl Pelini	Carl Pelini	Rick Stockstill

The 2013 season represented a clear improvement from 2012’s 1–11 record, with FAU winning five more games and doubling its conference wins. Compared to Middle Tennessee, a more established C-USA team, FAU still lagged in scoring and defense but showed marked progress in competitiveness and consistency.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was pivotal for FAU football as it signaled the program’s potential to compete in Conference USA after years of rebuilding. It laid the foundation for future success and increased visibility for the university’s athletic department.

Program Momentum: The 6–6 record gave FAU a chance at bowl eligibility, though they were not selected due to APR scores.
Conference Integration: Competing in C-USA improved scheduling and exposure, helping recruit higher-level talent.
Coaching Stability: Carl Pelini’s second season showed modest improvement, though he was fired after 2013 despite the record.
Recruiting Impact: A winning season helped attract better recruits, especially from South Florida high schools.
Fan Engagement: Improved performance increased attendance and student involvement at home games.
Historical Context: The season marked a turning point after the post-Schnellenberger rebuilding era.

Ultimately, the 2013 Florida Atlantic Owls season was a transitional chapter that demonstrated growth and set the stage for future competitiveness in Conference USA.