What Is 2013 Fresno State Bulldogs football

Overview

The 2013 Fresno State Bulldogs football team represented California State University, Fresno in the NCAA Division I FBS football season. Coached by Tim DeRuyter, the team competed in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference and achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history.

With a high-powered offense led by quarterback Derek Carr and a resilient defense, the Bulldogs surged late in the season to capture their first Mountain West title. Their performance earned them national recognition and a final ranking in the AP Poll.

• Derek Carr threw for 4,866 yards and 48 touchdowns during the season, finishing sixth in Heisman Trophy voting.
• The team started the season 1-3, losing to USC, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, before winning 10 straight games to end the year.
• Fresno State defeated Utah State 24-17 in the inaugural Mountain West Conference Championship Game on December 7, 2013.
• The Bulldogs finished ranked No. 22 in the final Associated Press Poll, their first top-25 finish since 2001.
• They played their home games at Bulldog Stadium in Fresno, California, averaging over 38,000 fans per game.

How It Works

The 2013 season showcased how a mid-major program could compete at a high level through offensive innovation and strong leadership. The Bulldogs' system relied on a pass-heavy attack and disciplined defensive schemes.

• Passing Attack: The Bulldogs led the nation in passing yards per game with 359.6, powered by Derek Carr’s accuracy and a deep receiving corps. This strategy kept opponents on their heels all season.
• Mountain West Championship: Introduced in 2013, the conference title game pitted the winners of the Mountain and West divisions. Fresno State won the Mountain with a 7-1 conference record.
• Defensive Turnaround: After early-season struggles, the defense allowed just 17.6 points per game over their final 10 contests, crucial to their winning streak.
• Non-Conference Schedule: A tough early slate included losses to USC (45-20), Nebraska (59-14), and Wisconsin (37-0), but built resilience for later success.
• Home Field Advantage: Fresno State went 6-0 at home in 2013, including a 48-27 win over previously unbeaten San Diego State in November.
• Bowl Game Appearance: Despite winning their conference, they were not selected for a New Year’s Six bowl; instead, they played in the 2013 Hawaii Bowl, defeating SMU 48-20.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2013 Bulldogs compared favorably to other top Group of Five teams that season. Here's how they stacked up:

While UCF claimed the final BCS non-AQ berth, Fresno State’s statistical dominance in passing and strong finish made them one of the most respected non-power conference teams. Their victory over Utah State and bowl performance solidified their status as a top-tier Group of Five program.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a landmark year for Fresno State football, highlighting the potential of mid-major programs in the modern era. It also elevated Derek Carr’s draft stock and brought national attention to the Mountain West Conference.

• The season proved that a non-Power Five team could compete with elite statistical performance, especially through the air.
• Derek Carr entered the 2014 NFL Draft and was selected in the second round by the Oakland Raiders.
• Fresno State’s 48-20 win over SMU in the Hawaii Bowl was one of the most dominant Group of Five bowl performances.
• Their 11-win season was the first since 1998 and helped boost recruiting in California’s Central Valley.
• The championship win over Utah State marked the first conference title since joining the Mountain West in 2012.
• The team’s success contributed to growing calls for fairer access to major bowls for top Group of Five teams.

The 2013 campaign remains a benchmark for Fresno State football, symbolizing both individual excellence and program resurgence on the national stage.