What Is 2013 Georgia Southern Eagles football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Georgia Southern Eagles football team finished with a 10-3 record, winning the FCS National Championship semifinals before losing in the title game on January 4, 2014. They were led by head coach Jeff Monken and ran a dominant triple-option offense.

Key Facts

The 2013 Georgia Southern Eagles finished the season with a 10-3 record
They advanced to the FCS National Championship game on January 4, 2014
Head coach Jeff Monken led the team in his final season before moving to Army
The Eagles averaged 38.2 points per game during the 2013 season
Georgia Southern ran the triple-option offense, leading the FCS in rushing with 4,034 yards

Overview

The 2013 Georgia Southern Eagles football team represented Georgia Southern University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing as a member of the Southern Conference, the Eagles posted a 10-3 overall record and made a deep playoff run, reaching the FCS National Championship game.

Under the leadership of head coach Jeff Monken, the team showcased a dominant rushing attack powered by the triple-option offense. The 2013 season marked Monken’s final year at Georgia Southern before departing for Army, and it was also the program’s last season in the FCS before transitioning to the FBS in 2014.

Record: The Eagles finished the 2013 season with a 10-3 overall record, including a 6-2 mark in Southern Conference play.
Playoff Run: They advanced to the FCS National Championship game on January 4, 2014, losing 39-13 to North Dakota State in Frisco, Texas.
Head Coach:Jeff Monken led the team in his sixth and final season, compiling a 57-22 record during his tenure.
Offensive Identity: The Eagles led the FCS in rushing with 4,034 total rushing yards, averaging 310.3 yards per game.
Transition Year: 2013 was Georgia Southern’s final season in the FCS before moving to the Sun Belt Conference and FBS in 2014.

How It Works

The 2013 Georgia Southern Eagles operated one of the most effective triple-option offenses in college football, a system that emphasized ball control, disciplined execution, and misdirection. This offensive philosophy shaped the team’s identity and success throughout the season.

Triple-Option Offense: The Eagles ran a flexbone triple-option scheme, allowing the quarterback to choose between keeping the ball, handing off, or pitching it based on defensive reads.
Quarterback Role:Kevin Ellison served as the starting quarterback, rushing for 848 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 1,103 passing yards.
Running Backs:Matt Breida emerged as a key playmaker, rushing for 1,485 yards and 17 touchdowns on 199 carries.
Time of Possession: The offense led the FCS in time of possession, averaging 35:47 per game, controlling the clock and limiting opponents’ opportunities.
Line Play: The offensive line, despite being undersized, excelled through discipline and technique, enabling the 272.8 rushing yards per game average.
Defensive Strategy: The defense allowed 24.5 points per game and forced 23 turnovers, supporting the run-heavy offense with field position advantages.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Georgia Southern Eagles compared to the FCS National Champion North Dakota State and other top teams:

Team	Record	Points Per Game	Rushing Yards Per Game	Championship Result
Georgia Southern	10-3	38.2	310.3	Lost in Championship
North Dakota State	15-0	36.7	254.1	Champions
Eastern Washington	11-3	43.5	189.7	Lost in Semifinals
Sam Houston State	10-4	36.8	245.6	Lost in Quarterfinals
South Carolina State	10-3	28.1	202.4	Lost in First Round

The table highlights Georgia Southern’s elite rushing performance compared to other top FCS teams. While North Dakota State won the title with a perfect 15-0 record, the Eagles’ triple-option attack was more productive on the ground. However, Georgia Southern struggled in the championship game, managing only 13 points against a disciplined NDSU defense.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a pivotal moment in Georgia Southern football history, marking both the peak of their FCS era and the foundation for their FBS transition. The team’s success brought national attention and validated the effectiveness of the triple-option at a high level of competition.

Program Legacy: The 2013 run solidified Georgia Southern’s reputation as a powerhouse in FCS football, culminating in a championship appearance.
Coaching Impact: Jeff Monken’s success led to his hiring as head coach at Army, where he continued to run a similar option-based system.
Player Development: Matt Breida developed into an NFL prospect, later playing for the San Francisco 49ers and other teams.
Transition to FBS: The 2013 season provided momentum as Georgia Southern moved to the Sun Belt Conference in 2014, starting FBS play.
National Exposure: The championship game appearance gave the small school unprecedented media visibility and recruiting advantages.
System Influence: The Eagles’ success inspired other programs to revisit the triple-option as a viable strategy in modern football.

The 2013 Georgia Southern Eagles remain a symbol of disciplined, team-oriented football. Their blend of tradition, innovation, and competitive success continues to influence college football programs today.