What Is 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl

Overview

The 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl was a postseason NCAA Division I FBS college football game played on January 1, 2013, in Dallas, Texas. It featured the Penn State Nittany Lions from the Big Ten Conference and the BYU Cougars from the West Coast Conference, marking the second edition of the bowl game.

Hosted at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium, the game drew a crowd of 60,142 fans and was broadcast nationally on ESPN. The matchup was significant for Penn State, as it marked their first winning season since 2009, despite ongoing sanctions related to the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

• Game Date: The 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl took place on January 1, 2013, making it one of the early bowl games of the postseason calendar.
• Location: The game was held at the Cotton Bowl Stadium, a historic 92,000-seat venue located in Fair Park, Dallas, Texas.
• Teams: The Penn State Nittany Lions (7–5) faced the BYU Cougars (7–5), both coming off moderate regular seasons.
• Final Score: Penn State won 31–24, securing their first winning record since 2009 and finishing the season at 8–5.
• Attendance: A total of 60,142 fans attended, one of the largest non-New Year’s Six bowl crowds that season.

Game Summary

The 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl featured a tightly contested game between Penn State and BYU, with both teams showcasing strong offensive performances. Penn State took an early lead, but BYU fought back in the second half, making the final quarter highly competitive.

• First Quarter: Penn State opened scoring with a 34-yard field goal by Sam Ficken, giving them an early 3–0 lead.
• Second Quarter: Quarterback Bill Belton rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, extending Penn State’s lead to 10–0 before halftime.
• Third Quarter: BYU responded with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Riley Nelson to Cody Hoffman, cutting the deficit to 17–10.
• Fourth Quarter: Penn State’s Zach Zwinak rushed for two touchdowns, including a 50-yarder, to seal the 31–24 victory.
• Defensive Stand: Penn State’s defense held firm in the final minutes, stopping BYU on a 4th-and-1 at the Nittany Lions’ 34-yard line.
• MVP: Running back Zach Zwinak was named game MVP after rushing for 139 yards and three touchdowns.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key statistics between Penn State and BYU during the 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl highlights the game’s pivotal moments and team performances.

The table shows Penn State’s balanced attack and superior rushing game, which proved decisive. Despite BYU’s edge in passing yards, Penn State’s ability to control the clock and limit turnovers contributed to their victory. The Nittany Lions converted 7 of 14 third downs, while BYU managed only 5 of 13, further illustrating Penn State’s efficiency.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl had broader implications beyond the final score, impacting team morale, postseason records, and program trajectories. For Penn State, the win symbolized resilience amid NCAA sanctions and coaching transitions.

• Program Momentum: The win gave Penn State their first winning season since 2009, providing a morale boost during a turbulent era.
• Player Development: Running back Zach Zwinak emerged as a key player, rushing for three touchdowns in a standout performance.
• Recruiting Impact: A visible bowl win on ESPN helped Penn State maintain recruiting momentum despite sanctions.
• Historical Context: The game was part of Penn State’s transition under coach Bill O'Brien, who left for the NFL after the season.
• Bowl Legacy: The Heart of Dallas Bowl gained credibility with a high-attendance, competitive game between two national programs.
• Financial Benefit: The payout of approximately $1.2 million supported athletic departments at both schools.

Ultimately, the 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl served as both a competitive contest and a symbolic moment for Penn State football’s perseverance. Its combination of drama, records, and national exposure solidified its place in college football postseason history.