What Is 2013 Lehigh Mountain Hawks football

Overview

The 2013 Lehigh Mountain Hawks football team represented Lehigh University during the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Patriot League, the team was led by head coach Andy Coen, who was in his seventh year at the helm.

The Mountain Hawks played their home games at Goodman Stadium, a 16,000-seat venue located on Lehigh's campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Despite a balanced season, Lehigh did not qualify for the FCS playoffs after finishing with a losing record in non-conference matchups.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 6–6 overall record, marking a slight decline from their 10–3 campaign in 2012.
• Conference performance: In Patriot League play, Lehigh went 3–3, placing in the middle of the seven-team standings.
• Head coach: Andy Coen, in his seventh season, continued to build on Lehigh’s recent success, including a league title in 2010 and 2012.
• Home stadium: All home games were held at Goodman Stadium, which has hosted Lehigh football since 1988.
• Postseason: Lehigh did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, ending their season after the regular schedule concluded.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign featured a mix of close wins and tough losses, with several games decided by one possession. Lehigh faced a challenging non-conference schedule that impacted their overall record.

• Early-season struggles: The team opened with a 1–3 record, including losses to FBS opponent Penn State and FCS program Lafayette.
• Offensive output: Lehigh averaged 27.8 points per game, down slightly from their 31.2 average in 2012.
• Defensive challenges: The defense allowed 28.5 points per game, struggling particularly in games against stronger offenses.
• Key players: Quarterback Brad Mayes led the offense, throwing for 1,872 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season.
• Rivalry game: In the 154th meeting of The Rivalry, Lehigh lost to Lafayette 35–28 in a high-scoring contest.
• Season finale: The team closed with a 28–14 win over Georgetown, providing a positive end to an otherwise inconsistent year.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Lehigh’s 2013 season versus key recent seasons in terms of performance and outcomes:

The table illustrates a clear dip in performance from 2012’s dominant Patriot League championship season to 2013’s middling results. While scoring remained relatively consistent, defensive lapses and a tougher schedule contributed to the team’s inability to repeat their success. The 2013 season marked a transitional year as Lehigh adjusted to increased competition and roster changes.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season serves as a case study in the volatility of college football, especially at the FCS level, where small roster differences can dramatically affect outcomes. Despite returning key talent, Lehigh struggled to maintain consistency, highlighting the challenges of sustaining success.

• Program momentum: After back-to-back strong seasons, the 2013 record showed that maintaining elite status requires continuous development.
• Recruiting impact: A non-playoff season may have influenced future recruiting classes and scholarship decisions.
• Coaching evaluation: The season prompted discussions about long-term strategy under Andy Coen, though he retained his position.
• Rivalry implications: Losing to Lafayette intensified the historic rivalry and affected team morale.
• Stadium legacy: Goodman Stadium continued to be a central venue for Lehigh athletics, drawing consistent local support.
• Development pipeline: Several 2013 players went on to become key contributors in subsequent seasons, proving the year’s developmental value.

While not a standout year in Lehigh football history, the 2013 season provided valuable lessons in resilience and program management. It underscored the importance of depth, preparation, and adaptability in collegiate athletics.