What Is 2013 Maine Black Bears football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record and 3–5 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) under head coach Jack Cosgrove.

Key Facts

The 2013 Maine Black Bears finished the season with a 5–6 overall record
They competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) with a 3–5 conference record
Head coach Jack Cosgrove led the team in his 13th season at Maine
The team played home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine
Maine did not qualify for the FCS playoffs in 2013

Overview

The 2013 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). It was the program's 123rd season of competition and the 13th under head coach Jack Cosgrove, who had become one of the longest-tenured coaches in FCS football by that point.

The team played its home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine, and competed in a challenging CAA conference that included several nationally ranked programs. Despite a moderate improvement in some statistical categories, the Black Bears failed to reach a winning record or qualify for the FCS playoffs.

Record: The Black Bears finished the 2013 season with a 5–6 overall record, marking a slight decline from their 6–5 mark in 2012.
Conference Performance: In CAA play, they went 3–5, placing them in the lower half of the conference standings and missing postseason eligibility.
Head Coach:Jack Cosgrove was in his 13th season as head coach, having led the program since 2000 and compiling a steady but unspectacular overall record.
Home Stadium: The team played at Alfond Stadium, a 8,419-seat venue in Orono that has been Maine’s home since 1958.
Postseason: Maine did not qualify for the FCS playoffs in 2013, continuing a postseason drought that extended back to their last appearance in 2006.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2013 campaign featured a mix of close losses and narrow wins, highlighting both the team’s resilience and its limitations against top-tier CAA competition. Several games were decided by one possession, underscoring the team’s struggle for consistency.

Season Opener: Maine opened with a 27–24 win over Colgate on August 31, showing early promise with a balanced offensive effort.
Key Loss: A 35–17 defeat to James Madison on October 12 exemplified struggles against top CAA teams, as the defense allowed 427 total yards.
Close Call: The Black Bears lost to Richmond 27–24 in overtime on October 19, a game that could have shifted their playoff hopes.
Defensive Standout: Linebacker Deshaun Marsh recorded 109 tackles, leading the team and ranking among the CAA leaders.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Dan Collins threw for 1,847 yards and 12 touchdowns, though with 11 interceptions.
Final Game: Maine closed the season with a 34–16 win over Albany on November 23, providing a positive note to an otherwise underwhelming year.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Maine Black Bears with select CAA peers in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points For	Points Against
Maine	5–6	3–5	247	281
James Madison	8–4	6–2	326	218
New Hampshire	6–5	4–4	298	267
Richmond	7–4	5–3	289	234
William & Mary	6–5	5–3	274	245

While Maine’s point differential of –34 indicated defensive vulnerabilities, their performance lagged behind several mid-tier CAA teams. The data shows Maine scored fewer points and allowed more than most teams with similar win totals, suggesting inefficiencies on both sides of the ball. The team’s inability to win close games ultimately defined their season.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year for the Black Bears, reflecting broader challenges in maintaining competitiveness within the increasingly strong CAA. Though not a historic season, it provided insights into program development and coaching continuity.

Program Stability: Jack Cosgrove’s long tenure offered consistency, but raised questions about ceiling potential without playoff appearances.
Recruiting Impact: A losing record may have affected recruiting momentum, especially compared to rising CAA programs.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained experience, setting the foundation for future seasons under Cosgrove.
Conference Competition: The CAA’s depth in 2013, with multiple teams in the FCS playoffs, highlighted the difficulty of breaking through.
Fan Engagement: Attendance at Alfond Stadium remained modest, with average crowds around 5,000, reflecting limited excitement.
Historical Context: The 2013 season was part of a stretch where Maine failed to reach the FCS playoffs for nearly a decade, from 2007 to 2017.

The 2013 Maine Black Bears season serves as a case study in mid-tier FCS football—competitive but not dominant, with flashes of potential constrained by roster limitations and coaching decisions. It underscores the challenges of sustaining success in a highly competitive subdivision.