What Is 2013 Montana Grizzlies football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 7-5 overall record and 5-3 in Big Sky Conference play under head coach Mick Delaney.

Key Facts

Finished the 2013 season with a 7-5 overall record
Posted a 5-3 conference record in the Big Sky Conference
Head coach Mick Delaney led the team in his fourth season
Played home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula
Did not qualify for the FCS playoffs despite strong offensive stats

Overview

The 2013 Montana Grizzlies football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as members of the Big Sky Conference. Led by head coach Mick Delaney in his fourth season, the team aimed to return to postseason contention after missing the playoffs in 2012.

Playing their home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Montana, the Grizzlies showcased a high-powered offense but fell short of a playoff berth. Despite a winning record and competitive conference performance, they were not selected for the FCS postseason tournament.

Record: The team finished the season with a 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
Head Coach: Mick Delaney served as head coach for the fourth consecutive season, guiding the team through a transition phase with several key roster changes.
Stadium: Home games were played at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 25,000 and is known for its loud, passionate fan base.
Offensive Output: The Grizzlies averaged 35.2 points per game, ranking among the top 10 in the FCS for scoring offense during the regular season.
Defensive Challenges: The defense allowed 28.6 points per game, struggling at times against high-tempo Big Sky opponents like Eastern Washington and North Dakota.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign featured a mix of strong offensive showings and defensive inconsistencies across both non-conference and conference matchups. The team showed resilience in close games but ultimately fell just short of playoff qualification.

September 7, 2013: Opened the season with a dominant 63-14 win over Western New Mexico, a Division II team, setting a positive early tone.
Quarterback Play: Junior quarterback Jordan Johnson started most games, throwing for 2,386 yards and 18 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions.
Key Victory: A 38-35 overtime win against Idaho State in October kept playoff hopes alive and showcased the team’s offensive firepower.
Season-Ending Loss: A 42-21 defeat to rival Montana State in the Brawl of the Wild sealed their fate, eliminating them from postseason contention.
Running Game: Running back John Edwards rushed for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the first Grizzly to surpass 1,000 rushing yards since 2009.
Receiving Leader: Wide receiver Maurice Shaw recorded 57 receptions for 818 yards and 7 touchdowns, emerging as the team’s top offensive weapon.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2013 Montana Grizzlies stacked up against key conference rivals in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game	Points Allowed
Montana	7-5	5-3	35.2	28.6
Eastern Washington	11-3	7-1	41.5	26.8
Montana State	7-5	5-3	30.1	24.3
North Dakota State	15-0	7-0 (Missouri Valley)	39.8	13.6
UC Davis	6-6	4-4	27.8	28.1

The data shows that while Montana’s offense ranked highly, their defense was outperformed by playoff-caliber teams like Eastern Washington and Montana State. Their point differential and strength of schedule ultimately hurt their postseason resume despite a winning record.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year that highlighted both the potential and limitations of the Grizzlies’ program under Delaney. It underscored the importance of balanced performance across offense and defense in FCS competition.

Program Momentum: The season helped rebuild confidence after a losing 2012 campaign, laying groundwork for future improvements under new leadership.
Recruiting Impact: Strong individual performances, especially from Edwards and Shaw, boosted the team’s recruiting profile in the Northwest region.
Coaching Transition: Delaney retired after the 2014 season, making 2013 a key evaluation year for the future coaching direction.
Rivalry Significance: The loss to Montana State in the Brawl of the Wild extended a streak of close, high-stakes games that define the program’s identity.
Statistical Legacy: The team’s 35.2-point average was the highest for Montana since 2004, signaling a shift toward modern offensive schemes.
Fan Engagement: Despite missing the playoffs, average home attendance remained above 22,000, reflecting strong community support.

Ultimately, the 2013 season served as a bridge between eras for the Grizzlies, combining offensive success with lessons in consistency and defense that would shape future seasons.