What Is 2013 Nevada Wolf Pack football

Overview

The 2013 Nevada Wolf Pack football team marked the inaugural season for head coach Brian Polian, who took over after Chris Ault's retirement. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the Wolf Pack represented the University of Nevada, Reno and played their home games at Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nevada.

As members of the Mountain West Conference’s West Division, the team faced a challenging schedule that included division rivals Fresno State and San Diego State. Despite a mid-season slump, the Wolf Pack finished with a winning record and earned a bowl berth, showcasing resilience under new leadership.

• Record: The team finished the 2013 season with a 7-6 overall record, including a 4-4 mark in conference play.
• Head Coach:Brian Polian began his tenure in 2013, becoming the 25th head coach in program history.
• Bowl Game: Nevada defeated Colorado State 48-45 in the 2013 New Mexico Bowl, marking their first bowl win since 2011.
• Offensive Output: The Wolf Pack averaged 28.5 points per game, led by quarterback Cody Fajardo’s dual-threat performance.
• Home Field: All home games were played at Mackay Stadium, a 30,000-seat venue located on the university campus.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign featured dramatic highs and critical turning points, particularly in close conference matchups. After a 1-3 start in Mountain West play, the team rallied to win key games against Wyoming and UNLV to secure bowl eligibility.

• September 14:Nevada lost 28-21 to UCLA, a non-conference road game that tested their early-season readiness.
• October 12: A 30-14 win over UNLV improved their conference record and boosted morale.
• November 2: A 45-21 loss to Fresno State highlighted defensive struggles against top division rivals.
• November 29: The 27-22 victory over rival UNLV secured bowl eligibility in the season finale.
• December 21: In the New Mexico Bowl, Nevada beat Colorado State 48-45 in a high-scoring shootout.
• Quarterback Stats: Cody Fajardo threw for 2,555 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 670 yards.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Nevada Wolf Pack’s performance against key conference opponents:

The table illustrates that Nevada’s performance was on par with several division rivals, though they lagged behind powerhouse Fresno State. Their identical 7-6 records with UNLV and Colorado State underscored the competitive balance in the West Division. The bowl victory gave Nevada a psychological edge despite similar win totals.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional but promising chapter in Nevada football history, setting the foundation for future competitiveness under new leadership. It demonstrated the program’s ability to adapt after the departure of a legendary coach and remain bowl-eligible.

• Coaching Transition: Brian Polian’s first season proved Nevada could remain competitive after Chris Ault’s 28-year tenure.
• Bowl Victory Significance: Winning the New Mexico Bowl provided momentum and recruiting advantages for the 2014 season.
• Quarterback Development: Cody Fajardo’s dual-threat performance solidified his legacy as one of Nevada’s most versatile QBs.
• Conference Stability: Remaining competitive in the Mountain West Conference helped maintain national visibility.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained experience, setting up future depth for the program.
• Community Engagement: A bowl appearance boosted local fan support and attendance at Mackay Stadium.

The 2013 Nevada Wolf Pack season may not have ended in a conference title, but it was a crucial step in maintaining the program’s relevance during a coaching transition, ultimately preserving its bowl tradition and competitive spirit.