What Is 2013 San Jose State Spartans football

Overview

The 2013 San Jose State Spartans football team represented San Jose State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Mountain West Conference in the West Division, the team was led by head coach David Shaw, who was in his second year at the helm.

The Spartans played their home games at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California, and experienced a mix of successes and setbacks throughout the season. Despite showing promise early, the team struggled with consistency, ultimately finishing with a 6-7 overall record and a 5-3 conference record.

• The Spartans opened the 2013 season with a strong 34-31 victory over Stanford, a notable achievement given Stanford’s national prominence.
• Quarterback David Fales returned for his senior season and threw for 3,999 yards and 28 touchdowns, earning All-American honors.
• The team’s defense ranked in the bottom half of FBS in total defense, allowing 429.8 yards per game, which hampered their playoff aspirations.
• San Jose State secured a bowl berth by winning five of their final seven regular-season games, including key conference victories.
• They accepted an invitation to the 2013 Military Bowl, held on December 27 in Annapolis, Maryland, marking their second consecutive bowl appearance.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2013 campaign featured several memorable moments, though inconsistency defined much of the team’s trajectory. While offensive firepower was a strength, defensive lapses proved costly in close games.

• Season Record: The Spartans finished 6-7 overall and 5-3 in Mountain West play, placing third in the West Division.
• Key Victory: A 62-52 shootout win over Fresno State showcased the team’s high-octane offense, though defense remained a concern.
• Offensive Leader: Running back DJ Foster contributed 1,024 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, forming a dynamic duo with Fales.
• Defensive Struggles: The team allowed 35.1 points per game, one of the highest averages in the FBS, undermining their competitiveness.
• Bowl Game: In the Military Bowl, they faced the Bowling Green Falcons and lost 29-28 after a failed two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter.
• Final Drive: Trailing by one, San Jose State drove into the red zone but failed to convert, ending their season on a heartbreaking note.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2013 season compared to recent Spartans campaigns in key statistical categories:

The 2013 season marked a step back from the breakout 11-2 performance in 2012, though the Spartans remained competitive in conference play. While offensive production remained strong, the defense regressed significantly, contributing to a losing record and a narrow bowl defeat. The team’s inability to close out tight games highlighted areas for improvement heading into the next season.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year for San Jose State football, reflecting both the promise of a high-powered offense and the consequences of defensive shortcomings. It underscored the challenges of maintaining success after a breakout year.

• The season demonstrated that offensive excellence alone isn’t enough without a balanced team effort, especially in bowl matchups.
• David Fales’ departure after 2013 marked the end of a golden era for SJSU quarterback play, raising questions about future leadership.
• The close loss in the Military Bowl highlighted the importance of red-zone efficiency and late-game execution.
• Despite the losing record, the team maintained a national profile due to their 2012 success and high-scoring games.
• The season emphasized the need for defensive recruiting and scheme improvements to remain competitive in the Mountain West.
• It served as a cautionary tale about regression after overperformance, as the 2012 team had significantly overachieved relative to point differential.

In retrospect, the 2013 season was a reset year that provided valuable lessons for the program’s long-term development and future competitiveness in the FBS.