What Is 2013 Savannah State Tigers football

Overview

The 2013 Savannah State Tigers football team represented Savannah State University in the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Earnest Wilson in his third year at the helm, following a transition period after leaving the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in 2011.

Despite high hopes for improvement, the Tigers struggled offensively and defensively, finishing the season with a 2–9 overall record. The team played its home games at Ted A. Wright Stadium in Savannah, Georgia, a venue with a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators.

• Record: The Tigers finished the 2013 season with a 2–9 overall record, marking their third consecutive losing season under Earnest Wilson.
• Conference Status: Savannah State competed as an FCS Independent in 2013, having left the MEAC after the 2010 season due to scholarship discrepancies.
• Offensive Output: The team scored 208 total points across 11 games, averaging 18.9 points per game, one of the lowest in the FCS.
• Defensive Struggles: Savannah State allowed 378 total points, averaging 34.4 points per game against, reflecting major defensive shortcomings.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Ted A. Wright Stadium, a historic on-campus facility with artificial turf installed in 2011.

How It Works

The 2013 season structure for Savannah State involved scheduling non-conference opponents independently, managing player development, and preparing for future reclassification goals.

• Scheduling Strategy: As an independent, the Tigers had to self-arrange all 11 games, often facing stronger FCS and FBS programs, which increased difficulty.
• Recruiting Model: The program focused on regional talent from Georgia and South Carolina, emphasizing academic eligibility and athletic potential.
• Coaching Philosophy: Earnest Wilson emphasized discipline and fundamentals, though the team lacked depth and experience on both sides of the ball.
• Game Preparation: Weekly preparations included film study, strength training, and situational drills tailored to upcoming opponents’ tendencies.
• Player Development: Young players saw significant playing time, with 18 true or redshirt freshmen starting at least one game during the season.
• Financial Constraints: Limited athletic funding impacted travel, equipment upgrades, and staff size compared to peer institutions.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2013 Savannah State Tigers compared to peer FCS teams in key statistical categories:

The data shows Savannah State ranked near the bottom in scoring and defense compared to MEAC peers, despite having previously competed in the conference. Their independent status limited access to conference revenue and scheduling stability, contributing to performance gaps. While other MEAC teams enjoyed structured rivalries and postseason eligibility, Savannah State lacked those advantages in 2013.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a pivotal chapter in Savannah State’s broader football reclassification journey and long-term athletic development.

• Rebuilding Phase: The season highlighted ongoing challenges after leaving the MEAC, including recruiting and competitive balance issues.
• Independent Status: Competing without a conference affected scheduling quality, national exposure, and postseason opportunities.
• Player Development: Young talent gained experience, laying groundwork for future seasons under Wilson’s leadership.
• Financial Impact: Independent status increased travel costs and reduced revenue-sharing benefits available in conferences.
• Program Visibility: Limited media coverage and sparse attendance affected recruitment and fan engagement.
• Future Reaffiliation: The struggles of 2013 contributed to the decision to rejoin the MEAC in 2015, restoring conference stability.

Ultimately, the 2013 season underscored the difficulties of operating an FCS independent program without robust institutional support. While results were disappointing, the experience informed strategic changes that led to eventual conference realignment and renewed competitiveness.