What Is 2013 South Alabama Jaguars football

Overview

The 2013 South Alabama Jaguars football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), marking their third season at that level. As an independent program, they were not part of a conference but scheduled a full 12-game slate to remain bowl-eligible.

Under head coach Joey Jones, who led the program since its inception in 2009, the team showed gradual improvement. The 2013 season concluded with a 6–6 record, narrowly missing a postseason berth due to a lack of available bowl slots and tiebreakers.

• The team finished 6–6: This matched their win total from 2012 and marked the third consecutive season with at least six wins, signaling steady progress in the program’s early years.
• Joey Jones was in his fifth year as head coach: Hired in 2008 to build the program from scratch, Jones guided South Alabama through its transition from FCS to FBS, culminating in full FBS membership in 2012.
• They played as an FBS independent: With no conference affiliation in 2013, the Jaguars scheduled non-conference opponents across multiple time zones, including games against Mississippi State and Kent State.
• Home games were held at Ladd–Peebles Stadium: A historic venue in Mobile with a capacity of 40,646, it hosted the Senior Bowl and served as South Alabama’s home field until 2020.
• The defense allowed 27.8 points per game: While the offense struggled at times, the defense showed improvement, forcing 18 turnovers and holding three opponents under 10 points.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign featured a challenging non-conference slate and a mid-season winning streak that kept postseason hopes alive. Despite falling short of a bowl game, the season was viewed as a step forward in the program’s development.

• Blake Mitchell started 10 games at quarterback: He passed for 1,528 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, showing flashes of potential but also inconsistency under pressure.
• The running game was led by Justin Bell: He rushed for 672 yards and 5 touchdowns on 147 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and serving as a reliable ground option.
• The Jaguars opened with a win over Grambling State: A 41–0 shutout on August 29 demonstrated defensive dominance and set a positive tone for the season.
• A 35–24 loss to Mississippi State: Played on September 7, this game against an SEC opponent showcased the team’s ability to compete despite the 11-point deficit.
• They won four of their final six games: Victories over New Mexico State, Texas State, and Western Kentucky highlighted late-season momentum and improved team cohesion.
• South Alabama missed a bowl due to tiebreakers: Despite a 6–6 record, the team was not selected for a bowl game, as only 70 of 76 eligible teams received invitations that year.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2013 Jaguars to the previous two seasons reveals trends in scoring, defense, and overall competitiveness:

The table shows that while offensive output remained relatively stable from 2011 to 2013, the defense regressed slightly in 2013 compared to 2012. The transition into the Sun Belt Conference in 2014 brought new scheduling challenges, but the 2013 season laid the groundwork for conference play.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a pivotal moment in the evolution of South Alabama football, representing the final year before full Sun Belt Conference membership. It highlighted both the program’s growth and the challenges of competing at the FBS level without conference support.

• South Alabama joined the Sun Belt in 2014: The 2013 season was their last as an independent, making it a bridge between developmental years and conference competition.
• Recruiting improved under Jones: Increased visibility from FBS play helped attract higher-rated prospects, especially from the Gulf Coast region.
• The team built a bowl-eligible record: Achieving a 6–6 mark three times in four years demonstrated consistency despite limited resources.
• Ladd–Peebles Stadium hosted high-profile games: The venue’s use for both college and professional events elevated the program’s regional profile.
• Player development became a focus: Several 2013 contributors went on to start in Sun Belt play, including defensive back Cornelius Douglas.
• The season underscored scheduling challenges: As an independent, the Jaguars had to secure tough non-conference matchups to gain recognition, often at a competitive cost.

Ultimately, the 2013 South Alabama Jaguars season was a transitional chapter that helped solidify the program’s place in FBS football, setting the stage for future conference success and long-term stability.