What Is 2013 Syracuse Orange football team

Overview

The 2013 Syracuse Orange football team competed as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the team's first full season under head coach Scott Shafer, who took over after Doug Marrone left to coach in the NFL. The team played its home games at the Carrier Dome, a venue known for its loud atmosphere and indoor turf.

Syracuse finished the regular season with a 6–6 record, making them bowl-eligible for the third consecutive year. They earned a bid to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, where they defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 23–20 in a rainy game at Yankee Stadium. The victory marked the program’s first bowl win since 2010 and improved their all-time bowl record to 20–19–1.

• Head coach Scott Shafer led the team in his debut season, implementing a new defensive scheme focused on aggressive pressure and zone coverage.
• The Orange finished 4–4 in ACC play, tying for third place in the ACC Atlantic Division behind Florida State and Clemson.
• Quarterback Terrel Hunt was a dual-threat leader, throwing for 1,555 yards and rushing for 629, including key performances against UConn and Pittsburgh.
• The defense ranked 42nd nationally in total defense, allowing 365.2 yards per game, a significant improvement from previous seasons.
• Running back Jerome Smith rushed for 897 yards and 14 touchdowns, becoming one of the most reliable offensive weapons.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2013 campaign featured a mix of close wins and tough losses, with several games decided by a touchdown or less. The team showed resilience, particularly in November, winning three of their final four regular-season games to secure bowl eligibility.

• Season opener: Syracuse defeated Penn State 23–17 in a defensive battle at MetLife Stadium, marking their first win over the Nittany Lions since 2001.
• ACC opener: The Orange lost 42–13 to Clemson, exposing weaknesses in pass defense but highlighting the need for midseason adjustments.
• Key win: A 17–10 victory over UConn featured a goal-line stand and solidified Terrel Hunt’s leadership under pressure.
• Defensive standout: Defensive end Brandon Sharpe recorded 6.5 sacks, emerging as a disruptive force on the line.
• November surge: Wins over Maryland, UConn, and Boston College helped the team recover from a 3–5 start.
• Pinstripe Bowl: Kicker Ryan Norton made a 41-yard field goal with under two minutes left to secure the 23–20 win over Minnesota.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Syracuse team compared to the previous season in key statistical categories:

The data shows a slight decline in scoring but a marked improvement in defensive performance. Despite losing one more game than the previous year, the 2013 team was more disciplined on defense and more balanced in the running game. The improved rushing attack and better tackling contributed to their late-season momentum and bowl success.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was pivotal for Syracuse football as it marked the beginning of a new era under Scott Shafer and demonstrated the team’s ability to compete in the ACC despite limited national recognition. The Pinstripe Bowl victory provided momentum and recruiting leverage for future seasons.

• The season proved transition years can succeed even after a head coach departure, maintaining bowl eligibility under new leadership.
• Player development was evident, with Terrel Hunt and Jerome Smith emerging as reliable starters in a run-heavy offense.
• The improved defense under Shafer’s scheme laid the foundation for future recruiting classes focused on athleticism and speed.
• Winning in a neutral-site bowl game at Yankee Stadium helped boost regional fan engagement and media exposure.
• The team’s resilience after a 3–5 start demonstrated mental toughness, a trait emphasized by the new coaching staff.
• Finishing with a winning record in bowl games (7–6) helped maintain stability in the program during conference realignment uncertainty.

Overall, the 2013 season served as a bridge between the Doug Marrone era and a new chapter for Syracuse football, combining veteran leadership with emerging talent and setting the stage for future competitiveness in the ACC.