What Is 2013 UT Martin Skyhawks football

Overview

The 2013 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), the team was led by head coach Jason Simpson, who was in his seventh year at the helm.

The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium, a 7,500-seat facility located in Martin, Tennessee. Despite a balanced season, the team failed to secure a winning record or a postseason berth, finishing with a 6–6 overall mark and 4–4 in conference play.

• Record: The team finished the 2013 season with a 6–6 overall record, matching their win total from the previous year but failing to improve on their OVC standing.
• Conference performance: In Ohio Valley Conference play, the Skyhawks went 4–4, placing them in the middle of the nine-team league standings.
• Head coach:Jason Simpson, entering his 7th season, continued to build the program with a focus on developing consistent offensive and defensive schemes.
• Home stadium: The team played at Graham Stadium, which has hosted Skyhawks football since 1980 and underwent renovations in 2012 to improve facilities.
• Postseason: Despite a .500 record, the Skyhawks did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, as only conference champions or at-large teams with strong resumes advanced.

How It Works

The 2013 season followed standard NCAA FCS regulations, with an 11- or 12-game regular season schedule culminating in potential playoff qualification based on conference performance and national rankings.

• Schedule length: The Skyhawks played a 12-game regular season, which included nine regular opponents and three conference matchups scheduled against OVC rivals.
• Conference alignment: As a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, UT Martin competed for the automatic playoff bid awarded to the conference champion.
• Playoff eligibility: Only the OVC champion received an automatic bid; other teams needed an at-large selection, which required a strong overall record and national ranking.
• Recruiting pipeline: The program relied heavily on regional talent from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, focusing on high school athletes with FCS-level potential.
• Game operations: Home games were broadcast on local radio and streamed online, with average attendance ranging between 3,000 and 4,500 fans per game.
• Coaching structure: Jason Simpson led a staff of 12 assistant coaches, overseeing offense, defense, and special teams with a balanced pro-style offensive scheme.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2013 UT Martin Skyhawks compared to other OVC teams in key performance metrics:

The Skyhawks ranked in the middle of the OVC in both scoring and defense, averaging 28.5 points per game while allowing 29.1. Their performance reflected a team competitive in most games but lacking the consistency to secure a winning season or playoff spot.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year for the UT Martin football program, highlighting both progress and the challenges of competing in the FCS. While not a championship contender, the team demonstrated resilience and laid groundwork for future development.

• Program stability: Remaining under Jason Simpson’s leadership provided continuity, a rare asset among FCS programs experiencing frequent coaching changes.
• Recruiting impact: A .500 season helped maintain regional recruiting momentum, particularly in West Tennessee, where the university draws many athletes.
• Competitive balance: Going 4–4 in conference showed the team could compete with any OVC opponent, boosting morale and fan engagement.
• Facility investment: Continued use of Graham Stadium underscored the university’s commitment to supporting athletics despite limited resources.
• Player development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, setting the stage for improved performance in 2014 and beyond.
• Conference relevance: Remaining competitive helped UT Martin maintain its standing in the OVC, which is critical for media exposure and scheduling opportunities.

While the 2013 season did not yield a postseason appearance, it served as a building block for future success, emphasizing development, consistency, and conference competitiveness.