What Is 2013 Weber State Wildcats football

Overview

The 2013 Weber State Wildcats football team represented Weber State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by first-year head coach Jay Hill, who took over the program after the departure of previous coach Ron McBride.

The Wildcats showed significant improvement from prior seasons, finishing with a 7–5 overall record and a 5–3 mark in conference play. Their offensive performance was highlighted by consistent scoring, averaging 28.6 points per game, while defense remained a work in progress throughout the season.

• Season Record: The team finished with a 7–5 overall record, marking a turnaround from previous years of subpar performance.
• Head Coach: Jay Hill began his tenure in 2013, bringing a new defensive mindset and culture to the program.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Stewart Stadium in Ogden, Utah, which has a seating capacity of 8,500.
• Conference: The Wildcats competed in the Big Sky Conference, one of the premier leagues in the FCS.
• Offensive Output: Weber State averaged 28.6 points per game, ranking them among the top half of the conference in scoring.

How It Works

The 2013 season operated under standard NCAA FCS regulations, with Weber State participating in a 12-game regular season schedule. The team’s structure included offensive, defensive, and special teams units, all coordinated under head coach Jay Hill’s leadership.

• Season Format: The FCS season consists of an 11- or 12-game regular season, with potential playoff qualification based on rankings and conference results.
• Head Coach Role: Jay Hill was responsible for overall strategy, player development, and game-day decisions, shaping the team’s identity in his first year.
• Big Sky Conference: Membership in the Big Sky provided a structured schedule of eight conference games and four non-conference matchups.
• Player Eligibility: Athletes must meet NCAA academic and amateurism standards, with most players on scholarship or walk-on status.
• Game Structure: Each game consists of four 15-minute quarters, with overtime used if the score is tied after regulation.
• Scoring System: Teams earn points via touchdowns (6 points), field goals (3 points), and extra point attempts, influencing game strategy.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Weber State Wildcats with select Big Sky Conference teams based on key performance metrics.

The table illustrates that while Weber State’s 7–5 record matched Montana State’s, the Bobcats had a stronger conference record at 6–2. Eastern Washington led in scoring with 37.2 points per game, while Weber State ranked third in the group. This competitive landscape highlights the level of play within the Big Sky during the 2013 season.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a foundational year for Weber State football, setting the stage for future success under Jay Hill. It marked the beginning of a cultural shift that would eventually lead to stronger performances in subsequent seasons.

• Program Rebuilding: Jay Hill’s first season laid the groundwork for future recruiting and player development strategies.
• Competitive Growth: The 7–5 record signaled improvement, boosting morale and fan engagement on campus.
• Conference Standing: A 5–3 conference record placed Weber State in the upper middle of the Big Sky, showing competitiveness.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, contributing to future team depth.
• Recruiting Momentum: Success on the field helped attract higher-caliber recruits in the following years.
• Long-Term Impact: The 2013 season is viewed as the start of a resurgence that led to playoff appearances later in the decade.

Overall, the 2013 Weber State Wildcats season was a pivotal chapter in the program’s history. It demonstrated progress, established new leadership, and reinvigorated interest in Weber State football at both the local and national levels.