What Is 2013 Army Black Knights football team

Overview

The 2013 Army Black Knights football team represented the United States Military Academy in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as an independent with no conference affiliation, the team struggled to find consistency under head coach Rich Ellerson, who was in his fifth and final year at the helm.

Despite a challenging season, Army showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly on the ground, where their triple-option offense remained a hallmark. The team ultimately finished with a 3–9 record, marking the third consecutive losing season under Ellerson and prompting leadership changes after the year concluded.

• Record: The Black Knights finished the 2013 season with a 3–9 overall record, including 0–3 against ranked opponents and 3–6 in non-conference play.
• Head coach:Rich Ellerson led the team for five seasons before being dismissed after 2013, finishing his Army tenure with a 29–45 overall record.
• Offensive performance: Army averaged 20.7 points per game and accumulated 248 total points over 12 games, relying heavily on the triple-option rushing attack.
• Defensive struggles: The defense allowed an average of 33.5 points per game, surrendering over 40 points in five separate games during the season.
• Home games: Army played its home games at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, a venue with a capacity of approximately 38,000 fans.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign was marked by offensive inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities, especially against stronger FBS programs. While Army’s rushing attack remained effective at times, the inability to stop opponents ultimately defined the season.

• Buffalo (23–13): In their season opener, Army secured a 23–13 victory over Buffalo, marking their first win since November 2012.
• Loss to Wake Forest (35–7): The Black Knights were outmatched by Wake Forest, who controlled the game with 429 total yards and a dominant defensive front.
• Win over Massachusetts (31–26): Army narrowly defeated UMass, surviving a late rally to improve to 2–1 early in the season.
• Defeat by Duke (42–21): Duke’s balanced attack overwhelmed Army, with the Blue Devils gaining 514 total yards in a decisive win.
• Final win vs. Eastern Michigan (42–7): Army delivered a dominant performance, rushing for 385 yards in a lopsided victory.
• Loss to Temple (34–19): Temple’s defense forced three turnovers, contributing to Army’s fifth consecutive loss late in the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Army’s 2013 season can be contextualized by comparing key statistics to the previous year and national averages:

The data shows that while Army remained a strong rushing team, their offensive efficiency declined compared to 2012, and their defense regressed significantly. The drop in third-down conversion and increased points allowed highlight areas of concern that contributed to the losing record.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a turning point for Army football, leading to significant changes in leadership and program direction. The team’s performance underscored the challenges of maintaining competitiveness as an independent without a conference’s resources or scheduling support.

• Coaching change:Rich Ellerson was fired after the season, ending a five-year stint that included one winning season (2010, 7–6).
• Program transition: His departure paved the way for Jeff Monken, who took over in December 2013 and later revitalized the program.
• Recruiting impact: The losing record made it harder to attract top-tier talent, especially compared to Power Five conference teams.
• Independence challenges: Without a conference, Army faced scheduling difficulties and limited access to bowl tie-ins or shared revenue.
• Player development: The season highlighted the need for improved quarterback play and secondary depth, both addressed under Monken.
• Historical context: The 3–9 record was part of a longer stretch of struggles, with Army posting only five winning seasons between 1996 and 2017.

Ultimately, the 2013 season served as a low point that catalyzed necessary reforms, setting the foundation for future improvements under new leadership.