What Is 2013 Bowling Green Falcons football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Bowling Green Falcons football team represented Bowling Green State University in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 8–5 record under head coach Dave Clawson. They won the MAC Championship Game 47–27 against Northern Illinois and defeated Pittsburgh 33–17 in the Little Caesars Bowl.

Key Facts

The 2013 Bowling Green Falcons finished the season with an 8–5 overall record
They won the 2013 MAC Championship Game by defeating Northern Illinois 47–27
Head coach Dave Clawson led the team to its first MAC title since 2003
Quarterback Matt Johnson threw for 3,329 yards and 25 touchdowns during the season
The Falcons defeated Pittsburgh 33–17 in the 2013 Little Caesars Bowl

Overview

The 2013 Bowling Green Falcons football team represented Bowling Green State University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as members of the East Division, the Falcons experienced a resurgence under head coach Dave Clawson, who was in his fourth and final season with the program.

This season marked a turning point for the program, culminating in a conference championship and a bowl victory. The team finished with an 8–5 overall record and a 7–1 mark in MAC play, earning them the East Division title and a spot in the MAC Championship Game.

Record: The Falcons finished the 2013 season with an 8–5 overall record and a 7–1 conference record, their best MAC performance since 2003.
MAC Championship: On December 7, 2013, they defeated Northern Illinois 47–27 in Detroit to claim their first MAC title in a decade.
Bowl Victory: They capped the season with a 33–17 win over Pittsburgh in the Little Caesars Bowl on December 26, 2013, in Detroit.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Matt Johnson threw for 3,329 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading one of the most efficient passing attacks in the MAC.
Defensive Standout: Defensive end Ryan Ermanni recorded 7.5 sacks and earned First-Team All-MAC honors for his performance.

How It Works

The 2013 season showcased how strategic coaching, offensive innovation, and disciplined defense combined to elevate a mid-major program. Dave Clawson’s leadership and the team’s execution in key games defined their success.

Head Coach: Dave Clawson led the Falcons with a focus on tempo and efficiency; he left after the season to become head coach at Wake Forest.
Offensive Scheme: The team utilized a spread-based, pass-heavy offense that averaged 35.4 points per game, ranking among the MAC’s best.
Quarterback Play: Matt Johnson’s 67.5% completion rate and 25 touchdown passes were instrumental in sustaining drives and scoring consistently.
Defensive Strategy: The defense ranked third in the MAC in points allowed per game (24.5), relying on aggressive pass rush and turnover creation.
Special Teams: Kicker Jacob Jarosz converted 15 of 18 field goal attempts, providing reliable scoring in close games.
Turnover Margin: The Falcons posted a +8 turnover margin, forcing 18 turnovers while committing only 10, a key factor in close wins.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Falcons compared to other top MAC teams that season based on key performance metrics:

Team	Overall Record	MAC Record	Points Scored	Bowl Result
Bowling Green	8–5	7–1	459	Won Little Caesars Bowl
Northern Illinois	12–2	8–0	508	Lost MAC Championship
Central Michigan	7–6	5–3	377	Lost Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Ohio	9–4	6–2	411	Won Independence Bowl
Western Michigan	1–11	1–7	188	Did not qualify

While Northern Illinois had a better overall record, Bowling Green’s dominant 47–27 win in the MAC Championship Game underscored their peak performance when it mattered most. Their bowl victory over Pittsburgh, an ACC team, further validated their status as one of the top Group of Five programs that year.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a landmark year for Bowling Green football, revitalizing the program and setting a benchmark for future success. It demonstrated that strategic coaching and player development could yield conference titles even without major recruiting advantages.

Program Momentum: The MAC title and bowl win boosted recruiting and fan engagement, laying the foundation for continued competitiveness.
Coaching Legacy: Dave Clawson’s success elevated his national profile, leading to his hiring at Wake Forest, where he continued to build strong programs.
Offensive Innovation: The spread-passing attack became a model for other mid-major teams aiming to maximize quarterback talent.
Bowl Prestige: The win over Pittsburgh in the Little Caesars Bowl gave the MAC a high-profile victory against a Power Five conference team.
Player Development: Several players, including Matt Johnson, earned NFL tryouts, showcasing the program’s ability to develop talent.
Historical Significance: It was the Falcons’ first MAC title since 2003 and remains one of the most celebrated seasons in modern program history.

The 2013 campaign proved that sustained improvement and smart football could lead to championships, making it a pivotal chapter in Bowling Green football history.