What Is 2013 Idaho State Bengals football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Idaho State Bengals football team represented Idaho State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 4–7 record under head coach Mike Kramer, who resigned mid-season; former assistant Mike Machurek took over as interim coach.

Key Facts

The 2013 Idaho State Bengals football team finished with a 4–7 overall record.
They played in the Big Sky Conference and had a conference record of 3–5.
Head coach Mike Kramer resigned after five games due to health issues.
Interim coach Mike Machurek led the team for the remainder of the season.
The Bengals scored 238 total points, averaging 21.6 points per game.

Overview

The 2013 Idaho State Bengals football team represented Idaho State University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) during the 2013 season. Competing as members of the Big Sky Conference, the team faced challenges both on and off the field, including a mid-season coaching change that impacted their performance throughout the year.

Despite a promising start, the Bengals struggled to maintain consistency, finishing the season with a 4–7 overall record and a 3–5 mark in conference play. The season highlighted both the resilience of the program and the difficulties of rebuilding under transitional leadership.

Season Record: The Bengals ended the 2013 season with a 4–7 overall record, their best performance since 2010, showing signs of improvement under challenging circumstances.
Conference Play: In Big Sky Conference games, they went 3–5, placing them in the lower half of the standings but competitive in most matchups.
Head Coaching Change: Mike Kramer resigned in October 2013 after five games due to health concerns, ending his five-year tenure with the program.
Interim Leadership: Offensive coordinator Mike Machurek was named interim head coach and led the team for the final six games of the season.
Scoring Output: Idaho State scored 238 total points across 11 games, averaging 21.6 points per game, with their offense showing flashes of potential.

How the Season Unfolded

The 2013 season was marked by instability and transition, beginning with high hopes but quickly shifting due to unforeseen leadership changes. The team’s performance reflected both the challenges of adapting to new coaching strategies and the growing pains of a developing roster.

Season Opener: The Bengals opened with a 34–17 win over Western New Mexico, a Division II team, showing early offensive promise under Kramer.
Mike Kramer's Resignation: On October 8, 2013, Kramer stepped down after a 2–3 start, citing health issues, leaving the program in transition.
Mike Machurek's Role: Machurek, previously the offensive coordinator, took over as interim head coach and adjusted the offensive game plan mid-season.
Key Victory: A 38–35 double-overtime win over Northern Colorado on October 26 was a highlight, showcasing the team’s resilience under Machurek.
Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 30.5 points per game, among the highest in the Big Sky, contributing to their inconsistent results.
Season Finale: The Bengals closed with a 35–28 loss to rival Weber State, finishing 4–7 and failing to qualify for the FCS playoffs.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2013 season can be better understood by comparing it to the previous year and other Big Sky teams in the same period.

Team	Year	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game
Idaho State Bengals	2013	4–7	3–5	21.6
Idaho State Bengals	2012	3–8	2–6	19.1
Montana	2013	8–4	5–3	32.8
Eastern Washington	2013	6–5	5–3	34.6
Weber State	2013	7–4	6–2	28.7

The table illustrates that while Idaho State improved slightly from 2012, they still lagged behind top Big Sky performers like Montana and Eastern Washington. Their scoring and defensive metrics remained below conference average, indicating ongoing development needs.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional chapter in Idaho State football history, reflecting broader challenges in mid-major college programs. It underscored the importance of coaching stability and long-term program development in competitive FCS conferences.

Coaching Impact: The mid-season coaching change disrupted team cohesion, highlighting how leadership stability affects performance on the field.
Program Development: The season served as a benchmark for future rebuilding efforts under new permanent leadership hired in 2014.
Recruiting Implications: A 4–7 record made recruiting more difficult, though the close losses demonstrated competitive potential.
Conference Competitiveness: Idaho State remained behind elite Big Sky teams, emphasizing the need for improved recruiting and facilities.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, forming the foundation for future seasons under new coaching staff.
Fan Engagement: Despite the record, home games maintained moderate attendance, showing continued community support for the program.

Ultimately, the 2013 Idaho State Bengals season was a mix of progress and setbacks, setting the stage for future changes that would shape the direction of the football program in the years to come.