What Is 2013 Idaho Vandals football team

Overview

The 2013 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a football-only member of the Sun Belt Conference, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 4–8 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play.

Head coach Paul Wulff led the Vandals in his fourth and final season at the helm, with the program transitioning to FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) competition the following year. Despite flashes of offensive potential, Idaho faced challenges on defense and in close games, ultimately missing a bowl berth.

• Record: The Vandals finished the 2013 season with a 4–8 overall record, including just two wins in Sun Belt play.
• Conference: Idaho competed in the Sun Belt Conference, one of the few football-only members after conference realignment.
• Head Coach:Paul Wulff was in his fourth year as head coach, finishing his tenure with a 4–8 record in 2013 before stepping down.
• Home Stadium: The team played home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho, an indoor facility with a capacity of approximately 16,000.
• Scoring: Idaho scored 249 total points across 12 games, averaging 20.8 points per game while allowing 35.3 points per game.

Season Performance

The 2013 season was marked by offensive struggles and defensive vulnerabilities, with Idaho often overpowered by stronger Sun Belt opponents. The team opened the season with a loss to Washington State and never fully recovered momentum.

• Early Season: The Vandals started 0–3, losing to Washington State, New Mexico State, and Colorado State.
• First Win: Idaho earned its first win on September 28, 2013, defeating New Mexico State 21–14.
• Quarterback Play: Quarterback D.J. Harper and Matt Linehan split time, combining for 1,897 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.
• Rushing: Running back Dezmon Epps led the team with 591 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 142 carries.
• Defense: The defense allowed an average of 35.3 points per game, one of the highest in the FBS.
• Final Game: The season ended with a 55–3 loss to rival Boise State, highlighting the program’s competitive challenges.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Idaho Vandals compared to other Sun Belt teams in key statistical categories:

Idaho ranked near the bottom of the Sun Belt in most categories, particularly in points allowed. The team’s struggles reflected broader challenges in recruiting and program stability, culminating in Idaho’s decision to drop to the FCS level after the 2017 season.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a turning point for Idaho football, symbolizing the difficulties of competing in FBS without adequate resources or conference stability. The team’s performance underscored the growing gap between mid-tier FBS programs and more established ones.

• Program Transition: Idaho announced in 2016 it would return to the FCS level, rejoining the Big Sky Conference in 2018.
• Financial Strain: Low attendance and travel costs made FBS membership financially unsustainable for Idaho.
• Competitive Disparity: The 55–3 loss to Boise State highlighted the talent gap between Idaho and stronger FBS teams.
• Recruiting Challenges: Idaho struggled to attract top-tier talent, especially compared to larger Sun Belt schools.
• Fan Engagement: Average attendance at the Kibbie Dome was under 10,000, limiting revenue and visibility.
• Legacy: The 2013 season remains a case study in the risks of FBS realignment for smaller programs.

The 2013 Idaho Vandals season, while not successful on the field, played a crucial role in shaping the future of the program, ultimately leading to a strategic retreat to a more sustainable competitive level.