What Is 2013 Missouri Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 11–3 record and a No. 5 final ranking in the AP Poll. They won the SEC East Division and advanced to the 2014 SEC Championship Game, where they lost to Auburn.

Key Facts

Finished season with an 11–3 overall record
Won SEC East Division in 2013
Lost 59–42 to Auburn in SEC Championship Game
Ranked No. 5 in final AP Poll
Defeated Oklahoma in 2014 Cotton Bowl Classic

Overview

The 2013 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the Eastern Division, the team was led by head coach Gary Pinkel and achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history.

Missouri posted an 11–3 overall record and a 7–1 mark in SEC play, securing the SEC East Division title. Their season culminated in a berth in the 2014 SEC Championship Game and a final No. 5 ranking in the AP Poll, the program’s highest since 1960.

Started the season ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll and climbed as high as No. 5 following a 7–0 start, reflecting their strong performance in non-conference and early SEC games.
Defeated in-state rival Kansas 24–10 in the annual Border War game, extending Missouri’s dominance in the series during their time in the Big 12 and SEC.
Won the 2014 Cotton Bowl Classic by defeating the Oklahoma Sooners 41–31, marking their first victory over Oklahoma since 2007 and finishing the season on a high note.
Quarterback James Franklin threw for 2,993 yards and 20 touchdowns, while rushing for 866 yards and 12 scores, making him one of the most dynamic dual-threat QBs in the nation.
Running back Henry Josey returned from injury to rush for 1,123 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the SEC in rushing yards per game with 112.3.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign was defined by Missouri’s resilience in conference play and their ability to win high-scoring, competitive matchups. After joining the SEC in 2012, the 2013 season confirmed Missouri as a rising power in one of college football’s toughest conferences.

SEC East Champions: Missouri clinched the division title with a 7–1 conference record, highlighted by a 42–13 win over No. 1 Alabama on November 16, a major upset that propelled them into national title contention.
Alabama victory significance: The 42–13 win over the then-top-ranked Crimson Tide was Missouri’s first victory over a No. 1 team since 1975 and one of the most significant in school history.
SEC Championship Game: Faced Auburn in Atlanta on December 7, 2013, and lost 59–42 in a high-scoring shootout, ending their national championship hopes despite a strong offensive showing.
James Franklin’s injury: The starting quarterback missed two games due to a shoulder injury but returned for the Cotton Bowl, where he threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensive improvements: The Tigers’ defense allowed just 22.6 points per game, a significant improvement from 2012, with linebacker Andrew Wilson leading the team with 108 tackles.
Final AP ranking: Missouri finished No. 5 in the final AP Poll, their highest year-end ranking since 1960, and No. 4 in the final USA Today Coaches Poll.

Comparison at a Glance

Missouri’s 2013 season compared favorably to recent successful campaigns in program history and among SEC peers.

Season	Record	SEC Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
2013	11–3	7–1	W, 41–31 vs. Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl)	No. 5
2010	10–3	N/A (Big 12)	W, 30–28 vs. Navy (Liberty Bowl)	No. 17
2014	11–3	6–2	W, 30–27 vs. Minnesota (Citrus Bowl)	No. 11
2007	12–2	N/A (Big 12)	L, 13–41 vs. Ohio State (BCS Title)	No. 4
2012	5–7	0–6 (SEC)	No bowl (first year in SEC)	NR

The 2013 season marked a dramatic turnaround from 2012’s 5–7 record and winless SEC campaign. By comparison, the 2013 team not only won the SEC East but also achieved a top-five finish, showcasing the program’s rapid adaptation to the SEC’s higher level of competition.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Missouri Tigers football season represented a milestone for the program, establishing credibility in the SEC and setting a benchmark for future success. It demonstrated that Missouri could compete at the highest level of college football despite being a newcomer to the conference.

National recognition: Missouri spent multiple weeks in the top 10 of both major polls, increasing national exposure and recruiting appeal for the program.
SEC legitimacy: The win over No. 1 Alabama proved Missouri could beat elite programs, solidifying their place in the conference.
Recruiting boost: The team’s success led to improved recruiting classes in subsequent years, particularly in-state and regional talent.
Gary Pinkel’s legacy: The season was a career highlight for head coach Gary Pinkel, who retired in 2015 as Missouri’s winningest coach.
Bowl success: The Cotton Bowl victory gave Missouri a winning postseason record in the SEC era and capped a historic season.
Program trajectory: The 2013 season laid the foundation for continued competitiveness, with Missouri returning to the SEC Championship Game in 2014.

In summary, the 2013 Missouri Tigers football team delivered one of the most memorable seasons in school history. With a strong record, a division title, and a top-five finish, the team cemented its legacy as a turning point in Missouri football history.