What Is 2013 New Hampshire Wildcats football

Overview

The 2013 New Hampshire Wildcats football team represented the University of New Hampshire during the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Sean McDonnell, who was in his 16th season at the helm.

Despite a strong tradition of postseason appearances, the 2013 season marked a downturn, as the Wildcats finished with a losing record and missed the FCS playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. The team struggled with consistency on both offense and defense throughout the year.

• Record: The Wildcats finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, their first losing season since 2004.
• Conference performance: In CAA play, they went 3–5, placing them in the lower half of the league standings.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at Wildcat Stadium in Durham, New Hampshire, which has a capacity of approximately 11,000.
• Head coach: Sean McDonnell, in his 16th year, led the program but faced increased scrutiny after the team’s playoff absence.
• Postseason: UNH did not qualify for the 2013 NCAA FCS playoffs, ending a streak of nine appearances in 10 years.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign was marked by offensive inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in conference matchups. The Wildcats showed flashes of competitiveness but failed to string together enough wins to remain in playoff contention.

• Season opener: UNH defeated Duquesne 20–0 in Week 1, showcasing a strong defensive effort with a shutout.
• Key loss: A 37–21 defeat to Maine in November damaged playoff hopes and highlighted offensive struggles.
• Offensive stats: The team averaged 22.1 points per game, down from previous seasons, indicating a decline in scoring efficiency.
• Defensive stats: They allowed an average of 28.7 points per game, their highest since 2005, reflecting defensive lapses.
• Turnovers: The Wildcats committed 18 turnovers over 11 games, including 13 interceptions thrown by quarterbacks.
• Notable player: Senior quarterback Sean Goldrich started most games, throwing for 1,556 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2013 season compared to recent years in terms of performance and outcomes:

The 2013 season was a clear step back compared to the dominant 2012 campaign, where UNH reached the FCS semifinals. The drop in scoring, increased defensive points allowed, and lack of playoff qualification underscored a transitional year for the program.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was significant as it broke a long-standing trend of postseason appearances and raised questions about the team’s direction under long-time leadership. It highlighted the challenges of maintaining elite status in FCS football amid shifting roster dynamics and increased conference competition.

• The missed playoffs ended a streak of 9 appearances in 10 years, marking a symbolic shift in program consistency.
• Coaching staff evaluated offensive schemes, leading to adjustments in the 2014 offseason to improve scoring.
• Recruiting emphasis increased on defensive backs and linebackers after allowing 28.7 points per game.
• The season underscored the growing parity in the CAA, with teams like James Madison and Richmond rising.
• UNH’s performance affected national rankings, as they did not appear in the final STATS FCS Top 25.
• It served as a wake-up call, leading to a recommitment to strength and conditioning programs in 2014.

Ultimately, the 2013 season stands as a cautionary chapter in New Hampshire football history—one that emphasized the need for continuous adaptation in collegiate sports.