What Is 2013 New Mexico Lobos football team

Overview

The 2013 New Mexico Lobos football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Mountain West Conference. It was the program's second season under head coach Bob Davie, who was hired in 2011 to revitalize a struggling program following a 4–8 record in 2012.

The Lobos struggled offensively and defensively throughout the year, failing to secure a winning season. Despite flashes of improvement, the team ended the season with a 4–8 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play, finishing fifth in the Mountain Division.

• Season record: The Lobos finished with a 4–8 overall record, a slight improvement from the previous year’s 4–8 but still below .500.
• Conference performance: They went 2–6 in the Mountain West, losing key matchups to rivals like New Mexico State and Colorado State.
• Head coach: Bob Davie entered his second year as head coach, aiming to rebuild the program after inheriting a 1–11 team in 2011.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at University Stadium in Albuquerque, which has a capacity of 39,224.
• Offensive struggles: The team averaged just 19.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally in scoring offense.

How It Works

The structure and operation of a college football season like the 2013 Lobos' campaign involve scheduling, player development, coaching strategy, and conference alignment. Each element plays a role in shaping a team’s performance over the 12-game regular season.

• Season Length: NCAA FBS teams play a 12-game regular season. The Lobos played 12 games in 2013, including four non-conference matchups.
• Conference Play: The Mountain West Conference required six to eight league games; New Mexico played eight, facing each Mountain Division opponent once.
• Recruiting Impact: Bob Davie’s early recruiting classes influenced roster depth, though talent gaps remained evident in losses to stronger teams.
• Quarterback Rotation: B.R. Holbrook started nine games, throwing for 1,707 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Richard McQuarley also saw action.
• Defensive Scheme: The Lobos used a 3-4 base defense but ranked 108th nationally in total defense, allowing 450.2 yards per game.
• Bowl Eligibility: Teams need six wins to qualify for a bowl game. The Lobos’ 4–8 record left them short of postseason contention.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2013 season can be better understood by comparing the Lobos’ performance to conference peers and national averages across key statistical categories.

The table shows that the Lobos trailed most of their peers in scoring and total offense. While teams like Boise State and San Diego State made strong conference pushes, New Mexico struggled to keep pace, particularly on defense. Their low scoring average and high yardage allowed highlighted systemic challenges that persisted into future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year that underscored the challenges of rebuilding a mid-major college football program. While not a successful season on paper, it provided valuable experience for young players and coaching staff.

• Foundation Building: The season helped identify talent gaps and allowed Bob Davie to assess which players fit his long-term vision.
• Recruiting Momentum: Despite the record, the program began attracting more regional recruits by emphasizing local pride and development.
• Stadium Atmosphere: Home games maintained moderate attendance, showing continued fan support despite losing seasons.
• Conference Realignment: The Mountain West remained stable, ensuring consistent scheduling and competitive opportunities for future growth.
• Player Development: Quarterback B.R. Holbrook and linebacker Dakota Cox gained starting experience that benefited future rosters.
• Media Exposure: Games broadcast on networks like ESPN3 and CBS Sports Network increased visibility for the program.

The 2013 New Mexico Lobos season, while not marked by wins, played a role in the gradual rebuilding process. It set the stage for modest improvements in the following years and demonstrated the realities of competing in a competitive FBS conference with limited resources.