What Is 2013 North Texas Mean Green football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 North Texas Mean Green football team represented the University of North Texas in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 9–4 record and winning the Heart of Dallas Bowl 36–14 over UNLV on January 1, 2014.

Key Facts

The 2013 North Texas Mean Green finished the season with a 9–4 overall record
They played in Conference USA after moving from the Sun Belt Conference in 2013
Head coach Dan McCarney led the team to its first bowl victory since 2004
Quarterback Derek Thompson threw for 2,678 yards and 19 touchdowns
North Texas defeated UNLV 36–14 in the 2014 Heart of Dallas Bowl

Overview

The 2013 North Texas Mean Green football team marked a turning point for the University of North Texas athletics, representing the school in the NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of Conference USA after transitioning from the Sun Belt Conference, the team achieved its first winning season since 2004 under head coach Dan McCarney.

This season was notable for revitalizing the program's national presence and securing a postseason victory. The Mean Green demonstrated significant improvement on both offense and defense, culminating in a dominant bowl performance that energized the fanbase and signaled a potential shift in the program’s trajectory.

Record and Ranking: The team finished the regular season with a 9–3 record, earning a spot in the Heart of Dallas Bowl despite not winning their division.
Conference Transition: 2013 was North Texas’s first year competing in Conference USA, marking a new chapter in the program’s conference alignment history.
Bowl Victory: They defeated the UNLV Rebels 36–14 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014, securing their first bowl win since the 2002 New Orleans Bowl.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Derek Thompson passed for 2,678 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading one of the more efficient offenses in the conference.
Defensive Improvement: The defense allowed only 23.5 points per game, a significant improvement from previous seasons, led by linebacker Aaron Brown’s 107 tackles.

How It Works

The 2013 season structure followed standard NCAA Division I FBS rules, with a 12-game regular season, conference play, and bowl eligibility determined by win totals and conference standings. The transition to Conference USA required adjusting to new opponents and scheduling formats, impacting both preparation and performance.

Regular Season: North Texas played a 12-game regular season, including eight conference matchups and four non-conference games against teams like Oregon and Ball State.
Conference Play: As newcomers to Conference USA, they faced teams such as Louisiana Tech, UTSA, and Middle Tennessee in a round-robin format within their division.
Bowl Eligibility: With at least six wins, the Mean Green qualified for postseason play, one of 70+ teams selected for the 2013–14 bowl season.
Coaching Strategy: Head coach Dan McCarney emphasized defensive discipline and ball control, resulting in a turnover margin of +5 for the season.
Player Development: The team relied heavily on upperclassmen, with 18 seniors starting at least one game, contributing to improved on-field cohesion.
Recruiting Impact: Success in 2013 helped boost recruiting, with the 2014 class ranking higher in North Texas’s conference than in previous years.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 North Texas Mean Green compared to key peers and previous seasons:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Points Per Game
North Texas (2013)	9–4	6–2	W 36–14 vs. UNLV	28.2
North Texas (2012)	7–6	5–3	L 35–34 vs. Army	26.8
LA Tech (2013)	8–5	6–2	L 24–14 vs. Illinois	35.1
UTSA (2013)	7–5	6–2	DNB	27.9
UNLV (2013)	7–6	5–3	L 36–14 vs. UNT	24.8

The 2013 Mean Green outperformed their 2012 season in both win total and defensive consistency. While LA Tech led in scoring, North Texas’s bowl win gave them a psychological edge over regional rivals. The table shows that despite similar conference records, North Texas had the most successful postseason outcome among comparable teams.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a pivotal moment for North Texas football, both athletically and institutionally. It demonstrated that the program could compete at a higher level after conference realignment and laid the foundation for future recruiting and fan engagement.

Program Momentum: The 9–4 record was the best since 2004, boosting morale and expectations for future seasons.
Conference Credibility: Strong performance in their first C-USA season helped establish North Texas as a competitive member.
Bowl Game Exposure: The Heart of Dallas Bowl provided national TV visibility, enhancing the school’s profile.
Recruiting Boost: Success translated into higher-rated recruiting classes, particularly within Texas high schools.
Financial Impact: Bowl revenue and increased ticket sales contributed to athletic department funding.
Coaching Validation: Dan McCarney earned Conference USA Coach of the Year consideration, extending his contract through 2017.

The 2013 campaign remains a benchmark season for North Texas football, symbolizing a brief resurgence before subsequent struggles. Its impact is still referenced in discussions about program potential and long-term growth.