What Is 2013 Northern Iowa Panthers football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Northern Iowa Panthers football team represented the University of Northern Iowa in the NCAA Division I FCS, finishing with a 6-6 overall record and 4-4 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Head coach Mark Farley led the team in his 11th season, with standout performances from running back David Johnson. They did not qualify for the FCS playoffs after a loss to Illinois State in the season finale.

Key Facts

The 2013 Northern Iowa Panthers finished with a 6-6 overall record
David Johnson rushed for 1,609 yards and 12 touchdowns during the season
Head coach Mark Farley was in his 11th season at the helm
The team played their home games at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa
Northern Iowa went 4-4 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference that year

Overview

The 2013 Northern Iowa Panthers football team represented the University of Northern Iowa in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), the Panthers were led by head coach Mark Farley, who was in his 11th year at the program. The team played its home games at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa, a venue known for its strong fan support and indoor advantage.

This season was notable for the standout performance of running back David Johnson, who emerged as one of the top offensive players in the FCS. Despite a promising start, the Panthers finished the year with a 6-6 overall record and 4-4 in conference play. They narrowly missed a postseason berth, failing to qualify for the FCS playoffs after a critical loss to Illinois State in the final week.

David Johnson rushed for 1,609 yards on the season, ranking among the national FCS leaders in rushing yards per game.
The Panthers opened the season with a 38-35 win over Iowa State, an FBS opponent, marking a major non-conference victory.
They struggled in conference play, losing close games to North Dakota State (34-31) and South Dakota State (33-28).
Quarterback Brad Wilson threw for 2,032 yards and 15 touchdowns, providing a balanced offensive attack.
The defense recorded 22 sacks and forced 19 turnovers, though consistency issues plagued their late-season performances.

How It Works

The 2013 Northern Iowa Panthers football season operated under the structure of NCAA Division I FCS rules and Missouri Valley Football Conference scheduling. The team followed a 12-game regular season format, combining non-conference matchups with a rigorous conference slate.

Season Structure: The Panthers played a 12-game regular season, including 6 conference and 6 non-conference games, following MVFC scheduling norms.
Home Venue: The UNI-Dome, with a capacity of over 16,000, provided a climate-controlled environment and strong home-field advantage.
Offensive Scheme: Northern Iowa utilized a pro-style offense, emphasizing David Johnson’s dual-threat ability as both a rusher and receiver.
Defensive Strategy: The defense ran a 4-3 alignment, focusing on aggressive line play and forcing turnovers in key moments.
Recruiting Base: The team relied heavily on in-state Iowa talent, with over 40% of the roster hailing from Iowa high schools.
Playoff Eligibility: To qualify for the FCS playoffs, teams must meet win thresholds and conference standings; UNI fell short with a .500 record.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Northern Iowa Panthers compared to key MVFC rivals in the 2013 season:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	FCS Playoff Result	Key Player
Northern Iowa	6-6	4-4	Did not qualify	David Johnson
North Dakota State	10-2	7-1	Champions	Carson Wentz
South Dakota State	10-4	7-1	Quarterfinals	Cam Thompson
Missouri State	5-6	3-5	Did not qualify	Isaiah Saunders
Illinois State	7-5	5-3	Did not qualify	Davis Cheek

The table illustrates that while Northern Iowa performed better than some MVFC peers like Missouri State, they were outpaced by powerhouses like North Dakota State, who won the national title. The Panthers’ .500 record placed them in the middle tier of the conference, highlighting missed opportunities in close games. Their non-conference win over Iowa State remained a season highlight, showing potential against FBS competition.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a pivotal year in the development of David Johnson, who later became an NFL star. It also underscored the competitiveness of the MVFC and the challenges mid-tier FCS programs face in reaching the postseason.

David Johnson’s breakout season elevated his draft stock, leading to his selection in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
The win over Iowa State demonstrated that FCS teams could compete with FBS programs under the right conditions.
Coaching consistency under Mark Farley helped stabilize the program despite playoff misses.
The season highlighted the importance of conference depth, as the MVFC was one of the toughest in FCS.
UNI’s performance influenced future recruiting, with more athletes considering FCS programs for development.
The close losses emphasized the need for improved red-zone efficiency and fourth-quarter execution in future seasons.

Ultimately, the 2013 campaign served as a foundation for future improvements, both for individual players and the program as a whole. While not a championship season, it contributed to the legacy of Northern Iowa football in the FCS landscape.