What Is 2013 Portland State Vikings football

Overview

The 2013 Portland State Vikings football team represented Portland State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by head coach Nigel Burton, who was in his fourth year at the helm.

The Vikings played their home games at Providence Park in downtown Portland, Oregon, a venue known for its intimate atmosphere and proximity to campus. Despite not qualifying for the FCS playoffs, the season included several competitive performances against conference rivals.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 6-5 overall record, showing modest improvement from previous years under Nigel Burton’s leadership.
• Head Coach: Nigel Burton entered his fourth season as head coach, aiming to build consistency after a 3-8 record in 2012.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Providence Park, which has a seating capacity of approximately 25,000 and hosted Vikings football since 2011.
• Scoring Output: The offense generated 308 total points across 11 games, averaging about 28 points per game during the regular season.
• Conference Play: As members of the Big Sky Conference, the Vikings faced strong FCS competition, including teams like Eastern Washington and Montana.

How It Works

The structure of NCAA Division I FCS football involves a regular season followed by a playoff system for qualifying teams. While the Vikings did not make the postseason in 2013, the season followed standard collegiate football operations, including recruiting, game planning, and conference scheduling.

• Season Format: The 2013 season consisted of an 11-game regular season schedule, with no postseason appearance for Portland State.
• Coaching Staff: Nigel Burton led a staff focused on developing young talent, particularly on defense, which allowed 33.2 points per game.
• Offensive Scheme: The Vikings ran a spread offense, relying on quarterback Derek Anderson, who threw for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns.
• Defensive Strategy: The defense utilized a 4-2-5 alignment, emphasizing speed and coverage but struggled with consistency against high-powered Big Sky offenses.
• Roster Composition: The team featured 88 players on its roster, including 24 seniors and 12 key contributors from the Portland metro area.
• Game Operations: Home games were broadcast on ESPN3 and local radio, with average attendance around 6,500 fans per game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2013 Portland State Vikings compared to select Big Sky Conference peers in key statistical categories:

The Vikings ranked in the middle of the conference pack in both scoring and defense. While they matched Eastern Washington in wins, they trailed in offensive firepower and defensive efficiency. Their 4-4 conference record placed them near the bottom half of the Big Sky standings, reflecting a team in transition.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year for Portland State football, highlighting both challenges and signs of growth under Nigel Burton’s leadership. Though not a playoff contender, the team laid groundwork for future development in recruiting and program stability.

• Program Development: The season contributed to long-term rebuilding efforts, with increased focus on player retention and academic support.
• Recruiting Pipeline: Portland State strengthened ties with local high schools, signing 18 recruits from Oregon in the 2013 class.
• Fan Engagement: Games at Providence Park continued to draw solid local interest, maintaining visibility for the program.
• Conference Competition: Regular matchups against strong FCS programs helped prepare players for higher-pressure environments.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, including future standout linebacker Luke Rhodes.
• Media Exposure: ESPN3 broadcasts increased national visibility, helping attract recruits from outside the Pacific Northwest.

While the 2013 campaign did not yield postseason honors, it played a role in shaping the trajectory of Portland State football in the mid-2010s, setting the stage for incremental improvements in the years that followed.