What Is 2013 Tennessee State Tigers football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Tennessee State Tigers football team represented Tennessee State University in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Rod Reed. They competed in the Ohio Valley Conference and played home games at LP Field in Nashville.

Key Facts

The 2013 Tennessee State Tigers finished the season with a 7-4 overall record
Head coach Rod Reed was in his fifth season leading the program in 2013
The team played home games at LP Field, now known as Nissan Stadium, in Nashville
They were members of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) during the 2013 season
Quarterback Mike German started most games and threw for over 1,800 yards

Overview

The 2013 Tennessee State Tigers football team represented Tennessee State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), the team was led by head coach Rod Reed in his fifth year at the helm.

The Tigers played their home games at LP Field in Nashville, a unique arrangement that brought college football to a professional NFL stadium. Despite a strong offensive showing in several games, the team narrowly missed postseason qualification with a final record of 7-4.

Record: The Tigers finished the 2013 season with a 7-4 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in conference play, showing marked improvement from previous years.
Stadium: Home games were held at LP Field (now Nissan Stadium), home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans, giving the program significant visibility and access to top-tier facilities.
Head Coach:Rod Reed, in his fifth season, emphasized defensive discipline and player development, helping rebuild the program’s competitiveness in the OVC.
Quarterback:Mike German served as the primary starting quarterback, throwing for 1,837 yards and 12 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions over 11 games.
Notable Game: A 35-34 victory over Eastern Illinois in October 2013 highlighted the team’s resilience, overcoming a late deficit to secure a key conference win.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign featured a balanced mix of offensive production and defensive challenges, with the Tigers showing growth under consistent leadership. While not qualifying for the FCS playoffs, the season laid groundwork for future success.

Offense: The Tigers averaged 27.5 points per game, ranking them among the top half of the OVC in scoring, powered by a mobile quarterback and reliable receivers.
Defense: Allowed 23.8 points per game, a slight improvement from 2012, though late-game breakdowns in key matchups cost them playoff eligibility.
Running Game:Archer Alexander led the ground attack with 721 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 147 carries, providing crucial balance.
Special Teams: Kicker Daniel Veron converted 8 of 11 field goal attempts, with a long of 47 yards, contributing steady scoring support.
Rivalry Game: In the annual Heritage Classic against Tennessee Tech, the Tigers lost 27-24 in a tightly contested matchup that came down to the final minutes.
Non-Conference Play: Opened the season with a win over Edward Waters (62-0), a NAIA team, showcasing offensive firepower in a lopsided victory.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Tennessee State Tigers compared to other OVC teams and their own recent performance:

Team	Overall Record	OVC Record	Points For	Points Against
Tennessee State	7-4	5-3	302	262
Eastern Illinois	7-5	5-3	389	320
Tennessee Tech	6-5	4-4	278	256
UT Martin	6-5	4-4	264	277
Morehead State	3-8	2-6	197	312

The Tigers ranked third in the OVC by winning percentage in 2013, behind Eastern Illinois and Jacksonville State. Their point differential of +40 reflected a competitive team that often played close games, with three losses decided by four points or fewer. The data shows a program trending upward but still refining its consistency at critical moments.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a pivotal chapter in Tennessee State’s football resurgence, demonstrating progress under Rod Reed and setting the stage for future competitiveness in the FCS. It highlighted the value of stability in coaching and player development at the HBCU level.

Helped elevate the visibility of HBCU football programs through games played in a major NFL stadium, drawing regional media attention.
Provided crucial development time for young players, several of whom became starters in the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Strengthened the rivalry with Tennessee Tech, maintaining one of the most storied matchups in OVC history.
Demonstrated the viability of playing home games in an NFL venue, offering logistical and financial benefits.
Contributed to recruiting momentum, as prospects saw increased exposure and modern facilities.
Laid the foundation for improved records in subsequent years, including a 9-win season in 2014.

While not a championship year, the 2013 Tennessee State Tigers represented a turning point—proof that consistent effort could elevate a historically significant program back into the national conversation.