What Is 2013 Texas State Bobcats football

Overview

The 2013 Texas State Bobcats football season marked the program’s inaugural year competing fully in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. After transitioning from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Bobcats aimed to establish themselves as a competitive force in their new conference and division.

Under first-year head coach Clint Conque, the team showed flashes of promise but struggled with consistency throughout the season. Despite a challenging schedule, the Bobcats managed to finish with a .500 record, making them bowl-eligible for the first time in program history at the FBS level.

• Record: The Bobcats finished the 2013 season with a 6–6 overall record and a 4–3 mark in Sun Belt Conference play.
• First FBS Season: This was Texas State’s first full season competing in the FBS after moving up from the FCS in 2012.
• Head Coach: Clint Conque took over as head coach in December 2012, replacing Dennis Franchione, who retired after the 2012 season.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas, which has a seating capacity of 30,000.
• Rivalry Game: A highlight of the season was a 31–28 victory over UTSA, marking a significant win against an in-state FBS opponent.

How It Works

The 2013 season represented a transitional phase for Texas State football as the program adapted to the higher level of competition in the FBS. The team’s structure, recruiting, and game planning were all adjusted to meet the demands of Sun Belt Conference play.

• Transition to FBS:2012 was a provisional year; 2013 was the first season with full FBS eligibility and conference standings.
• Offensive System: The Bobcats ran a spread offense led by quarterback Drew Lockhart, who threw for 1,874 yards and 10 touchdowns.
• Defensive Strategy: The defense allowed an average of 31.8 points per game, struggling against stronger FBS opponents.
• Recruiting Impact: The team relied on a mix of junior college transfers and high school recruits to fill gaps left by FCS-level scholarship limits.
• Game Schedule: Texas State played a 12-game regular season, including non-conference matchups against teams like Rice and Texas Tech.
• Bowl Eligibility: The 6–6 record made the Bobcats eligible for a bowl game, though they were not selected due to conference tie-ins and rankings.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2013 Texas State Bobcats to other Sun Belt teams in key statistical categories:

The Bobcats ranked in the middle of the Sun Belt in both scoring offense and defense. While they matched ULM’s conference record, their non-conference performance—particularly a close loss to Texas Tech—showed potential for future growth. The team’s ability to compete in conference play indicated progress despite defensive vulnerabilities.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a foundational year that set the stage for Texas State’s long-term FBS aspirations. It demonstrated that the program could compete at a higher level and attract talent capable of winning in the Sun Belt.

• Program Growth: The season marked a milestone in Texas State’s athletic development, transitioning fully into FBS competition.
• Recruiting Momentum: Success on the field helped boost recruiting efforts across Texas and the Southwest.
• Conference Identity: Competing in the Sun Belt gave the Bobcats a clearer national profile and scheduling stability.
• Facility Investment: Continued upgrades to Bobcat Stadium were justified by increased attendance and visibility.
• Fan Engagement: The close games and rivalry win boosted local support and student attendance.
• Future Outlook: The 6–6 record laid groundwork for future bowl eligibility and conference success in subsequent years.

While the 2013 season didn’t end with a bowl appearance, it was a critical step in legitimizing Texas State as a growing FBS program. The experience gained that year contributed to improved performance in the years that followed.