What Is 2013 UC Davis Aggies football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 UC Davis Aggies football team represented the University of California, Davis in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 3-8 record under head coach Ron Gould. They competed as an independent after leaving the Great West Conference, which dissolved after 2012.

Key Facts

The 2013 UC Davis Aggies finished the season with a 3-8 overall record
Head coach Ron Gould was in his first year leading the program
UC Davis played as an FCS independent after the Great West Conference dissolved
The team scored 213 total points, averaging 19.4 points per game
Their best performance was a 28-23 win over Division II member Simon Fraser

Overview

The 2013 UC Davis Aggies football team represented the University of California, Davis in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This season marked the first under head coach Ron Gould, who took over after the departure of Mike Moroski, and followed the dissolution of the Great West Conference.

With no conference affiliation, UC Davis played as an independent, scheduling a mix of FCS, Division II, and one FBS opponent. The team struggled offensively and defensively, finishing with a losing record and limited national recognition.

Record: The Aggies ended the season with a 3-8 overall record, including zero wins against FCS playoff-eligible teams.
Head Coach:Ron Gould began his tenure in 2013 after serving as an assistant at California for over two decades.
Conference Status: UC Davis played as an independent after the Great West Conference disbanded following the 2012 season.
Scoring: The team scored 213 total points across 11 games, averaging 19.4 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally.
Notable Game: Their 28-23 victory over Simon Fraser was a highlight, though Simon Fraser is a Canadian Division II program.

How It Works

The 2013 season reflected a transitional period for UC Davis football, adapting to independence and new leadership. The structure of the schedule and team operations reflected the challenges of competing without conference support.

Schedule Construction: As an independent, UC Davis had to self-arrange all 11 games, facing logistical and competitive challenges.
Coaching Transition:Ron Gould implemented a new offensive system, shifting from the previous regime’s strategies.
Player Development: The team relied heavily on underclassmen, with limited depth affecting consistency.
Offensive Output: The Aggies averaged 338.1 yards per game but struggled in red zone efficiency.
Defensive Struggles: They allowed 30.5 points per game, ranking among the worst in the FCS.
Home Games: All home games were played at Aggie Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 10,000.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2013 Aggies to prior seasons and peer programs highlights the team’s transitional state.

Season	Record	Conference	Head Coach	Pts/Game
2011	2-9	Great West	Mike Moroski	18.6
2012	2-10	Great West	Mike Moroski	17.8
2013	3-8	Independent	Ron Gould	19.4
2014	3-8	Big Sky	Ron Gould	21.5
2015	2-9	Big Sky	Ron Gould	18.1

The 2013 season showed slight improvement over previous years but remained below .500. The move to independence disrupted stability, though UC Davis would join the Big Sky Conference in 2014, restoring conference play.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season is significant as a pivot point in UC Davis football history, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another. It set the stage for future conference realignment and coaching development.

Transition Year: The season served as a bridge between the Great West Conference era and future Big Sky membership.
Coaching Impact: Ron Gould’s first year laid groundwork, though results took time to materialize.
Recruiting Shift: Independence made recruiting more difficult, as conference affiliation often attracts talent.
Facility Use: Games at Aggie Stadium maintained local fan engagement despite losing records.
Program Visibility: Playing as an independent reduced national exposure compared to conference schedules.
Future Alignment: The experience reinforced the need for conference stability, leading to the Big Sky move in 2014.

While not a standout season statistically, 2013 was crucial for organizational restructuring and long-term planning within the UC Davis football program.