What Is 2013 Wyoming Cowboys football team

Overview

The 2013 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Competing in the Mountain West Conference, the team was led by head coach Dave Christensen in his fourth year at the helm.

Playing their home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, the Cowboys finished the season with a 5–7 overall record and a 3–5 mark in conference play. Despite falling short of bowl eligibility, the team showcased strong offensive performances, particularly from quarterback Brett Smith.

• Record: The Cowboys ended the season with a 5–7 overall record, failing to qualify for a postseason bowl game for the second consecutive year.
• Conference: Wyoming competed in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference, finishing fifth in the division standings.
• Head Coach: Dave Christensen served as head coach, compiling a 5–7 record in the 2013 season and a 21–21 mark over his four-year tenure.
• Stadium: All home games were played at War Memorial Stadium, a 30,181-seat venue located in Laramie, Wyoming.
• Offensive Leader: Quarterback Brett Smith led the offense, throwing for 2,890 yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 61.5% of his passes.

How It Works

The 2013 season followed standard NCAA FBS scheduling and competition rules, with Wyoming playing a 12-game regular season schedule against a mix of conference and non-conference opponents.

• Season Structure: The NCAA FBS season consists of a 12-game regular season, with teams eligible for bowl games if they achieve at least six wins. Wyoming fell one win short.
• Conference Play: The Mountain West Conference uses a divisional format; Wyoming was in the Mountain Division and played five conference games in 2013.
• Eligibility Rules: To qualify for a bowl game, a team must win at least six games, with allowances for teams with five wins if they meet academic progress thresholds.
Recruiting Impact: The 2013 class included several key signees, such as defensive end Eddie Yarbrough, who later became a team leader.
• Game Strategy: The Cowboys utilized a spread offense led by Smith, averaging 27.1 points per game, but struggled defensively, allowing 30.8 points per game.
• Player Development: The season served as a developmental year for underclassmen, with 14 true or redshirt freshmen seeing significant playing time.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Wyoming Cowboys compared to other Mountain West teams in key statistical categories:

The table highlights that while Wyoming’s offense was competitive, their defense ranked near the bottom of the conference in points allowed. Fresno State won the Mountain West title that year, underscoring the gap between top teams and mid-tier programs like Wyoming.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year for the Wyoming football program, reflecting both progress and challenges in building a consistent winner in a competitive conference.

• Program Development: The season provided valuable experience for young players, setting the foundation for future competitiveness under Christensen’s leadership.
• Quarterback Legacy: Brett Smith finished his career as one of Wyoming’s most prolific passers, leaving with multiple school records.
• Recruiting Momentum: Despite the losing record, the team maintained recruiting momentum, signing several regional standouts in the 2014 class.
• Stadium Tradition: War Memorial Stadium’s high elevation and cold weather continued to serve as a home-field advantage in future seasons.
• Conference Realignment: The Mountain West remained stable, allowing Wyoming to focus on in-conference rivalries and scheduling consistency.
• Coaching Evaluation: The 5–7 record contributed to increased scrutiny on Christensen, who was dismissed after the 2013 season.

Ultimately, the 2013 season exemplified the challenges of mid-major college football programs striving for consistency. While not a banner year, it played a role in shaping Wyoming’s future direction.