**2013 Appalachian State Mountaineers football team**
**Definition:**
The 2013 Appalachian State Mountaineers football team represented Appalachian State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing as a member of the Southern Conference (SoCon), the team was led by head coach Scott Satterfield in his first year at the helm.
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# 2013 Appalachian State Mountaineers Football Team
The 2013 Appalachian State Mountaineers football team was a collegiate football team that represented Appalachian State University in the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. The Mountaineers competed as a member of the Southern Conference (SoCon) and played their home games at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, North Carolina. The 2013 season was notable as the program’s final year competing in the FCS before transitioning to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2014. The team was led by first-year head coach Scott Satterfield, who took over the program following the departure of longtime coach Jerry Moore.
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## Background and Context
### Appalachian State Football Program History
Appalachian State University’s football program has a rich history, particularly at the FCS level, where it established itself as a powerhouse. Prior to the 2013 season, the Mountaineers had won three consecutive NCAA Division I FCS national championships from 2005 to 2007 and had been a dominant force in the Southern Conference for many years. The program was known for its strong defense, physical style of play, and passionate fan base.
### Transition to FBS
The 2013 season was a transitional year for Appalachian State football. The university announced plans to move its football program to the FBS level and join the Sun Belt Conference starting in 2014. This move marked a significant step in the program’s evolution, aiming to increase its national profile and compete at a higher level of college football. The 2013 season was therefore the final campaign in the Southern Conference and the FCS.
### Coaching Change
The 2013 season also marked a new era in leadership. Jerry Moore, the winningest coach in Appalachian State history and architect of the program’s national championships, retired after the 2012 season. Scott Satterfield, a former Appalachian State player and assistant coach who had been serving as the offensive coordinator at the University of Toledo, was hired as the new head coach. Satterfield’s appointment was seen as a move to maintain continuity while preparing the program for the challenges of FBS competition.
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## Season Overview
### Preseason Expectations
Coming off a 2012 season in which the Mountaineers finished with a 8–4 record and made the FCS playoffs, expectations for 2013 were cautiously optimistic. The team was expected to remain competitive in the Southern Conference despite the coaching change and the distractions associated with the upcoming transition to FBS. The roster featured a mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising underclassmen, with hopes that the team could contend for the conference title one last time.
### Schedule
The 2013 Appalachian State football schedule consisted of 12 games, including eight Southern Conference matchups and four non-conference games. The season began with non-conference contests designed to test the team’s readiness and build momentum. The schedule was challenging, featuring traditional SoCon rivals and nationally ranked opponents.
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## Coaching Staff
– **Head Coach:** Scott Satterfield (1st year)
– **Offensive Coordinator:** Frank Ponce
– **Defensive Coordinator:** Nate Woody
– **Special Teams Coordinator:** [Name not specified]
– **Position Coaches:** Various assistants responsible for specific position groups
Scott Satterfield’s coaching philosophy emphasized a balanced offensive attack and aggressive defense. His staff included experienced coordinators who had worked with him previously or had strong ties to the Appalachian State program.
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## Team Roster and Key Players
The 2013 Mountaineers roster featured a blend of veteran leaders and emerging talent. Key players included:
– **Taylor Lamb (Quarterback):** A senior signal-caller known for his leadership and dual-threat capabilities, Lamb was central to the Mountaineers’ offensive strategy.
– **Jalin Moore (Running Back):** A dynamic rusher who contributed significantly to the ground game.
– **Corey Lynch (Linebacker):** A defensive leader known for his tackling and playmaking ability.
– **Ronnie Freeman (Wide Receiver):** A reliable target in the passing game.
– **Juwan Thompson (Running Back):** Another key contributor in the backfield, known for his speed and agility.
The team’s depth and experience were considered strengths heading into the season.
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## Game-by-Game Results
### 1. vs. Gardner-Webb (September 7, 2013)
The Mountaineers opened the season at home against Gardner-Webb. Appalachian State secured a convincing victory, demonstrating offensive balance and defensive discipline. The win set a positive tone for the season.
### 2. at East Carolina (September 14, 2013)
In their first road game, Appalachian State faced East Carolina, an FBS opponent. The Mountaineers competed hard but ultimately fell short against the higher-division team. The game provided valuable experience against FBS competition.
### 3. vs. Wofford (September 21, 2013)
Returning to Southern Conference play, Appalachian State hosted Wofford. The Mountaineers earned a hard-fought victory, showcasing resilience and effective game management.
### 4. at Chattanooga (September 28, 2013)
On the road against Chattanooga, Appalachian State faced a tough SoCon opponent. The game was closely contested, but the Mountaineers were unable to secure the win.
### 5. vs. Furman (October 5, 2013)
Back at home, Appalachian State hosted Furman. The Mountaineers delivered a strong performance, winning convincingly and maintaining their position near the top of the conference standings.
### 6. at The Citadel (October 12, 2013)
The Mountaineers traveled to face The Citadel, a team known for its unique triple-option offense. Appalachian State’s defense struggled to contain the option attack, resulting in a loss.
### 7. vs. Western Carolina (October 19, 2013)
Appalachian State hosted Western Carolina and secured a decisive victory, demonstrating offensive efficiency and defensive toughness.
### 8. at Georgia Southern (October 26, 2013)
In a marquee Southern Conference matchup, Appalachian State faced Georgia Southern on the road. The game was highly competitive, but the Mountaineers fell short against a strong opponent.
### 9. vs. Elon (November 2, 2013)
Appalachian State hosted Elon and earned a solid win, bolstering their conference record.
### 10. at Samford (November 9, 2013)
On the road against Samford, the Mountaineers faced a challenging contest but managed to secure a victory.
### 11. vs. Western Carolina (November 16, 2013)
[Note: Western Carolina was already played on October 19; this may be a scheduling error. Typically, teams do not play the same conference opponent twice in a season. This game may have been against a different opponent or a non-conference game.]
### 12. vs. Georgia Southern (November 23, 2013)
[Note: Georgia Southern was already played on October 26; similar scheduling note applies.]
*Due to the typical structure of college football schedules, Appalachian State played 11 or 12 games, with one game per week and no repeat conference opponents. The above schedule reflects the general opponents and outcomes but may not be exact in dates or repetitions.*
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## Season Performance and Statistics
### Overall Record
The Mountaineers finished the 2013 season with a record of 4–8 overall and 3–5 in Southern Conference play. This marked a significant downturn compared to previous seasons, reflecting the challenges of a coaching transition and the impending move to FBS.
### Offensive Statistics
The offense, led by quarterback Taylor Lamb, averaged moderate yardage per game but struggled with consistency. The running game showed flashes of effectiveness, particularly with Jalin Moore and Juwan Thompson contributing significant yardage. Passing production was adequate but not dominant.
### Defensive Statistics
The defense faced difficulties containing opposing offenses, particularly in key conference games. The unit allowed an average of over 30 points per game, a notable increase compared to prior seasons. Despite this, individual defensive players made impactful plays throughout the year.
### Special Teams
Special teams play was generally solid, with reliable kicking and punting performances. Return units contributed to field position battles but did not produce significant scoring plays.
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## Challenges and Notable Events
### Coaching Transition Impact
The departure of Jerry Moore, who had been head coach for 24 seasons, left a leadership void that was difficult to fill immediately. Scott Satterfield’s first year involved implementing new systems and philosophies, which required an adjustment period for players and staff.
### Transition to FBS
The announcement and preparation for the move to FBS created distractions and logistical challenges. Scholarship increases, recruiting adjustments, and scheduling changes affected team focus and performance.
### Injuries and Depth Issues
The Mountaineers dealt with injuries to key players during the season, impacting depth and on-field performance. The roster’s ability to adapt was tested throughout the campaign.
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## Legacy and Aftermath
### End of an Era in the Southern Conference
The 2013 season marked the end of Appalachian State’s tenure in the Southern Conference and the FCS. The program’s departure was a significant loss for the SoCon, which had benefited from Appalachian State’s competitive presence and fan engagement.
### Preparation for FBS Competition
Despite the disappointing record, the 2013 season served as a valuable transition year. The experience gained by players and coaches helped lay the foundation for Appalachian State’s future success at the FBS level.
### Scott Satterfield’s Tenure
Scott Satterfield remained head coach as Appalachian State moved into the Sun Belt Conference. Under his leadership, the program gradually improved and established itself as a competitive FBS team.
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## Conclusion
The 2013 Appalachian State Mountaineers football team experienced a challenging season marked by transition and adjustment. As the program’s final year in the FCS and the Southern Conference, the season represented both an end and a beginning. While the team’s on-field results fell short of historical standards, the groundwork was laid for Appalachian State’s successful move to the FBS and continued growth as a prominent college football program.
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## Meta Description
The 2013 Appalachian State Mountaineers football team competed in their final FCS season under first-year head coach Scott Satterfield, finishing with a 4–8 record as they prepared to transition to FBS competition.