The season started with a road win over defending Big 12 champion Kansas State 24–21, in front of the second-largest crowd in Wildcats history.

The university hosted ESPN College GameDay on September 21, 2013, as the Bison faced Delaware State that afternoon and defeated the Hornets 51–0.

This was the first time in the show's history that it was broadcast live from downtown Fargo, and was a rare feature of a non-FBS program.

[5] With a win at Youngstown State, the Bison won their third consecutive MVFC title, and clinched an automatic playoff spot.

[2] On December 15, Bison defensive coordinator Chris Klieman was selected as Bohl's successor as head coach for the 2014 season.