This is a comprehensive analysis based on the Wikipedia article on the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Gridiron Glory

An analytical deep-dive into the pivotal 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season, covering the introduction of the College Football Playoff, key rule changes, conference realignments, stadium developments, and championship outcomes.

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The 2014 Season

NCAA Division I FBS

The 2014 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season represented the highest echelon of American college football competition. It commenced on August 27, 2014, and concluded with the championship game on January 12, 2015.

Inaugural Playoff Era

This season marked a significant transition with the introduction of the College Football Playoff (CFP), replacing the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). The CFP established a four-team knockout tournament to determine the national champion, fundamentally altering the postseason landscape.

Championship Outcome

The Ohio State Buckeyes emerged as the inaugural CFP national champions, defeating the Oregon Ducks in a decisive final. This victory cemented Ohio State's status as the consensus national champion across major polls, including the AP and Coaches' Polls.

Rule and Policy Adjustments

Targeting Rule Refinements

The NCAA Football Rules Committee implemented modifications to the "targeting" foul. Notably, if a targeting ejection was overturned upon review, the associated 15-yard penalty would also be rescinded, unless the foul was linked to another infraction. The definition was broadened to include "forcible contact" with the crown of the helmet.

Officiating Expansion

Conferences were granted the option to experiment with eight-man officiating crews. Several major conferences, including the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Mountain West, and American Athletic, utilized these expanded crews during the season, including in postseason bowl games.

Offensive Pace Adjustments

A proposed rule to curb the pace of hurry-up offenses, requiring teams to snap the ball within ten seconds of the play clock to allow for defensive substitutions, was tabled and not enacted for the 2014 season.

Player Safety

The roughing the passer penalty was expanded to encompass hits at or below the knees by defenders, mirroring an NFL rule adopted in 2009, aiming to enhance player protection.

Conference Realignment

FCS to FBS Transitions

The 2014 season saw Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, and Old Dominion make the transition from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the FBS level, joining the Sun Belt and Conference USA respectively. This marked a significant expansion and shift in conference dynamics.

Program Discontinuation

The UAB football program ceased operations following the 2014 season due to financial constraints, becoming the first FBS program to fold since Pacific in 1995. The program was later reinstated in 2017.

Conference Shifts

Several established FBS programs changed conferences. Notably, Louisville and Rutgers moved to the ACC and Big Ten, respectively. East Carolina, Tulane, and Tulsa joined The American, while Idaho and New Mexico State moved to the Sun Belt. Western Kentucky shifted to Conference USA.

Stadium Developments

New Venues

The season witnessed the opening of several significant new stadiums:

  • McLane Stadium: Baylor University returned to an on-campus venue for the first time since 1935.
  • TDECU Stadium: University of Houston inaugurated its new home, built on the site of the former Robertson Stadium.
  • Yulman Stadium: Tulane University reopened its on-campus stadium, marking a return to campus football facilities after decades.

Renovations and Expansions

Major renovations and capacity expansions were completed or underway at numerous iconic venues:

  • Tiger Stadium (LSU): Added suites and club seats, increasing capacity to over 102,000.
  • Ohio Stadium: Increased capacity to over 104,800, making it one of the largest in the nation.
  • Kyle Field (Texas A&M): Began a major multi-year renovation project.
  • Davis Wade Stadium (Mississippi State): Expanded north end zone, increasing capacity.
  • Faurot Field (Missouri): Completed east side expansion with additional seating.
  • Cajun Field (Louisiana-Lafayette): Enclosed south side, increasing capacity.
  • Ross-Ade Stadium (Purdue): Renovated south end zone, adjusting capacity.
  • Rose Bowl: Final phase of renovation included restoring the original seating bowl shape and enhancing fan amenities.

Unique Playing Surfaces

Eastern Michigan University installed a gray FieldTurf playing surface at Rynearson Stadium, becoming one of the few FBS venues with a non-traditional field color.

Key Matchups

Top 10 Showdowns

The 2014 regular season featured several highly anticipated matchups involving top-ranked teams, highlighting the competitive parity and excitement within the FBS:

  • Week 2: No. 3 Oregon def. No. 7 Michigan State (46-27)
  • Week 7: No. 5 Baylor def. No. 9 TCU (61-58); No. 3 Mississippi State def. No. 2 Auburn (38-23)
  • Week 8: No. 2 Florida State def. No. 5 Notre Dame (31-27)
  • Week 10: No. 3 Auburn def. No. 4 Ole Miss (35-31)
  • Week 11: No. 9 Arizona State def. No. 10 Notre Dame (55-31); No. 6 TCU def. No. 9 Kansas State (41-20)
  • Week 12: No. 5 Alabama def. No. 1 Mississippi State (25-20)
  • Week 15: No. 2 Oregon def. No. 7 Arizona (51-13); No. 6 Baylor def. No. 9 Kansas State (38-27)

Record-Setting Performances

Individual achievements punctuated the season:

  • Connor Halliday (Washington State): Set an FBS record with 734 passing yards against Cal.
  • Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin): Broke the FBS single-game rushing record with 408 yards against Nebraska.
  • Samaje Perine (Oklahoma): Surpassed Gordon's record, rushing for 427 yards against Kansas.
  • Rakeem Cato (Marshall): Extended his FBS record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 46.
  • Gerod Holliman (Louisville): Tied the single-season FBS record for interceptions with 14.

Conference Standings

The following tables summarize the final conference standings for the 2014 season, reflecting regular-season performance.

American Athletic

American Athletic Conference Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
No. 25 Memphis +7–110–3
Cincinnati +7–19–4
UCF +7–19–4
East Carolina5–38–5
Houston5–38–5
Temple4–46–6
South Florida3–54–8
Tulane2–63–9
Tulsa2–62–10
UConn1–72–10
SMU1–71–11
  • + – Conference co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

Atlantic Coast

Atlantic Coast Conference Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
Atlantic Division
No. T–5 Florida State x$^8–013–1
No. 15 Clemson6–210–3
No. 24 Louisville5–39–4
Boston College4–47–6
NC State3–58–5
Syracuse1–73–9
Wake Forest1–73–9
Coastal Division
No. 8 Georgia Tech x6–211–3
Duke5–39–4
North Carolina4–46–7
Pittsburgh4–46–7
Miami (FL)3–56–7
Virginia Tech3–57–6
Virginia3–55–7
Championship: Florida State 37, Georgia Tech 35
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

Big Ten

Big Ten Conference Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
East Division
No. 1 Ohio State x$#^8–014–1
No. T–5 Michigan State7–111–2
Maryland4–47–6
Rutgers3–58–5
Michigan3–55–7
Penn State2–67–6
Indiana1–74–8
West Division
No. 13 Wisconsin x7–111–3
Minnesota5–38–5
Nebraska5–39–4
Iowa4–47–6
Illinois3–56–7
Northwestern3–55–7
Purdue1–73–9
Championship: Ohio State 59, Wisconsin 0
  • # – College Football Playoff champion
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

Big 12

Big 12 Conference Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
No. 7 Baylor +8–111–2
No. 3 TCU +8–112–1
No. 18 Kansas State7–29–4
Oklahoma5–48–5
West Virginia5–47–6
Texas5–46–7
Oklahoma State4–57–6
Texas Tech2–74–8
Kansas1–83–9
Iowa State0–92–10
  • + – Conference co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

Conference USA

Conference USA Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
East Division
No. 23 Marshall x$7–113–1
Middle Tennessee5–36–6
Western Kentucky4–48–5
UAB4–46–6
Old Dominion*4–46–6
FIU3–54–8
Florida Atlantic2–63–9
West Division
Louisiana Tech x7–19–5
Rice5–38–5
UTEP5–37–6
UTSA3–54–8
North Texas2–64–8
Southern Miss1–73–9
Championship: Marshall 26, Louisiana Tech 23
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • * Ineligible for postseason bowl due to transition from FCS
As of 22:24, 20 December 2014 (UTC)
Rankings from AP Poll

Mid-American

Mid-American Conference Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
East Division
Bowling Green x5–38–6
Ohio4–46–6
Buffalo3–45–6
Akron3–55–7
UMass3–53–9
Miami (OH)2–62–10
Kent State1–62–9
West Division
Northern Illinois xy$7–111–3
Toledo x7–19–4
Western Michigan6–28–5
Central Michigan5–37–6
Ball State4–45–7
Eastern Michigan1–72–10
Championship: Northern Illinois 51, Bowling Green 17
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant

Mountain West

Mountain West Conference Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
Mountain Division
No. 16 Boise State x$7–112–2
Colorado State6–210–3
Utah State6–210–4
Air Force5–310–3
New Mexico2–64–8
Wyoming2–64–8
West Division
Fresno State x5–36–8
San Diego State5–37–6
Nevada4–47–6
Hawaii3–54–9
San Jose State2–63–9
UNLV1–72–11
Championship: Boise State 28, Fresno State 14
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

Pac-12

Pac-12 Conference Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
North Division
No. 2 Oregon xy$^8–113–2
Stanford5–48–5
Washington4–58–6
California3–65–7
Oregon State2–75–7
Washington State2–73–9
South Division
No. 19 Arizona xy7–210–4
No. 10 UCLA6–310–3
No. 12 Arizona State6–310–3
No. 20 USC6–39–4
No. 21 Utah5–49–4
Colorado0–92–10
Championship: Oregon 51, Arizona 13
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

Southeastern

Southeastern Conference Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
Eastern Division
No. 14 Missouri x7–111–3
No. 9 Georgia6–210–3
Florida4–47–5
Tennessee3–57–6
South Carolina3–57–6
Kentucky2–65–7
Vanderbilt0–83–9
Western Division
No. 4 Alabama x$^7–112–2
No. 11 Mississippi State6–210–3
No. 17 Ole Miss *5–39–4
No. 22 Auburn4–48–5
LSU *4–48–5
Texas A&M3–58–5
Arkansas2–67–6
Championship: Alabama 42, Missouri 13
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • * LSU and Ole Miss vacated all wins (except for Ole Miss' win over Presbyterian) due to NCAA violations.
Rankings from AP Poll

Sun Belt

Sun Belt Conference Standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
Georgia Southern * $8–09–3
Louisiana–Lafayette ***5–17–4
Appalachian State *6–27–5
Texas State5–37–5
Arkansas State5–37–6
South Alabama5–36–7
Louisiana–Monroe3–54–8
Troy3–53–9
New Mexico State1–72–10
Idaho **1–71–10
Georgia State0–81–11
  • $ – Conference champion
  • * – Appalachian State and Georgia Southern ineligible for postseason play due to FCS-to-FBS transition rules
  • ** – Idaho ineligible for postseason play due to APR penalties
  • *** – Louisiana–Lafayette vacated 2 wins due to NCAA violations

Independents

NCAA Division I FBS Independents Records
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf.Overall
TeamWLWL
BYU–8–5
Notre Dame–8–5
Navy–8–5
Army–4–8
Rankings from AP Poll

The Postseason

College Football Playoff

The 2014 season ushered in the College Football Playoff (CFP), a four-team playoff system designed to determine the national champion. The semifinals were hosted by the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2015.

Championship Game

The CFP National Championship Game took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Ohio State defeated Oregon, securing the championship title.

Bowl Game Performance

Conference performance in bowl games varied, with the Pac-12 boasting the highest win percentage (.667), followed by the SEC (.583) and Big Ten (.545). A total of 39 bowl games were played.

ConferenceTotal gamesWinsLossesPct.
SEC1275.583
ACC1147.364
Big Ten1165.545
Pac-12963.667
Big 12725.286
MW734.429
American523.400
C-USA541.800
MAC523.400
Independents321.667
Sun Belt312.333

Final Rankings

The conclusion of the season saw teams ranked across multiple polls, reflecting their ultimate performance and standing.

College Football Playoff Rankings

The final CFP rankings determined the playoff participants:

CFPSchoolRecordBowl Game
1Alabama12–1Sugar Bowl
2Oregon12–1Rose Bowl
3Florida State13–0Rose Bowl
4Ohio State12–1Sugar Bowl
5Baylor11–1Cotton Bowl
6TCU11–1Peach Bowl
7Mississippi State10–2Orange Bowl
8Michigan State10–2Cotton Bowl
9Ole Miss9–3Peach Bowl
10Arizona10–3Fiesta Bowl
11Kansas State9–3Alamo Bowl
12Georgia Tech10–3Orange Bowl
13Georgia9–3Belk Bowl
14UCLA9–3Alamo Bowl
15Arizona State9–3Sun Bowl
16Missouri10–3Citrus Bowl
17Clemson9–3Russell Athletic Bowl
18Wisconsin10–3Outback Bowl
19Auburn8–4Outback Bowl
20Boise State11–2Fiesta Bowl
21Louisville9–3Belk Bowl
22Utah8–4Las Vegas Bowl
23LSU8–4Music City Bowl
24USC8–4Holiday Bowl
25Minnesota8–4Citrus Bowl

Final AP & Coaches' Polls

The Associated Press (AP) and Coaches' Polls recognized Ohio State as the No. 1 team, aligning with their CFP championship victory. Oregon secured the No. 2 spot in both polls.

RankAssociated PressCoaches' Poll
1Ohio StateOhio State
2OregonOregon
3TCUTCU
4AlabamaAlabama
5Florida StateMichigan State
6Michigan StateFlorida State
7BaylorGeorgia Tech
8Georgia TechBaylor
9GeorgiaGeorgia
10UCLAUCLA
11Mississippi StateMissouri
12Arizona StateMississippi State
13WisconsinArizona State
14MissouriWisconsin
15ClemsonClemson
16Boise StateBoise State
17Ole MissArizona
18Kansas StateKansas State
19ArizonaOle Miss
20USCUtah
21UtahUSC
22AuburnMarshall
23MarshallAuburn
24LouisvilleLouisville
25MemphisMemphis

Awards and Honors

Heisman Trophy

The prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player, was presented to Marcus Mariota, quarterback for Oregon.

PlayerSchoolPosition1st2nd3rdTotal
Marcus MariotaOregonQB78874222,534
Melvin GordonWisconsinRB374322751,250
Amari CooperAlabamaWR492803161,023
Trevone BoykinTCUQB845104218
J. T. BarrettOhio StateQB52745113

Conference Honors

Individual awards were also presented within each conference, recognizing outstanding offensive, defensive, and coaching achievements. Notable recipients included:

  • ACC: James Conner (Offensive POY), Vic Beasley (Defensive POY), Paul Johnson (Coach of the Year)
  • Big 12: Trevone Boykin (Offensive POY), Paul Dawson (Defensive POY), Gary Patterson (Coach of the Year)
  • Big Ten: Melvin Gordon (Offensive POY), Joey Bosa (Defensive POY), Jerry Kill (Co-Coach of the Year)
  • Pac-12: Marcus Mariota (Offensive POY), Scooby Wright (Defensive POY), Rich Rodriguez (Coach of the Year)
  • SEC: Amari Cooper (Offensive POY), Shane Ray (Defensive POY), Dan Mullen (AP Coach of the Year), Gary Pinkel (Coaches' Coach of the Year)
  • C-USA: Rakeem Cato (Offensive POY), Neville Hewitt (Defensive POY), Doc Holliday (Coach of the Year)
  • MAC: Jarvion Franklin (Offensive POY), Quinten Rollins (Defensive POY), P. J. Fleck (Coach of the Year)
  • Mountain West: Garrett Grayson (Offensive POY), Zach Vigil (Defensive POY), Jim McElwain (Coach of the Year)
  • Sun Belt: Elijah McGuire (Offensive POY), David Mayo (Defensive POY), Willie Fritz (Coach of the Year)

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References

References

  1.  UAB would later announce that it would reinstate football in the 2017 season; Clark was retained as head coach.
A full list of references for this article are available at the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on data extracted from Wikipedia and may not reflect the most current information or nuances of the subject matter. The accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the information are not guaranteed.

This is not professional sports analysis or advice. The information provided is not a substitute for consulting official NCAA regulations, team statistics, or expert commentary. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for definitive insights into college football.

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