What Is 2014 Emporia State Hornets football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Emporia State Hornets football team represented Emporia State University in the NCAA Division II season, finishing with a 7–4 record under head coach Garin Higgins. They competed in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time since 2009. The team was led by quarterback Tyler Eckenrode and running back Austin Lobdell.

Key Facts

Emporia State finished the 2014 season with a 7–4 overall record.
The Hornets won 5 of their final 6 regular-season games.
They qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs but lost in the first round to Colorado School of Mines.
Quarterback Tyler Eckenrode threw for 2,189 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Running back Austin Lobdell rushed for 1,032 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Overview

The 2014 Emporia State Hornets football team represented Emporia State University in the NCAA Division II football season. Competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), the Hornets were led by head coach Garin Higgins in his sixth season. The team played its home games at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas, and aimed to return to postseason play after missing the playoffs in 2013.

This season marked a significant improvement over previous years, as the Hornets posted a winning record and returned to the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2009. The offense was balanced, featuring strong performances from quarterback Tyler Eckenrode and running back Austin Lobdell. Defensive improvements also contributed to the team’s success, particularly in key conference matchups.

Record: The Hornets finished the 2014 season with a 7–4 overall record and a 6–3 mark in MIAA play, placing them fourth in the conference.
Playoff Appearance: They earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs, ending a five-year postseason drought.
First-Round Exit: The Hornets lost 42–28 to the Colorado School of Mines in the first round on November 22, 2014.
Quarterback Performance: Tyler Eckenrode completed 169 of 275 passes for 2,189 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Running Game: Austin Lobdell became the first Emporia State running back since 2011 to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.

How It Works

The 2014 Emporia State Hornets football season operated within the structure of NCAA Division II regulations, MIAA scheduling, and collegiate football strategy. Each game followed standard college football rules, with the team preparing weekly through practices, film study, and strength training.

Season Structure: The Hornets played a 10-game regular season schedule, followed by a potential playoff run, with games from September to November.
Conference Play: The MIAA consists of 13 teams, and Emporia State played nine conference opponents during the season.
Playoff Qualification: The NCAA Division II playoffs include 28 teams, with automatic bids for conference champions and at-large selections based on regional rankings.
Coaching Staff: Head coach Garin Higgins led a staff of 15 assistants, overseeing offense, defense, and special teams units.
Recruiting Pipeline: The team relied on regional talent from Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, with 68% of the roster from those three states.
Game Strategy: The Hornets employed a balanced offensive attack, averaging 28.7 points and 398.2 total yards per game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2014 Emporia State Hornets compared to other MIAA teams and recent seasons:

Team	Overall Record	MIAA Record	Points Per Game	Playoff Result
Emporia State (2014)	7–4	6–3	28.7	Lost in First Round
Pittsburg State (2014)	10–3	8–2	35.2	Lost in Quarterfinals
Washburn (2014)	7–4	6–3	24.1	Did Not Qualify
Emporia State (2013)	5–6	4–6	21.9	Did Not Qualify
Emporia State (2015)	8–3	7–3	30.1	Lost in First Round

The 2014 season showed clear progress from 2013, with improved scoring, a better conference record, and a playoff berth. While Pittsburg State remained the dominant force in the MIAA, Emporia State closed the gap. The team’s performance laid the foundation for continued improvement in 2015 and beyond, particularly on offense and special teams.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a turning point for Emporia State football, restoring playoff eligibility and boosting program momentum. It demonstrated the effectiveness of Coach Higgins’ development strategies and player recruitment.

Program Momentum: Returning to the playoffs increased visibility and recruiting interest for the Hornets.
Player Development: Quarterback Tyler Eckenrode improved significantly from his first year as starter.
Conference Competitiveness: The Hornets proved they could compete with top MIAA teams like Pittsburg State and Missouri Western.
Home Field Advantage: Welch Stadium saw increased attendance, averaging over 3,200 fans per game.
Academic Balance: 28 players earned MIAA Academic Honor Roll recognition that year.
Foundation for 2015: The 2014 success directly contributed to an 8–3 record the following season.

The 2014 Emporia State Hornets season was a pivotal chapter in the program’s modern history. It bridged a gap between rebuilding years and sustained competitiveness, setting expectations higher for future teams.