What Is 2014 Fresno State Bulldogs football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Fresno State Bulldogs football team represented California State University, Fresno during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 6–7 record under head coach Tim DeRuyter. They played in the Mountain West Conference and participated in the New Mexico Bowl, losing to Colorado State 45–48.

Key Facts

The 2014 Fresno State Bulldogs finished with a 6–7 overall record
Head coach Tim DeRuyter led the team for the fourth consecutive season
They played in the Mountain West Conference's West Division
Quarterback Derek Carr was replaced by David Carr's younger brother, Derek
The team lost 45–48 to Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl

Overview

The 2014 Fresno State Bulldogs football team represented California State University, Fresno in the 2014 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. It marked the program's fourth year under head coach Tim DeRuyter, who had taken over in 2011 after the departure of legendary coach Pat Hill.

Following the departure of star quarterback Derek Carr after the 2013 season, the 2014 campaign was defined by transition and rebuilding. The Bulldogs competed in the Mountain West Conference, specifically within the West Division, and aimed to return to postseason play despite significant roster changes.

Record: The team finished with a 6–7 overall record, marking a slight decline from their 11–2 record in 2013.
Conference play: They went 5–3 in Mountain West Conference games, securing second place in the West Division.
Head coach: Tim DeRuyter served as head coach for the fourth consecutive season before being dismissed after the year.
Postseason: The Bulldogs qualified for the New Mexico Bowl, their sixth consecutive bowl appearance.
Key loss: They lost quarterback Derek Carr to the NFL, who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round.

How It Works

The 2014 season operated under standard NCAA FBS rules and Mountain West Conference scheduling, featuring an 8-game conference slate and non-conference matchups.

Non-Conference Games: The Bulldogs played 4 non-conference games, including matchups against USC, Idaho, Northern Iowa, and New Mexico. These games helped shape early-season momentum.
Starting Quarterback:Derek Carr had departed, so David Cubit became interim offensive coordinator and started Christian Aguilar and Marcus McMaryion at QB during the season.
Offensive System: The team ran a pro-style offense, continuing the system established under previous coordinator Dave Schramm, emphasizing passing and tempo.
Defensive Scheme: Fresno State used a 3-4 base defense under DeRuyter, focusing on aggressive linebacker play and pass rush from the edge.
Bowl Eligibility: Teams need at least 6 wins against FBS opponents to qualify for a bowl game; the Bulldogs achieved this with a win over New Mexico.
Player Development: The season emphasized developing younger talent, especially on offense, to replace departing seniors from the 2013 team.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2014 season compared to recent years in key statistical and performance categories:

Category	2012	2013	2014
Overall Record	4–8	11–2	6–7
Conference Record	3–4	7–1	5–3
Head Coach	Kirk Ferentz*	Tim DeRuyter	Tim DeRuyter
Bowl Game	None	Raisin Bowl (W)	New Mexico Bowl (L)
Points Scored (Avg)	27.1	41.7	33.5

The decline from 2013’s historic season was expected due to the loss of key players, especially on offense. While the 2014 team remained competitive, scoring dropped significantly without Derek Carr’s elite passing. The defense also struggled at times, giving up 35.2 points per game, a high mark compared to previous years. Despite the bowl appearance, the season ended with DeRuyter’s firing, signaling a shift in program direction.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a transitional year that highlighted both the challenges of sustaining success and the importance of quarterback stability in college football. It served as a bridge between eras for the program, setting the stage for future rebuilding efforts.

Program Transition: The departure of Tim DeRuyter marked the end of an era and led to the hiring of Jeff Tedford in 2017, who revitalized the offense.
Bowl Streak: The 2014 appearance extended Fresno State’s bowl streak to six years, a program record at the time.
Quarterback Development: The struggles of Aguilar and McMaryion emphasized the difficulty of replacing a star like Derek Carr.
Recruiting Impact: The season influenced future recruiting classes, with a greater focus on offensive skill positions.
Conference Standing: Remaining competitive in the Mountain West helped maintain the conference’s national profile.
Fan Engagement: Despite a losing record, fan attendance remained strong, showing continued support for the program.

The 2014 Fresno State Bulldogs season may not have met the lofty expectations set in 2013, but it provided valuable lessons in resilience and long-term program planning. It underscored how quickly college football fortunes can change and the importance of consistent leadership and player development.