What Is 2014 Idaho State Bengals football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Idaho State Bengals football team represented Idaho State University in the NCAA Division I FCS, finishing the season with a 3–8 record under head coach Mike Kramer. They competed in the Big Sky Conference and scored 243 total points across 11 games.

Key Facts

3–8 overall record in the 2014 season
Played in the Big Sky Conference
Scored 243 total points, averaging 22.1 per game
Head coach Mike Kramer in his sixth season
Home games held at Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho

Overview

The 2014 Idaho State Bengals football team represented Idaho State University during the 2014 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Big Sky Conference, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3–8 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Mike Kramer, the Bengals showed flashes of potential but were unable to sustain momentum over a full season. Despite challenges on both offense and defense, the team remained competitive in several games, particularly in home matchups at Holt Arena in Pocatello.

Record: The Bengals finished the 2014 season with a 3–8 overall record and a 2–6 conference record, placing them near the bottom of the Big Sky standings.
Scoring: Idaho State scored a total of 243 points across 11 games, averaging 22.1 points per game, which ranked in the lower half of the FCS.
Head Coach:Mike Kramer led the team in his sixth season, bringing experience but limited success during his tenure at Idaho State.
Home Field: The team played home games at Holt Arena, a domed stadium in Pocatello, Idaho, which has a capacity of approximately 11,000.
Notable Game: One of the season's highlights was a 35–34 victory over Northern Arizona in October, a narrow win that showcased the team’s resilience.

How It Works

The structure and operation of the 2014 Idaho State Bengals football program followed standard NCAA Division I FCS protocols, including recruiting, scheduling, and conference alignment. The team’s season was shaped by competitive matchups, player development, and coaching strategy.

Division I FCS: The Bengals compete in the Football Championship Subdivision, the second tier of NCAA Division I football, which features a 24-team playoff system to determine a national champion.
Big Sky Conference: As a member of the Big Sky Conference since 1963, Idaho State faces regional rivals such as Montana, Eastern Washington, and Northern Colorado in annual matchups.
Roster Size: The 2014 roster included approximately 90 players, with scholarships limited to 63 under NCAA FCS guidelines, affecting depth and specialization.
Game Schedule: The team played 11 regular-season games, including six conference matchups and a non-conference slate featuring teams like Utah State and Central Washington.
Player Development: The program emphasizes player growth over multiple seasons, with many athletes improving significantly by their junior and senior years.
Recruiting: Idaho State focuses on regional talent from Idaho, Utah, and the Pacific Northwest, supplemented by transfers and junior college prospects.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 Idaho State Bengals compared to select Big Sky Conference peers in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Scored	Points Allowed
Idaho State	3–8	2–6	243	348
Eastern Washington	9–3	7–1	472	312
Montana State	7–5	5–3	348	289
UC Davis	5–7	4–4	297	315
Northern Arizona	3–8	2–6	246	339

The Bengals ranked near the bottom of the conference in both scoring and defense, allowing 348 total points (31.6 per game). While their offensive output was slightly below average, their defensive struggles were a key factor in their losing record. Compared to top teams like Eastern Washington, Idaho State lacked the depth and consistency needed to compete at a high level.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a transitional year for Idaho State football, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities inherent in FCS competition. While the record was disappointing, the season provided valuable experience for young players and set the stage for future development.

Program Building: The season contributed to long-term roster development, with several underclassmen gaining crucial playing time.
Coaching Evaluation: The 3–8 record increased scrutiny on head coach Mike Kramer, who was eventually replaced after the 2017 season.
Recruiting Impact: A losing season can hinder recruiting, but strong individual performances helped maintain interest from regional prospects.
Conference Realignment: The Big Sky’s competitive balance influenced scheduling and future strategic planning for Idaho State.
Facility Use: Playing in Holt Arena provided a consistent home-field environment despite variable attendance.
Alumni Engagement: Even in tough seasons, football remains a key driver of school spirit and alumni connection at Idaho State.

While the 2014 campaign did not yield playoff contention, it served as an important chapter in the ongoing effort to build a competitive FCS program. The lessons learned that year contributed to incremental improvements in subsequent seasons.