What Is 2014 McMurry War Hawks football team

Overview

The 2014 McMurry War Hawks football team represented McMurry University in the NCAA Division III football season. Competing in the American Southwest Conference (ASC), the team was led by head coach Jordan Neal in his first full year at the helm.

The War Hawks played their home games at Wilford Moore Stadium in Abilene, Texas, and finished the season with a balanced 5–5 overall record. Despite not qualifying for the NCAA playoffs, the season marked progress in rebuilding the program under new leadership.

• Record: The team posted a 5–5 overall record, their first .500 season since 2010, showing improvement under first-year head coach Jordan Neal.
• Conference: As members of the American Southwest Conference, the War Hawks faced regional rivals like Mary Hardin–Baylor and Hardin–Simmons.
• Home Field: Wilford Moore Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 7,000, served as the team's home field and hosted all five home games.
• Offensive Leader: Quarterback Jase McClellan threw for 2,187 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the ASC in total offense.
• Defensive Highlight: Linebacker Tanner Hull recorded 87 tackles, the second-highest on the team, anchoring the middle of the defense.

Season Performance

The 2014 campaign featured a mix of competitive losses and hard-fought wins, reflecting the team’s transitional phase. Several games were decided by single digits, indicating a narrowing gap between McMurry and top ASC contenders.

• September 6, 2014: The War Hawks opened with a 42–21 loss to Sul Ross State, highlighting early defensive struggles.
• Mid-Season Surge: Won three of four games from September 27 to October 18, including a 35–34 win over Concordia (Texas).
• Passing Game: Averaged 254.3 passing yards per game, ranking among the top offenses in Division III.
• Rushing Struggles: Rushed for only 89.6 yards per game, limiting balance on offense.
• Turnover Margin: Finished with a -7 turnover differential, losing the ball 16 times compared to 9 forced takeaways.
• Senior Leadership: Key seniors like wide receiver Jordan Love (48 receptions, 675 yards) provided stability throughout the season.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2014 War Hawks to conference champion Mary Hardin–Baylor:

The comparison underscores McMurry’s rebuilding phase compared to powerhouse programs. While the War Hawks showed offensive promise, gaps in defense and depth limited their ability to compete consistently at the top tier of the ASC.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a pivotal step in McMurry’s football resurgence after a period of decline. It laid the foundation for future recruiting and program stability under Jordan Neal’s leadership.

• Program Momentum: The 5–5 record signaled improvement, boosting morale and recruitment for the 2015 season.
• Quarterback Development: Jase McClellan’s performance validated the team’s offensive strategy and attracted junior college interest.
• Conference Competitiveness: Competitive games against top teams proved McMurry could challenge ASC elites.
• Facility Use: Wilford Moore Stadium remained central to fan engagement and game-day culture.
• Recruiting Impact: Solid individual performances helped attract 2015 signees from Texas high schools and JUCOs.
• Long-Term Vision: The season was a benchmark in Neal’s multi-year plan to return McMurry to playoff contention.

Though not a championship season, 2014 was a critical chapter in the War Hawks’ journey toward sustained competitiveness in NCAA Division III football.