What Is 2014 Morgan State Bears football team

Overview

The 2014 Morgan State Bears football team represented Morgan State University during the 2014 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the Bears struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 2–10 overall record and a 1–7 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of head coach Edward P. Hurt, who was in his third season, the team faced challenges on both offense and defense. Despite limited success on the field, the program continued to develop student-athletes and uphold its legacy in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football.

• Record: The Bears finished the 2014 season with a 2–10 overall record, one of the team’s most difficult campaigns in recent years.
• Conference performance: In MEAC play, Morgan State went 1–7, with their only win coming against Savannah State on October 18, 2014.
• Scoring: The team scored a total of 173 points across 12 games, averaging just 14.4 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally.
• Defensive struggles: The Bears allowed 38.3 points per game, surrendering over 400 yards of total offense in multiple contests.
• Home field: All home games were played at Hughes Stadium, a 10,000-seat venue located on the university’s campus in Baltimore, Maryland.

Season Performance and Game Results

The 2014 season was marked by a series of tough losses, though the Bears managed two wins against non-conference opponents. The team opened the season with a loss to FBS opponent Maryland, setting the tone for a challenging year.

• Opening game: On August 30, 2014, Morgan State lost 45–10 to the University of Maryland, an FBS team from the Big Ten Conference.
• First win: The Bears earned their first victory on September 13, defeating Virginia State 21–14 in a non-conference matchup.
• MEAC win: On October 18, Morgan State beat Savannah State 24–21, securing their only conference victory of the season.
• Second win: A 28–21 victory over winless Paine College on November 15 provided a late-season morale boost.
• Season finale: The team closed the year with a 45–14 loss to Howard in the annual 'City Game' rivalry matchup on November 22.
• Offensive leaders: Quarterback Jethro Franklin threw for 1,242 yards and 7 touchdowns, leading the team in passing.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 season is best understood in comparison to recent years and conference peers. The table below highlights key statistical benchmarks.

The data shows a decline in offensive output compared to prior years, with the 2014 team scoring fewer points than in 2013 and 2012. Defensively, the Bears allowed the most points in the five-year span, indicating growing struggles on that side of the ball. While the program has historically faced challenges in MEAC competition, the 2014 season underscored the need for roster development and strategic adjustments.

Why It Matters

Though the 2014 season was not successful in terms of wins, it remains significant for understanding the trajectory of Morgan State’s football program. The year provided valuable experience for young players and coaching staff amid a rebuilding phase.

• Player development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, laying the foundation for future seasons under Coach Hurt.
• Recruiting insights: The season highlighted the need for stronger recruiting, particularly in skill positions and on the defensive line.
• Conference parity: Despite the record, Morgan State remained competitive in several games, showing potential for improvement.
• HBCU representation: The team’s participation reinforced the importance of HBCUs in college football’s broader landscape.
• Community engagement: Home games at Hughes Stadium continued to serve as community events in Baltimore.
• Program resilience: The Bears’ persistence through a tough season exemplified the perseverance central to collegiate athletics.

The 2014 Morgan State Bears football team may not have achieved on-field success, but their season contributed to the long-term growth of the program and provided lessons that informed future strategies and recruitment efforts.