What Is 2014 New Hampshire Wildcats football

Overview

The 2014 New Hampshire Wildcats football team represented the University of New Hampshire during the 2014 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Rick Santos in his first full season at the helm after taking over mid-season in 2013.

The Wildcats played their home games at Wildcat Stadium in Durham, New Hampshire, and aimed to return to postseason play after missing the FCS playoffs in 2013. Despite a strong offensive tradition, the 2014 season proved inconsistent, resulting in a losing record and no playoff berth.

• Overall record: The team finished with a 6–5 win-loss record, their first losing season since 2004.
• Conference performance: They went 4–4 in CAA play, tying for sixth place in the 12-team league.
• Head coach: Rick Santos served as the full-time head coach for the first time in 2014 after being promoted from offensive coordinator.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at Wildcat Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 11,000.
• Postseason: The Wildcats did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, ending their streak of seven consecutive appearances (2007–2013).

Season Performance

The 2014 campaign featured a mix of offensive highlights and defensive struggles, with the team showing flashes of competitiveness against top CAA opponents. A key theme was inconsistency, as the Wildcats won three of their first four games but then lost four of the next five.

• Season opener: New Hampshire defeated Sacred Heart 44–10 on August 30, 2014, showcasing a strong rushing attack.
• Key win: A 35–28 victory over Maine on October 18 highlighted their mid-season resilience.
• Loss to Richmond: A 27–24 defeat on October 25 was a missed opportunity to improve their playoff hopes.
• Senior leadership: Quarterback Drew Greeson and linebacker Trevor Sands provided veteran presence on both sides of the ball.
• Offensive stats: The team averaged 28.3 points per game, down from previous seasons under the new coaching staff.
• Defensive issues: They allowed 27.1 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the CAA in total defense.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2014 season to recent years reveals a decline in performance and postseason relevance. The table below highlights key metrics across three seasons.

The data shows that while the 2014 team improved slightly from 2013’s 5–6 record, they continued to struggle with consistency. Their inability to secure a winning conference record or playoff berth marked a transitional phase under new leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a pivotal year in the program’s recent history, symbolizing a shift from sustained success to rebuilding under new coaching. It underscored challenges in maintaining elite FCS status amid increased conference competition and roster turnover.

• Coaching transition: Rick Santos’s first full season tested his ability to maintain the program’s winning culture.
• Recruiting impact: A losing season affected recruiting momentum, particularly in the Northeast region.
• Conference parity: The CAA grew more competitive, with teams like James Madison and Richmond improving rapidly.
• Player development: Young quarterbacks and defensive backs gained experience that helped future seasons.
• Stadium atmosphere: Attendance dipped slightly, affecting game-day revenue and student engagement.
• Program trajectory: The season marked the start of a five-year stretch without a playoff appearance, the longest such drought in two decades.

Ultimately, the 2014 New Hampshire Wildcats season serves as a case study in the volatility of FCS football, where even traditionally strong programs can face downturns due to coaching changes and rising competition.