What Is 2014 New Mexico Lobos football

Overview

The 2014 New Mexico Lobos football team represented the University of New Mexico in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Mountain West Conference in the Mountain Division, the team was led by head coach Bob Davie in his third year and achieved a winning season for the first time since 2007.

The Lobos finished the regular season with a 6–6 record, becoming bowl-eligible for the first time in eight years. Their performance culminated in a victory in the New Mexico Bowl, marking their first bowl win since 2007 and finishing the year with a 7–6 overall record.

• Record: The team finished with a 7–6 overall record, including a 4–4 mark in Mountain West Conference play.
• Bowl Game: The Lobos won the New Mexico Bowl on December 20, 2014, defeating the Arizona Wildcats 23–20 in a tightly contested matchup.
• Head Coach:Bob Davie was in his third season as head coach and guided the team to its first winning season since 2007.
• Quarterback:Cole Gautsche started 10 games, throwing for 1,822 yards and 10 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
• Home Stadium: The Lobos played home games at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, formerly known as University Stadium.

Season Performance

The 2014 campaign saw the Lobos improve significantly on offense and defense compared to previous years, showing resilience in close games and building momentum under Davie’s leadership.

• September Start: The season began with a tough 48–41 loss to Arizona State, a Pac-12 opponent, showing early offensive potential.
• Conference Play: In Mountain West games, the Lobos went 4–4, splitting series with rivals like San Diego State and Colorado State.
• Key Victory: A 45–38 win over Colorado State in October was a highlight, showcasing the team’s offensive firepower.
• Defensive Improvement: The defense allowed an average of 28.5 points per game, a marked improvement from prior seasons.
• Rushing Attack: Running back Kasey Carrier led the ground game with 748 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 172 carries.
• Special Teams: Kicker Don Treadwell converted 15 of 19 field goals, including a crucial 45-yarder in the bowl game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 Lobos compared to the previous season and conference averages:

The 2014 season represented a clear upward trend for the program. Compared to 2013, the Lobos added three wins, improved both offensively and defensively, and surpassed the conference average in points scored. Their bowl eligibility and victory signaled a potential turning point under Bob Davie’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a milestone for New Mexico football, restoring some pride to a program that had struggled for nearly a decade. The bowl win and winning record reignited fan interest and provided a foundation for future recruiting and development.

• Program Momentum: The 7–6 finish was the first winning season since 2007, boosting morale and recruiting efforts.
• Bowl Significance: Winning the New Mexico Bowl in front of a home-state crowd was a symbolic achievement.
• Coaching Validation: Bob Davie’s rebuilding project gained credibility after years of losing records.
• Player Development: Quarterback Cole Gautsche and running back Kasey Carrier emerged as reliable starters.
• Conference Standing: The 4–4 conference record placed them in the middle of the Mountain Division, competitive but not dominant.
• Attendance Boost: Home game attendance increased by over 12% compared to 2013, reflecting renewed interest.

While the Lobos did not sustain long-term success after 2014, the season remains a notable chapter in recent program history—a brief return to competitiveness that demonstrated progress under challenging circumstances.