What Is 2014 Oklahoma State Cowboys football

Overview

The 2014 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team represented Oklahoma State University in the 79th edition of the NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Big 12 Conference, the Cowboys were led by head coach Mike Gundy in his eighth season at the helm. The team played its home games at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma, drawing an average attendance of over 55,000 fans per game.

This season marked a transitional year for the program, following the departure of several key offensive players from the previous year’s 10-win team. Despite early optimism, the Cowboys struggled with consistency on both offense and defense, finishing the regular season with a 6–6 record before becoming bowl-eligible. Their season concluded with a decisive victory in the Holiday Bowl.

• Record: The team finished with a 7–6 overall record and a 4–5 mark in Big 12 Conference play, placing seventh in the league standings.
• Head Coach: Mike Gundy continued as head coach, maintaining his position since 2005 and compiling a 77–48 record through the 2014 season.
• Stadium: All home games were played at Boone Pickens Stadium, which underwent renovations in 2013 and had a seating capacity of 55,524.
• Season Opener: The Cowboys opened the season on August 30, 2014, defeating Missouri 31–24 in the Cowboys Classic held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
• Bowl Game: Oklahoma State capped the season by defeating Washington State 44–20 in the Holiday Bowl on December 27, 2014, in San Diego, California.

Key Players and Performance

Several players stepped into larger roles in 2014 due to injuries and graduation losses, shaping the team’s on-field identity. Quarterback Clint Chelf emerged as the primary starter, leading the offense with a balanced mix of passing and rushing.

• Clint Chelf: Threw for 2,480 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding 375 rushing yards and 5 scores, starting 10 games at quarterback.
• Charlie Mason: Led the receiving corps with 54 receptions for 740 yards and 5 touchdowns before leaving the team mid-season for personal reasons.
• Marcell Ateman: Emerged as a reliable target, recording 36 catches for 599 yards and 5 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign.
• Shawn Oakman: A defensive standout with 42 tackles and 5.5 sacks before departing early for the 2015 NFL Draft.
• Andrew Thomas: Anchored the offensive line, starting all 13 games at center and earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors.
• Ben Grogan: Served as the team’s primary kicker, making 13 of 18 field goal attempts, including a long of 47 yards.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 season compared to the previous two years in key statistical categories:

The 2014 season showed a decline in offensive production compared to the high-powered 2013 team that finished ranked No. 7 nationally. While the defense improved in certain areas, particularly against the run, the offense struggled with consistency. The Holiday Bowl victory provided a positive end to a season that fell short of preseason expectations but avoided a losing record.

Why It Matters

The 2014 campaign was significant for Oklahoma State as it highlighted both the challenges of roster turnover and the resilience required to remain competitive in the Big 12. The season served as a bridge between high-achieving years and a rebuilding phase.

• Development: Young players like quarterback Mason Rudolph gained experience, setting the foundation for future seasons under Gundy’s leadership.
• Bowl Eligibility: The team’s 6–6 regular season record underscored the importance of every game in maintaining postseason participation.
• Recruiting: Strong performances in the Holiday Bowl helped boost recruiting momentum for the 2015 class, particularly on defense.
• Conference Standing: Finishing seventh in the Big 12 reflected the conference’s competitive depth, with no team going undefeated in league play.
• Stadium Revenue: High attendance at Boone Pickens Stadium contributed over $18 million in ticket sales, supporting athletic department funding.
• Program Legacy: The win in the Holiday Bowl preserved Oklahoma State’s streak of consecutive bowl appearances, extending it to 13 years.

Ultimately, the 2014 season reinforced the importance of adaptability in college football. While not a championship contender, the Cowboys demonstrated resilience and set the stage for future success through player development and strategic coaching decisions.