What Is 2014 South Florida Bulls football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 South Florida Bulls football team does not exist as a recognized collegiate or professional team. South Florida's NCAA Division I team is the South Florida Bulls, but they are actually the USF Bulls, representing the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, competing in the American Athletic Conference.

Key Facts

The University of South Florida Bulls football team played in the 2014 NCAA season
USF finished the 2014 season with a 4–8 overall record
Head coach Willie Taggart led the team in 2014
The Bulls played home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa
USF competed in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2014

Overview

The 2014 South Florida Bulls football team refers to the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls, who represent the university in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) competition. Despite the common confusion in naming, there is no separate 'South Florida Bulls' team—this is simply a shorthand or misstatement for the USF Bulls based in Tampa.

During the 2014 season, the USF Bulls competed in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), marking their third year in the league after transitioning from the Big East. The team was led by head coach Willie Taggart, who was in his third season, aiming to rebuild the program with a fast-paced, aggressive offensive strategy.

Record: The 2014 USF Bulls finished with a 4–8 overall record, including a 1–7 mark in conference play, placing them near the bottom of the AAC standings.
Head Coach:Willie Taggart served as head coach from 2013 to 2016, emphasizing a run-heavy 'Pistol' offense and aggressive recruiting in Florida.
Home Stadium: The team played home games at Raymond James Stadium, shared with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a seating capacity of over 65,000.
Key Player:Quinton Flowers, then a freshman, saw limited action but would later become a star quarterback, though not yet a starter in 2014.
Notable Game: A 34–24 win over UConn on October 18, 2014, was one of only four victories that season and highlighted their defensive improvements.

How It Works

The structure of college football programs like USF's involves recruiting, conference alignment, scheduling, and bowl eligibility—all governed by NCAA rules. The 2014 season followed standard FBS operations, with practices, games, and media obligations shaping the team’s year.

Season Format: The 2014 FBS season consisted of 12 regular-season games, with teams eligible for bowl games at 6–6 or better, which USF did not achieve.
Conference Play: As a member of the American Athletic Conference, USF played a mix of divisional and cross-division opponents, facing teams like Cincinnati, UCF, and Houston.
Recruiting: The 2014 recruiting class included 24 signees, ranked 47th nationally by 247Sports, with a focus on in-state Florida talent.
Coaching Strategy: Taggart implemented a run-first Pistol offense, designed to maximize mobility and tempo, though execution lagged due to inexperience and injuries.
Player Development:Quarterback position rotated between Steven Bench and Bobby Eveld, neither of whom threw for more than 1,300 yards, highlighting offensive struggles.
Injury Impact: Key injuries to starters on both offensive and defensive lines disrupted continuity, contributing to the team’s inconsistent performance throughout the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2014 USF Bulls to other AAC teams reveals their mid-tier standing in the conference both in record and resources.

Team	2014 Record	Head Coach	Stadium	Bowl Game
USF Bulls	4–8	Willie Taggart	Raymond James Stadium	No
Cincinnati	7–6	Tommy Tuberville	Nippert Stadium	Yes (Boca Raton Bowl)
UCF	6–6	George O’Leary	Spectrum Stadium	Yes (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl)
East Carolina	8–5	Ruffin McNeill	Down East Bowl	Yes (Pinstripe Bowl)
Temple	6–6	Matt Rhule	Liacouras Center (football at Lincoln Financial)	Yes (Boca Raton Bowl)

The table illustrates that while USF struggled in 2014, several AAC peers achieved bowl eligibility. The Bulls’ 4–8 record placed them behind most conference competitors, reflecting challenges in player development and depth. Despite this, the foundation laid in 2014 contributed to modest improvements in subsequent seasons under Taggart’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a transitional year that highlighted both the potential and growing pains of the USF football program. Understanding this season provides context for the team’s evolution and its role in the competitive landscape of college football.

Program Development: The 2014 season was critical in evaluating coaching strategies and player talent under Willie Taggart, shaping future recruiting and development plans.
Conference Integration: As a relatively new AAC member, USF’s performance in 2014 helped gauge competitiveness against peers like Houston and Memphis.
Recruiting Momentum: Despite a losing record, the team secured commitments from key Florida prospects, laying groundwork for future success.
Facility Advantage: Playing at Raymond James Stadium provided NFL-level exposure and revenue, enhancing the program’s visibility.
Fan Engagement: Attendance averaged 25,000 per game, reflecting moderate local support despite on-field struggles.
Historical Context: The 2014 season is a benchmark for measuring USF’s progress, especially as the program later improved to 10 wins in 2017.

While not a standout year, 2014 was a necessary step in the long-term growth of USF football, offering lessons in resilience, leadership, and program building within a competitive conference environment.