What Is 2014 Colorado Buffaloes football team

Overview

The 2014 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado Boulder during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Pac-12 Conference's South Division, the team struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense throughout the year.

Under the leadership of head coach Mike MacIntyre, who was in his second season, the Buffaloes showed signs of improvement compared to 2013 but still finished with a losing record. Their schedule included tough matchups against ranked opponents and key conference rivals.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 2–10 overall record, including a 2–7 mark in Pac-12 play, placing them last in the South Division.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at Folsom Field, a historic venue in Boulder with a capacity of approximately 53,613 fans.
• Head coach:Mike MacIntyre entered his second year with a rebuilding focus, emphasizing discipline and defensive improvement after a 1–11 debut season.
• Key victory: One of the team’s two wins came against UTEP on September 6, a 37–16 victory that provided early momentum.
• Conference win: Their only Pac-12 win was a 20–13 victory over Utah on November 22, a game that ended a long conference losing streak.

Season Performance

The 2014 season was marked by offensive inconsistency and defensive lapses, especially in road games. Despite flashes of potential, the Buffaloes failed to sustain drives or contain high-powered opponents.

• Quarterback play:Sefo Liufau started most games and threw for 1,700 yards and 11 touchdowns, but injuries disrupted continuity.
• Defensive struggles: The team allowed an average of 35.1 points per game, ranking among the worst in the FBS.
• Rushing attack: Running back Christian Powell led the ground game with 443 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
• Special teams: Kicker Derek Renschler converted 8 of 13 field goals, with a long of 42 yards.
• Turnovers: Colorado committed 20 turnovers on the season, including 13 interceptions thrown by quarterbacks.
• Key loss: A 41–20 defeat to Oregon on October 11 highlighted the gap between Colorado and the conference’s elite teams.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2014 Colorado Buffaloes compared to other Pac-12 South teams in key statistical categories:

The table shows Colorado ranked last in both scoring and defense within the South Division. While teams like Arizona and UCLA competed for conference titles, the Buffaloes were in a rebuilding phase, focusing on player development and future competitiveness.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a transitional year that laid the groundwork for future improvements under Mike MacIntyre. Though results were poor, progress was measured in player growth and cultural change within the program.

• Program rebuilding: The season was part of a long-term effort to restore respectability after years of losing records and coaching instability.
• Recruiting focus: MacIntyre prioritized defensive recruits, aiming to build a tougher, more disciplined unit in coming years.
• Injury impact: Key players like Liufau missed time, disrupting offensive rhythm and development.
• Fans and morale: Despite losses, attendance and fan engagement remained steady, showing continued support for the program.
• Foundation for 2016: The struggles of 2014 and 2015 preceded a breakout 10–4 season in 2016, when Colorado reached the Pac-12 Championship.
• Historical context: The 2014 team is remembered as a low point before a significant turnaround, illustrating the volatility of college football rebuilds.

The 2014 Colorado Buffaloes may not have achieved on-field success, but their season was a critical chapter in the program’s journey back to relevance in the Pac-12.