What Is 2014 Holy Cross Crusaders football

Overview

The 2014 Holy Cross Crusaders football team represented the College of the Holy Cross in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Patriot League, the team was led by seventh-year head coach Tom Gilmore and played its home games at Fitton Field in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The season showcased a balanced performance, with the Crusaders finishing with a 6–6 overall record and a 4–2 mark in conference play. Despite strong showings against league rivals, they narrowly missed qualifying for the FCS playoffs, which require an automatic or at-large bid.

• Final record: The team ended the 2014 season with a 6–6 overall record, matching their win total from 2013.
• Conference performance: They went 4–2 in Patriot League play, placing them in the upper half of the league standings.
• Head coach: Tom Gilmore remained head coach for his seventh consecutive season, maintaining program continuity.
• Home field: Fitton Field, with a capacity of approximately 23,000, hosted all home games and provided a historic backdrop.
• Playoff eligibility: The Crusaders did not qualify for the FCS playoffs despite competitive results against top teams.

How It Works

The structure of NCAA Division I FCS football includes regular-season competition followed by a 24-team playoff for the national championship. Teams earn automatic bids by winning their conference, while others may receive at-large selections based on rankings and strength of schedule.

• Automatic bid: The Patriot League champion receives an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs; Holy Cross did not win the 2014 title.
• At-large selection: Teams with strong records and rankings can earn at-large bids, but Holy Cross’ 6–6 record was not sufficient.
• Strength of schedule: The Crusaders faced several FBS teams, including a loss to Boston College, which impacted their national ranking.
• Player eligibility: NCAA rules require student-athletes to maintain academic progress and meet year-specific eligibility standards.
• Game structure: Each game consists of four 15-minute quarters, with overtime used if necessary to determine a winner.
• Postseason access: Only teams with winning records and strong non-conference performances typically draw playoff consideration.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 Holy Cross Crusaders compared to key Patriot League competitors:

All five teams finished with nearly identical conference records, creating a three-way tie for second place. However, Colgate won the Patriot League title and earned the automatic playoff bid due to tiebreaker rules, leaving Holy Cross and others on the outside. This highlighted the competitiveness of the league and the narrow margins in postseason qualification.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was significant for maintaining Holy Cross’ consistent presence in the Patriot League and developing players for future success. Though they missed the playoffs, the team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness against strong opponents.

• Program stability: A 6–6 record under long-term coach Tom Gilmore showed sustained leadership and team development.
• Recruiting impact: Competitive seasons help attract high-caliber recruits to the Worcester-based program.
• Academic-athletic balance: Holy Cross emphasizes academic excellence, with over 85% of players on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
• Rivalry games: The annual matchup with Lafayette, known as 'The Rivalry,' drew significant fan interest and media coverage.
• Player development: Several 2014 team members went on to become key contributors in subsequent seasons.
• Conference parity: The tight records across the league underscored the increasing competitiveness of Patriot League football.

The 2014 season laid the foundation for future improvements, including a Patriot League title in 2019. It remains a testament to the challenges and opportunities within FCS football.