What Is 2014 Illinois State Redbirds football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Illinois State Redbirds football team represented Illinois State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season. They finished with an 8-4 record, won the Missouri Valley Football Conference with a 7-1 conference record, and advanced to the FCS playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Key Facts

The 2014 Illinois State Redbirds finished the season with an 8-4 overall record
They went 7-1 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)
Head coach Brock Spack was in his sixth season leading the team
Quarterback Tre Roberson threw for 2,875 yards and 21 touchdowns
The team reached the FCS playoffs but lost in the second round to North Dakota State

Overview

The 2014 Illinois State Redbirds football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). Under head coach Brock Spack, the Redbirds continued a strong program tradition, building on their 2013 playoff appearance and maintaining a competitive presence in one of the toughest FCS conferences.

This season marked the program's continued rise in national prominence, highlighted by consistent offensive production and a disciplined defense. The Redbirds demonstrated resilience throughout the regular season and earned a playoff berth, showcasing their ability to compete with top-tier FCS programs.

Overall record: The team finished with an 8-4 record, including a 7-1 mark in conference play, securing a share of the MVFC title.
Head coach: Brock Spack, in his sixth season, led the team with a focus on defensive discipline and balanced offensive execution.
Quarterback performance: Tre Roberson threw for 2,875 yards and 21 touchdowns, becoming one of the MVFC’s most dynamic offensive weapons.
Key victory: A 38-31 win over Southern Illinois in November helped clinch a share of the conference championship.
Playoff appearance: The Redbirds earned an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs, defeating Eastern Washington in the first round before falling to North Dakota State.

Season Performance & Key Players

The 2014 campaign featured standout individual performances and consistent team execution across multiple phases of play. From quarterback leadership to defensive resilience, the Redbirds showcased depth and adaptability in a challenging conference.

Running back Malcolm Williams: Rushed for 835 yards and 10 touchdowns, providing a reliable ground attack alongside Roberson’s passing.
Wide receiver Jake Wiemar: Caught 48 passes for 721 yards and 5 touchdowns, emerging as a primary target in the passing game.
Defensive leader: Linebacker Jake Kolbe recorded 102 total tackles, leading the team in defensive stops and anchoring the linebacker corps.
Special teams: Kicker Doug Nikhazy made 12 of 17 field goals, including a long of 47 yards, contributing crucial points in tight games.
Home field advantage: The Redbirds went 5-1 at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois, demonstrating strong support from their home crowd.
Conference strength: The MVFC was widely regarded as the toughest FCS conference, with four teams earning playoff berths in 2014.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2014 season to prior years highlights the team’s consistency and upward trajectory under Spack’s leadership.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Head Coach
2012	7-5	5-3	First Round Exit	Brock Spack
2013	10-4	6-2	Quarterfinals	Brock Spack
2014	8-4	7-1	Second Round Exit	Brock Spack
2015	6-6	4-4	No Playoff Berth	Brock Spack
2016	5-7	3-5	No Playoff Berth	Brock Spack

The 2014 season stands out for its conference dominance, as the 7-1 MVFC record was the best in Spack’s tenure since 2013. Despite fewer overall wins than 2013, the Redbirds maintained elite status in the FCS, with only North Dakota State proving too strong in the postseason.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Illinois State Redbirds season exemplified the program’s ability to remain competitive at a high level within the FCS landscape. Their success contributed to the growing reputation of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained coaching continuity.

National recognition: The team was ranked in the Top 25 for much of the season, peaking at No. 7 in the FCS polls.
Player development: Several players, including Roberson and Kolbe, received All-MVFC honors, enhancing the program’s recruiting appeal.
Playoff experience: Advancing in the FCS tournament provided valuable exposure and experience for younger athletes.
Recruiting boost: Success on the field helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years.
Conference strength: The MVFC’s depth was validated by multiple playoff teams, raising the national profile of its members.
Program legacy: The 2014 season reinforced Illinois State as a consistent FCS contender under Spack’s leadership.

Ultimately, the 2014 campaign was a testament to the program’s stability and competitive spirit, laying groundwork for future seasons despite eventual regression in later years.