What Is 2014 New Mexico Lobos football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 New Mexico Lobos football team represented the University of New Mexico during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 7–6 record under head coach Bob Davie. They played their home games at Dreamstyle Stadium and earned a berth in the New Mexico Bowl, where they lost to Colorado State 48–45.

Key Facts

Finished the 2014 season with a 7–6 overall record
Played in the New Mexico Bowl on December 20, 2014
Lost to Colorado State 48–45 in the New Mexico Bowl
Head coach Bob Davie led the team for the third consecutive season
Played home games at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque

Overview

The 2014 New Mexico Lobos football team represented the University of New Mexico during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Mountain West Conference in the Mountain Division, the Lobos were led by head coach Bob Davie and played their home games at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque.

The team showed modest improvement over previous seasons, achieving a winning record for the first time since 2007. Their performance culminated in a bowl appearance, highlighting a rebuilding phase under Davie’s leadership. The season featured a balanced offensive attack and a resilient defense that kept games competitive.

Record: The Lobos finished the season with a 7–6 overall record, including a 4–4 mark in Mountain West Conference play, marking their first winning season in seven years.
Bowl Game: They earned a spot in the New Mexico Bowl on December 20, 2014, facing the Colorado State Rams, a team they had previously lost to during the regular season.
Head Coach: Bob Davie entered his third season as head coach in 2014, continuing efforts to stabilize the program after a prolonged period of underperformance.
Stadium: All home games were played at Dreamstyle Stadium, formerly known as University Stadium, which underwent renovations in the early 2010s.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Cole Gautsche started most games, throwing for 2,265 yards and 15 touchdowns, providing stability at the quarterback position.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2014 campaign was defined by close games, midseason momentum, and a dramatic bowl finish. The Lobos displayed resilience, winning several games by narrow margins and showing growth on both sides of the ball.

September Start: The team opened the season 1–2, with a win over UTEP and losses to Washington State and Wyoming, setting a competitive tone early.
Midseason Surge: From October to November, the Lobos won four of six games, including victories over Air Force and San Diego State, two strong Mountain West opponents.
Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Dakota Cox recorded 113 total tackles, leading the team and ranking among the top defenders in the conference.
Offensive Balance: The team averaged 27.5 points per game, with a rushing attack that gained 176 yards per game, led by running back Kasey Carrier.
Bowl Appearance: Their 7–5 regular season record earned them a bid to the New Mexico Bowl, their first bowl game since 2007, ending a seven-year drought.
Final Game: In the New Mexico Bowl, the Lobos led Colorado State late in the fourth quarter but ultimately lost 48–45 in a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2014 Lobos to the previous season and the conference average in key statistical categories:

Category	2014 Lobos	2013 Lobos	Mountain West Avg
Overall Record	7–6	4–8	N/A
Points Per Game	27.5	23.1	26.8
Total Defense (Yards/Game)	423.1	451.6	410.3
Passing Yards/Game	221.4	198.7	235.1
Rushing Yards/Game	176.0	152.3	165.4

The 2014 team showed clear improvement over the 2013 season in both record and offensive production. While their defense remained a work in progress, they outperformed the previous year and nearly matched conference averages. The increase in scoring and bowl eligibility signaled progress under Coach Davie’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a turning point for the New Mexico football program, restoring a sense of competitiveness and fan engagement after years of losing seasons. The bowl appearance re-energized the fanbase and provided momentum for future recruiting and development.

Program Momentum: The 7–6 record was the best since 2007, proving the Lobos could be competitive in the Mountain West.
Recruiting Boost: Success on the field helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent classes.
Coach Davie’s Credibility: The season strengthened Davie’s position, giving him more time to implement his vision.
Community Impact: Bowl eligibility increased attendance and local media coverage, boosting school spirit.
Player Development: Quarterback Cole Gautsche and linebacker Dakota Cox emerged as program leaders.
Foundation for Future: The 2014 season laid the groundwork for continued improvement in the following years.

While the New Mexico Bowl loss was disappointing, the overall season represented a step forward. The 2014 Lobos demonstrated resilience, growth, and the potential for sustained success in a competitive conference.