What Is 2014 San Diego State Aztecs football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State University in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 8–5 record under head coach Rocky Long. They won the Mountain West Conference Championship and defeated the #13-ranked Northern Illinois Huskies 49–27 in the Poinsettia Bowl.

Key Facts

The 2014 San Diego State Aztecs finished with an 8–5 overall record and 6–2 in Mountain West Conference play.
They won the 2014 Mountain West Conference Championship Game with a 27–24 victory over Fresno State.
The team defeated #13 Northern Illinois 49–27 in the 2014 Poinsettia Bowl on December 26.
Quarterback Blake Bell threw for 1,867 yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season.
Defensive end Deone Bucannon was a 2014 All-American and led the team with 8.5 sacks.

Overview

The 2014 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State University during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS season. Led by head coach Rocky Long in his fourth year, the team competed in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference and achieved one of its most successful seasons in recent memory.

Finishing with an 8–5 overall record and a 6–2 conference mark, the Aztecs claimed their first Mountain West Championship since joining the league. Their season culminated in a dominant Poinsettia Bowl victory over a ranked Northern Illinois team, solidifying their status as a rising program in college football.

Record: The Aztecs finished the 2014 season with an 8–5 overall record, including a 6–2 mark in Mountain West play, securing second place in the division.
Championship Win: They defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs 27–24 in the 2014 Mountain West Conference Championship Game on December 6, 2014, at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.
Bowl Victory: On December 26, 2014, the Aztecs beat the #13 Northern Illinois Huskies 49–27 in the Poinsettia Bowl, marking their first win over a ranked opponent since 2007.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Blake Bell threw for 1,867 yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season, leading a balanced offensive attack that averaged 31.8 points per game.
Defensive Standout: Senior defensive end Deone Bucannon recorded 8.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, earning First-Team All-Mountain West honors and recognition as a 2014 College Football All-American.

How the 2014 Season Unfolded

The 2014 campaign was a turning point for San Diego State football, showcasing both resilience and strategic execution under Rocky Long’s leadership. The team navigated a challenging schedule with consistency, peaking at the right time to capture the conference title.

Season Start: The Aztecs opened the season with a 38–7 win over Northern Iowa on August 30, setting a strong tone with 272 rushing yards and three defensive takeaways.
Midseason Test: A 34–30 loss to No. 5 UCLA on September 20 exposed defensive vulnerabilities but highlighted the team’s ability to compete with top-tier programs.
Conference Surge: After a 30–20 win over Boise State on October 25, the Aztecs won four of their final five regular-season games to secure a championship berth.
Blake Bell’s Role: Acquired as a transfer from Oklahoma, Bell started 10 games and completed 57% of his passes while adding 316 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground.
Defensive Identity: The Aztecs ranked 12th nationally in total defense, allowing just 305.2 yards per game, anchored by linebacker Vince Brestadt’s 104 tackles.
Bowl Performance: In the Poinsettia Bowl, running back Donnel Pumphrey rushed for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns, while the defense forced three turnovers against Northern Illinois’ high-powered offense.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2014 Aztecs to prior and subsequent seasons highlights the team’s peak performance during this campaign.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Poll
2012	9–4	6–2	Won Poinsettia Bowl	NR
2013	8–5	6–2	Lost in Poinsettia Bowl	NR
2014	8–5	6–2	Won Poinsettia Bowl (49–27 vs NIU)	NR
2015	11–3	7–1	Won Armed Forces Bowl	NR
2016	10–3	6–2	Won Las Vegas Bowl	NR

The 2014 season stands out for its conference title win and decisive bowl victory over a ranked opponent. While the win total matched 2013, the quality of the Poinsettia Bowl win and the championship game triumph elevated this team’s legacy. Subsequent seasons saw improved records, but 2014 marked a pivotal moment in program confidence and national relevance.

Why the 2014 Season Matters

The 2014 season was a cornerstone for San Diego State football, proving the program could win championships and compete with nationally ranked teams. It laid the foundation for future success and raised the profile of the university’s athletic department.

Program Momentum: The Mountain West title was the program’s first since 1998, reigniting fan interest and boosting attendance and recruiting.
Defensive Reputation: The defense’s national ranking helped establish SDSU as a program built on toughness and discipline under Rocky Long.
Bowl Prestige: The win over #13 Northern Illinois was the highest-profile victory since 2007 and earned national media recognition.
Recruiting Boost: Success in 2014 helped secure higher-rated recruiting classes, including future NFL talent like Pumphrey and Bucannon.
Conference Standing: The title reinforced SDSU’s status as a consistent contender in the Mountain West, influencing future scheduling and TV exposure.
Legacy Impact: The season is remembered as a turning point that led directly to the 11-win 2015 season and back-to-back top-25 finishes in 2015 and 2016.

In summary, the 2014 San Diego State Aztecs football team achieved a rare combination of conference success, defensive excellence, and postseason triumph. Their season remains a benchmark in the modern era of Aztec football history.