What Is 2014 Syracuse Orange football team

Overview

The 2014 Syracuse Orange football team represented Syracuse University in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in the Atlantic Division, the team was led by head coach Scott Shafer, who was in his second year at the helm.

Despite finishing the season with a 6–6 overall record, the Orange failed to qualify for a postseason bowl game due to their 3–5 record in ACC play. The season was marked by defensive struggles and inconsistent offensive production across multiple games.

• Overall record of 6–6: The team won six games and lost six, falling just short of bowl eligibility, which requires at least seven wins.
• ACC record of 3–5: Their conference performance included losses to ranked teams like Florida State and Clemson, weakening their postseason chances.
• Head coach Scott Shafer: In his second season, Shafer aimed to build on a 7–6 record from 2013 but faced challenges in player development and game strategy.
• Home games at Carrier Dome: The team played all home games at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, a venue with a capacity of over 49,000.
• Not bowl-eligible: Despite a .500 record, NCAA rules require seven wins for bowl consideration, and tiebreakers did not favor Syracuse.

Season Performance

The 2014 campaign featured a mix of close wins and disappointing losses, highlighting the team’s inconsistency. Key games included a narrow 31–27 victory over Western Michigan and a 35–27 loss to in-state rival Pittsburgh.

• September 20 vs. Western Michigan: 31–27 win: A come-from-behind victory where Syracuse overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half.
• October 4 at Florida State: 35–3 win: A lopsided loss to the eventual national champion Seminoles, exposing defensive weaknesses.
• October 18 vs. Clemson: 37–34 loss: The Orange nearly upset Clemson but fell short in the final minutes despite strong offensive effort.
• November 1 vs. Pittsburgh: 35–27 loss: A critical loss in the ACC standings, ending hopes for a winning conference record.
• November 29 vs. Boston College: 21–14 win: The season finale secured a .500 record but not enough for bowl eligibility.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2014 season to previous years reveals trends in performance, coaching impact, and conference competitiveness.

The table shows a decline from 2013’s bowl-winning season to a non-bowl 2014 campaign. While the team maintained a .500 record, the drop in ACC wins and lack of strong finishes in close games contributed to the downturn. Coaching continuity and player retention were ongoing challenges.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a pivotal moment in Syracuse football’s transition within the ACC, highlighting both potential and persistent shortcomings. The failure to reach a bowl game after a 6–6 finish raised questions about program direction.

• Missed bowl opportunity: Finishing 6–6 for the second time in three years underscored inconsistent performance and lack of depth.
• ACC integration challenges: As a former Big East member, Syracuse continued to struggle against top-tier ACC competition.
• Defensive inefficiency: The team allowed 31.2 points per game, one of the worst averages in the conference.
• Quarterback play: Senior quarterback Dalton Crossan and Terrel Hunt split time, limiting offensive rhythm.
• Injury impact: Key losses, including to wide receiver Jarrod West, disrupted offensive continuity throughout the season.
• Coaching pressure: Scott Shafer faced increasing scrutiny, culminating in his dismissal after the 2015 season.

The 2014 season ultimately served as a cautionary chapter in Syracuse’s football history, emphasizing the need for stronger recruiting, coaching adjustments, and improved conference preparation in the highly competitive ACC landscape.