Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

2014 BCS National Championship Game

The 2014 BCS National Championship Game was the season-ending championship of the 2013 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the final game in the 16-year history of the (BCS). Held on January 6, 2014, at the in , the game pitted the undefeated No. 1 of the (ACC) against the No. 2 , runners-up in the (SEC). , coached by , won 34–31 in a dramatic finish, securing their third national title and first since 1999. Florida State entered the game with a perfect 13–0 record, having dominated the ACC with an offense led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston, who threw for 4,057 yards and 40 touchdowns during the 2013 season (including the ). Auburn, coached by , finished 12–1 after a stunning comeback season that included a famous "Kick Six" field goal return for a touchdown to upset in the . The Tigers relied on a dynamic rushing attack, with running back Tre Mason rushing for 1,816 yards and 23 touchdowns en route to the , where they fell to . The game, attended by 94,208 spectators and broadcast on , was a high-scoring thriller marked by momentum swings. jumped to a 21–10 lead behind Mason's 195 rushing yards and two s (one rushing, one receiving). Florida State rallied in the second half, highlighted by a 100-yard kickoff return by Whitfield that gave them a 27–24 lead with 4:31 remaining. reclaimed the lead at 31–27 on a 37-yard run by , but Winston orchestrated an 80-yard game-winning drive, capping it with a 2-yard to wide receiver with 13 seconds left. Winston was named the offensive , completing 20 of 35 passes for 237 yards and two s. The victory ended a streak of seven consecutive BCS titles by Southern teams, all but one from the , and marked the transition to the system starting in . For Florida State, it affirmed their resurgence under and Winston, who later became the No. 1 overall pick in the . The contest is remembered as one of the most exciting games in history, showcasing the end of an era defined by conference dominance and controversial selection processes.

Background and Selection

BCS System Context

The (BCS) was a postseason selection system for Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) that determined the participants in major bowl games, including the national championship matchup. For the 2013 season, the BCS formula calculated team standings using three equally weighted components: the Harris Interactive College Football Poll (a panel of 105 voters including former coaches, players, and administrators), the Coaches Poll (rankings from 62 FBS head coaches), and an average of scores from six computer ranking systems (Anderson & Hester, Billingsley, , Massey, Sagarin, and Wolfe). Each poll and computer score was normalized to a (1.000 for the top team), then averaged to produce the overall BCS standing, with computer models incorporating adjustments for but not margin of victory, to promote competitive balance and avoid encouraging lopsided scores. The BCS originated in 1998, spearheaded by commissioner , as a response to frequent split national championships caused by discrepancies between major polls like the (AP) and coaches' rankings. By guaranteeing a matchup between the top two teams at a neutral-site , it aimed to unify the sport's postseason and boost television revenue through high-profile pairings. However, by the 2013 season, the system drew widespread criticism for its perceived bias toward (e.g., automatic qualifiers for members), opacity in computer algorithms, and exclusion of non-automatic qualifying teams despite strong performances, which fueled calls for a . These issues culminated in the BCS's discontinuation after the 2013 season, replaced by the four-team beginning in 2014. The 2014 BCS National Championship Game represented the system's swan song, held on January 6, 2014, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California—a rotating neutral site selected from major bowls like the Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, and Orange to maintain tradition and accessibility.

Team Qualification and Rankings

The final BCS rankings for the 2013 season were released on December 8, 2013, with the top two teams automatically advancing to the VIZIO BCS National Championship Game scheduled for January 6, 2014, in . Auburn earned the No. 2 spot in the final BCS standings with a 12-1 record, having clinched the () championship with a 59-42 victory over on December 7, 2013. The Tigers' ranking benefited from strong performances in the computer components of the BCS , where they topped two of the six systems and ranked ahead of several one-loss teams, despite some variance in the polls that placed them consistently at No. 2 but behind Florida State. Florida State secured the unanimous No. 1 across all BCS components, including both polls and computer s, finishing the season undefeated at 13-0 after winning the Atlantic Coast Conference () championship 45-7 over on December 7, 2013. The Seminoles' dominance was underscored by their average margin of victory of 39.5 points, the highest for a major team since 2005. Auburn's qualification was bolstered by the strength of their schedule in the competitive , where they faced rigorous opponents that enhanced their computer rankings despite a single loss. In contrast, Florida State's path featured no close calls, with their top BCS position reflecting consistent excellence across the formula's human-element polls (one-third weighting each for the Harris and USA Today coaches' polls) and computer averages (one-third weighting). The 2013 BCS selection process avoided tiebreaker controversies, unlike the 2000 season when Florida State advanced over amid debates over human poll influences, allowing a straightforward matchup between the clear top two teams.

Participating Teams

The entered the 2014 BCS National Championship Game with a 12-1 record, marking a remarkable turnaround from their 3-9 finish in 2012 under previous coach . returned as head coach in 2013 after a one-year stint at State, implementing his high-tempo philosophy that propelled the team to an 11-1 regular season start, including several close victories such as 24-20 over Mississippi State and 30-22 over Ole Miss. The Tigers' resurgence was highlighted by their unbeaten streak in the final eight games, fueled by Malzahn's emphasis on speed and execution following the program's recent struggles. Auburn's offense thrived under Malzahn's no-huddle system, averaging 39.5 points per game and ranking among the nation's best in rushing efficiency. , a transfer, directed the attack with 1,976 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, while adding 1,068 rushing yards and 12 scores as a dual-threat leader. anchored the ground game, amassing 1,816 rushing yards and a school-record 23 touchdowns, providing explosive plays that defined the Tigers' fast-paced identity. Defensively, coordinator Ellis Johnson installed a 4-2-5 scheme that emphasized speed and disruption, allowing an average of 24.0 points per game through the regular season and Championship. The unit featured standout linebacker Cassanova McKinzy, who recorded 70 tackles, and defensive end , whose pass-rushing prowess led to 10.5 sacks, helping rank third in the in scoring defense despite facing high-powered offenses. Johnson's strategy focused on containing big plays, contributing to the Tigers' physical presence in key matchups. Auburn's path to the BCS title game was defined by dramatic victories, including a 34-28 Iron Bowl win over Alabama on November 30, 2013, sealed by Chris Davis's iconic 109-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown known as the "Kick Six." The Tigers followed with a 59-42 victory over Missouri in the SEC Championship Game on December 7, where Mason rushed for 304 yards and four touchdowns to secure the conference crown. These triumphs, combined with a No. 2 final BCS ranking, positioned Auburn for the national title matchup. The team's motivation centered on redemption in the Alabama rivalry, intensified by Auburn's 2012 collapse and the chance to upend the Crimson Tide's dynasty. Malzahn's up-tempo offense not only overwhelmed opponents but also boosted Auburn's BCS computer metrics through a demanding SEC schedule, underscoring the Tigers' improbable rise.

Florida State Seminoles

The entered the 2014 BCS National Championship Game with a perfect 13-0 record, marking the program's first undefeated campaign up to that point since 1999 and earning them the top seed in the BCS standings. Under head coach in his third year at the helm, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming early-season injuries to key contributors and navigating a demanding schedule that included matchups against multiple ranked opponents. The Seminoles' dominance was evident in their average margin of victory exceeding 30 points per game, culminating in a decisive 45-7 win over in the to secure their conference title and a berth in the . Florida State's offense exploded for 47.3 points per game, powered by redshirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston, who captured the Heisman Trophy as the youngest winner in its history at 19 years old. Winston set freshman records with 4,057 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and a 67.9% completion rate, distributing the ball effectively to a talented receiving corps. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin proved a matchup nightmare, hauling in 54 receptions for 1,011 yards and a team-leading 15 touchdowns, including multiple scores in high-stakes games. Running back Devonta Freeman complemented the air attack with versatility, amassing 1,181 all-purpose yards, including 1,016 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, providing crucial balance and big-play ability. On defense, the Seminoles achieved a dramatic turnaround under first-year coordinator , who installed an aggressive multiple-front scheme that propelled the unit to the nation's No. 1 ranking in scoring defense, allowing just 9.8 points per game—a marked improvement from their 12th-place finish in 2012. The group ranked third nationally in total defense (281.4 yards allowed per game) and excelled in creating turnovers with 28 forced fumbles and interceptions combined. Interior lineman anchored the front, recording career highs of 63 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks while disrupting opposing offenses from the nose guard position. Throughout the season, Florida State embodied a of amid adversity, particularly surrounding Winston's off-field challenges; a allegation from December 2012 was investigated by authorities and resolved without charges before the 2013 campaign began, allowing the team to rally around their leader and focus on collective goals. This unity, fostered by Fisher's emphasis on and preparation, transformed potential distractions into motivational fuel, propelling the Seminoles toward their pursuit.

Pregame Preparations

Venue and Broadcast Details

The 2014 BCS National Championship Game was held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, a neutral site selected by the Bowl Championship Series organizers and hosted by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. The stadium, with a seating capacity of approximately 93,000, drew a sellout crowd of 94,208 spectators for the matchup between the Auburn Tigers and Florida State Seminoles. Conditions were ideal for the evening contest, which kicked off at 8:30 p.m. ET under clear skies with temperatures around 68°F and light winds of 4 mph. Event logistics included officiating by a crew led by referee John O'Neill, ensuring standardized enforcement across the neutral venue. Ticket face values ranged from $325 for end-zone seats to $385 for sideline locations, with each team allocated 40,000 tickets; sales averaged around $374, reflecting relatively accessible pricing compared to prior years. The game generated an estimated $65 million in economic impact for the Pasadena area, boosting local hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors through fan spending. At halftime, the Marching Band and Florida State University's Marching Chiefs performed, highlighting the traditions of both programs in the packed stadium. The game was broadcast exclusively by in a primetime slot, featuring an expansive "megacast" production with 63 cameras, multiple trucks, and innovative elements such as player microphones for enhanced audio immersion. The telecast averaged 25.6 million viewers, marking the third-largest audience in history at the time, though slightly down from the 26.4 million who watched the 2013 championship. Pregame ceremonies added to the pageantry, with Grammy-winning artist performing the national anthem and a coin toss conducted by Auburn legend and former Florida State coach , representing the Seminoles' 1993 national championship captains. The atmosphere was electric, fueled by a sellout that created a vibrant mix of fanbases despite the cross-country travel challenges. Auburn supporters, hailing from , formed a significant presence in the stands due to the shorter journey, while Florida State fans endured a demanding trek from Tallahassee, contributing to a raucous environment that amplified the game's intensity from the opening kickoff.

Starting Lineups and Key Personnel

The 2014 BCS National Championship Game featured starting lineups that highlighted the contrasting styles of the and , with Auburn relying on speed and physicality in the trenches and Florida State showcasing a balanced attack led by its Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. Auburn's offense was anchored by quarterback , running back , wide receivers and , and offensive line center Reese Dismukes. On defense, the Tigers started defensive linemen Nosa Eguae and Gabe Wright (noted in pregame alignments as key interior players), linebacker Jake Holland (with Kenny Flowers in rotational roles), and defensive back Jonathon Mincy in the secondary. Florida State's offensive starters included quarterback , running back , wide receivers and Rashad Greene, and center Bryan Stork (with Josue Matias at left guard). The Seminoles' defense featured defensive linemen and Nile Lawrence-Stample (with Corn Elder in corner roles), linebacker Christian Jones, and defensive back in the secondary. Key personnel for the game included head coaches for , who called offensive plays and emphasized a high-tempo spread attack, and for State, the overall head coach overseeing a . 's kicker handled field goals and extra points, while State's served in the same role for the Seminoles. State's depth chart provided versatility with hybrid back , who could line up as a or . Strategic matchups centered on Winston's arm strength against Auburn's opportunistic secondary led by Mincy, Auburn's perimeter speed from players like Bray challenging Florida State's larger defensive front anchored by Jernigan, and the overall clash between Auburn's rushing attack and Florida State's stout interior line. No major injuries were reported for either team entering the game, allowing full participation from these core units.
PositionAuburn Tigers OffenseFlorida State Seminoles Offense
QB
RB
WR, , Rashad Greene
CReese DismukesBryan Stork
PositionAuburn Tigers DefenseFlorida State Seminoles Defense
DLNosa Eguae, Gabe Wright, Nile Lawrence-Stample
LBJake HollandChristian Jones
DBJonathon Mincy

Game Summary

First Quarter

Florida State received the opening kickoff from and embarked on an opening drive from their own 25-yard line. Quarterback orchestrated a methodical 9-play, 59-yard advance that consumed 3:38 off the clock, featuring a mix of passes and runs, culminating in a 35-yard by kicker with 9:53 remaining to put the Seminoles up 3–0. Auburn took possession at its 22-yard line following the ensuing kickoff and responded efficiently, marching 78 yards in just 6 plays. The drive was powered by runs from , including an 8-yard gain on the first play, and capped by a 12-yard pass from quarterback to Mason himself, giving the Tigers a 7–3 lead after Cody Parkey's extra point with 3:07 left in the quarter. The Seminoles regained the ball at their own 23-yard line and managed a short drive, gaining modest yardage through Winston's passing and runs by , but failed to reach field goal range before time expired in the quarter. Auburn held a narrow edge in total offense with 77 yards to Florida State's 67, while time of was balanced at roughly 7:21 for the Tigers and 7:39 for the Seminoles; neither team committed a turnover in the period.

Second Quarter

Auburn began the second quarter with possession after their first-quarter touchdown. The Tigers quickly struck, as Nick Marshall connected with Melvin Ray for a 50-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive, covering 60 yards in 4 plays, with Parkey's extra point putting Auburn ahead 14–3 with 13:48 remaining. Florida State answered with a solid drive but stalled, leading to a punt. Auburn then extended their lead on a 75-yard drive in 11 plays, capped by Marshall's 4-yard touchdown run, and Parkey's kick made it 21–3 at the 5:01 mark. The Seminoles closed the half strong, marching 68 yards in 10 plays for a . Devonta powered in from 3 yards out, and Aguayo's extra point narrowed the gap to 21–10 with 1:28 left, sending Auburn into halftime with a double-digit lead. At the break, the game remained tightly contested statistically, with Auburn holding a slight edge in first downs (12 to 11) and total yards (212 to 209), and neither team having committed a turnover.

Third Quarter

Florida State received the opening kickoff of the second half and mounted a 67-yard drive over 10 plays, consuming 5:30 of game clock, to reach field goal range. completed passes for 51 yards on the drive, including a 24-yard completion to , and added an 11-yard rush, setting up Roberto Aguayo's 41-yard at the 6:05 mark, narrowing Auburn's lead to 21-13. Auburn's ensuing possession stalled quickly, as Florida State's defense generated three sacks on quarterback , contributing to a total of five sacks for the game up to that point and limiting the Tigers to just 42 net yards in the quarter. The Seminoles' defensive effort exemplified their adjustment to Auburn's , forcing a three-and-out . Florida State regained possession with 4:35 remaining but ran out the clock without scoring, ending the quarter with leading 21-13. Overall, the Seminoles outgained the Tigers 96 yards to 45 in the period, signaling a shift as FSU's offense showed improved efficiency and the defense clamped down on Auburn's rushing attack. Devonta , a key component of Florida State's backfield throughout the season, contributed to the ground game efforts in the quarter alongside Winston's passing.

Fourth Quarter

Florida State trailed 21–13 at the start of the fourth quarter but quickly gained momentum when intercepted a pass from Auburn quarterback at the Tigers' 44-yard line. The Seminoles capitalized on the turnover with a five-play, 44-yard drive, ending in a 11-yard pass from to fullback with 10:55 remaining, followed by Roberto Aguayo's extra point to narrow the score to 21–20. Auburn fair-caught the ensuing kickoff and took over at their own 25-yard line. Florida State forced a stop, but after a exchange, took over at their own 25 and methodically drove 60 yards in 10 plays, culminating in a 22-yard by that gave the Tigers a 24–20 lead with 4:42 to go. return specialist Levonte Whitfield immediately answered by fielding the kickoff at his own 3-yard line and racing 100 yards untouched for a , with Aguayo's extra point putting Florida State ahead 27–24 just seconds later at 4:31. Auburn refused to fade, embarking on a grueling 12-play, 90-yard scoring drive that chewed up 5:30 of clock time. broke free for a 37-yard run, and Parkey's extra point gave the Tigers a 31–27 advantage with 1:19 remaining. The kickoff gave Florida State possession at its own 25-yard line, setting the stage for a high-pressure response. Winston calmly directed an eight-play, 75-yard march, highlighted by completions of 23 yards to Rashad Greene and 25 yards to , before delivering a 2-yard strike to Benjamin with 13 seconds left. Aguayo converted the extra point for a 34–31 lead. Auburn took over at its own 25-yard line for one final gasp, but quarterback Nick Marshall's Hail Mary attempt into the end zone was intercepted by Florida State's as time expired, preserving the Seminoles' victory.

Pivotal Moments and Notes

One of the game's key turnovers was ' interception in the fourth quarter, setting up Florida State's go-ahead score. Another occurred when fumbled late in the fourth quarter, but Auburn recovered, maintaining possession without loss. The game featured two interceptions, both by Florida State defense, contributing to their comeback. Big plays defined the contest, including wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin's game-winning 2-yard touchdown reception from Jameis Winston with 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Auburn's Tre Mason countered with two touchdowns, including a 12-yard receiving score in the first quarter and a 37-yard rushing effort in the fourth, powering the Tigers' ground game that amassed 195 yards from him alone. Winston's performance shifted dramatically after halftime, completing passes for 185 of his 237 total yards in the second half following just 52 in the first, enabling FSU's 24-point rally from a 21-10 halftime deficit. Coaching decisions played a pivotal role, with FSU coach Jimbo Fisher managing the clock effectively on the final 75-yard drive, converting key third downs to position the winning score. No replay challenges were noted, as both teams avoided controversial calls that could have altered the flow. Notable game observations include this being the first BCS National Championship featuring teams from different conferences since 2006, pitting the ACC's Florida State against the SEC's in a clash of undefeated squads. Mild weather conditions prevailed at the , with temperatures around 68 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff and light 4 mph winds, posing no significant impact on play. No major injuries affected the outcome, including Winston's pre-game shoulder concern, which did not hinder his second-half dominance.

Scoring and Statistics

Scoring Summary

The scoring in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game between Florida State and Auburn was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads through touchdowns and field goals across all four quarters, culminating in Florida State's 34-31 victory.
QuarterTimeTeamScoring PlayScore (FSU–AUB)
19:53Florida StateRoberto Aguayo 35-yd FG3–0
13:07AuburnTre Mason 12-yd pass from Nick Marshall (Cody Parkey kick)3–7
213:48AuburnMelvin Ray 50-yd pass from Nick Marshall (Cody Parkey kick)3–14
25:01AuburnNick Marshall 4-yd run (Cody Parkey kick)3–21
21:28Florida StateDevonta Freeman 3-yd run (Roberto Aguayo kick)10–21
36:05Florida StateRoberto Aguayo 41-yd FG13–21
410:55Florida StateChad Abram 11-yd pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick)20–21
44:42AuburnCody Parkey 22-yd FG20–24
44:31Florida StateKelvin Benjamin 100-yd kickoff return (Roberto Aguayo kick)27–24
41:19AuburnTre Mason 37-yd run (Cody Parkey kick)27–31
40:13Florida StateKelvin Benjamin 2-yd pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick)34–31
Florida State scored 34 points through three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, one kickoff return touchdown, two s, and four extra points, while Auburn scored 31 points through two rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns, one , and four extra points.

Game and Player Statistics

Florida State outgained Auburn in passing but was edged in total offense and rushing during the 2014 BCS National Championship Game. The Seminoles recorded 385 total yards, including 237 passing yards on 20-of-35 completions with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions, while Auburn amassed 449 total yards, led by 232 rushing yards on 53 attempts for 2 touchdowns. Florida State managed 19 first downs, converting 2 of 12 third-down attempts and 1 of 1 fourth-down try, compared to Auburn's 25 first downs, 10 of 18 on third down, and 0 of 0 on fourth down. Both teams committed one turnover, with Florida State losing a and Auburn throwing an .
CategoryFlorida StateAuburn
Total Yards385449
Passing Yards237 (20/35, 2 TD, 0 INT)217 (14/27, 2 TD, 1 INT)
Rushing Yards148 (31 att, 1 TD)232 (53 att, 2 TD)
First Downs1925
Third Down Efficiency2/1210/18
Fourth Down Efficiency1/10/0
Turnovers11
Sacks (by defense)14
Jameis Winston led Florida State's passing attack, completing 20 of 35 passes for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions, earning him offensive MVP honors. Devonta Freeman paced the Seminoles' ground game with 11 carries for 73 yards and 1 touchdown. Rashad Greene was Winston's top target, hauling in 9 receptions for 147 yards. For Auburn, quarterback Nick Marshall completed 14 of 27 passes for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns but threw 1 interception; he also rushed 16 times for 45 yards and 1 touchdown. Running back Tre Mason dominated Auburn's rushing, carrying 34 times for 195 yards and 1 rushing touchdown (plus 1 receiving TD). Defensively, Florida State recorded 1 interception by P.J. Williams off , which set up a key scoring drive, while forced no interceptions but recovered Florida State's lone fumble. The Seminoles' front applied pressure, registering 1 sack by Mario Edwards Jr., limiting Auburn's efficiency despite their yardage total. Auburn's defense notched 4 sacks, highlighted by Dee Ford's 2 takedowns of Winston. Special teams played a pivotal role, with Florida State's perfect on 2 field goal attempts (35 and 41 yards) and 4 extra points. Auburn's converted his lone field goal try from 22 yards and all 4 extra points.

Aftermath and Legacy

Immediate Reactions

Following the final whistle in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game, where Florida State defeated 34-31 on a last-second touchdown pass from to , Florida State players immediately mobbed Winston on the field in celebration of their third national title. BCS officials then presented to head coach and the Seminoles amid the jubilant scene at the . In contrast, players gathered in a dejected as their undefeated season ended just short of a championship, with coach consoling the team in a post-game locker room speech where he expressed, "I'm just gonna tell you right now, I'm proud of you." Malzahn later elaborated in the press conference on the Tigers' resilience, stating they had given a strong effort but fell short in the end. Florida State coach highlighted the team's perseverance during his on-field remarks, noting the heart and determination shown throughout the season's challenges. Winston, named Offensive , credited in his post-game , saying, "God did this. I'm so blessed. There is nobody but God." Teammate described the game-winning catch as fulfilling a lifelong aspiration, while running back reflected somberly, "I just want them to know that I gave it all I got, but I still feel like I let them down." Media coverage immediately hailed the contest as an "instant classic" due to its dramatic comeback and high stakes as the final BCS title game. The final poll affirmed Florida State's No. 1 ranking, capping their undefeated campaign. ESPN's broadcast averaged 25.6 million viewers, marking the third-largest cable audience ever at the time. Florida State fans, watching from afar as the away team, erupted in celebrations across Tallahassee, with crowds gathering to cheer the victory despite not storming the field. supporters, though heartbroken, widely praised the Tigers' remarkable turnaround season from 3-9 the prior year to champions and BCS runners-up.

Program Impacts

The 2014 BCS National Championship victory marked Florida State's third national title in program history, following championships in 1993 and 1999, solidifying its status as one of college football's elite programs. The win significantly bolstered head coach Jimbo Fisher's tenure, earning him the 2013 Rawlings College Football Coach of the Year award for leading the Seminoles to an undefeated 14-0 season. This achievement represented the program's peak under Fisher, coming just before off-field challenges, including quarterback Jameis Winston's half-game suspension for shoplifting during the 2014 season, which tested team discipline amid heightened scrutiny. Winston, the game's , parlayed his performance into being selected first overall by the in the , highlighting the championship's role in elevating player profiles. For Auburn, the game concluded a remarkable 12-2 season that capped a stunning turnaround from a 3-9 record in 2012 under new head coach , validating his up-tempo offensive philosophy despite the 34-31 defeat. The runner-up finish provided momentum that carried into 2014, where the Tigers achieved an 8-5 record, but the program soon declined, posting 7-6 and 8-5 marks in 2015 and 2016, respectively, amid quarterback instability and defensive struggles. , a key contributor with 1,816 rushing yards in 2013, capitalized on the exposure by being drafted in the third round (75th overall) by the in 2014, underscoring the game's boost to individual careers even in defeat. The championship influenced recruiting for both programs. Florida State secured a top-five 2014 recruiting class, ranked fourth nationally by , featuring talents like Dalvin Cook and Travis Rudolph, which helped sustain contention in the . Auburn, despite the loss, maintained its strong recruiting presence with a sixth-ranked national class that year, including defensive standouts like end Carl Lawson, preserving its competitive edge in the talent-rich conference. On a broader level, Florida State's triumph delivered the its first since 2000, ending the Southeastern Conference's streak of seven consecutive BCS titles from 2006 to 2012 and reshaping perceptions of conference parity. The game also propelled several players to professional success; beyond Winston, Florida State was selected fifth overall by the in the , while quarterback , who went undrafted in 2015, signed with the and appeared in four games as a . Following the 2014 championship, Florida State posted a 13–1 record in the 2014 season and 10–3 in 2015, but performance declined under , who departed after a 7–6 season in 2017. Willie Taggart's tenure (2018–2019) yielded a combined 11–14 record, while , hired in 2020, led the Seminoles to a 13–1 season and championship in 2023 before a 2–10 finish in 2024. Auburn experienced ups and downs post-2016, achieving 10–4 in 2017 (SEC West co-champions) and 9–4 in 2019, but inconsistency prompted Malzahn's dismissal after a 6–2 campaign in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Bryan Harsin's two years (2021–2022) resulted in a 6–12 mark, leading to his firing; took over in 2023, guiding to 7–6 records in both 2023 and 2024.

Historical Significance

The 2014 BCS National Championship Game marked the conclusion of the era, serving as a symbolic farewell to a system that had governed college football's postseason for 16 years and was often marred by contentious selections and exclusions. Unlike many prior BCS title matchups, such as the 2010 game where 's victory was overshadowed by off-field scandals involving , the Florida State- contest unfolded without selection controversies, allowing the focus to remain on the on-field drama. This clean matchup, pitting the undefeated against the one-loss from different conferences, provided a fitting and thrilling coda to the BCS, contrasting sharply with earlier eras of debate and dissatisfaction. Key legacy moments from the game have endured in college football lore, including Jameis Winston's game-winning drive, which Florida State coach likened to the clutch performances of NFL legend for its poise under pressure. The dramatic finish, capped by Winston's touchdown pass to with 13 seconds remaining, overshadowed hypothetical "what if" scenarios, such as Auburn's earlier offensive stalls that prevented them from extending their lead beyond reach. The game's viewership averaged 25.6 million viewers, making it the third-most-watched cable broadcast in history at the time and the highest-rated BCS title game since the 2006 Ohio State- matchup. On a broader scale, accelerated the momentum toward the debut later in the 2014 season, highlighting the need for a more inclusive format beyond the BCS's single-game format. Florida State's triumph also ended a 14-year drought for the , the last original BCS conference to claim a title since the system's inception, breaking the Southeastern Conference's streak of seven consecutive championships. later ranked the contest among the 150 greatest games in and a top of the BCS era, while the 2013 season itself was noted for its competitive parity, with multiple upsets and no dominant preseason favorite emerging unscathed. Culturally, the game garnered attention in ESPN's "Year of the Quarterback" series extensions and subsequent documentaries exploring the season's quarterback-driven narratives, emphasizing Winston's Heisman-winning performance amid personal scrutiny but without game-related controversies tainting the event. Its high-stakes conclusion has been revisited in retrospectives as a pivotal thriller that bridged the BCS and playoff eras, underscoring college football's evolving emphasis on dramatic, merit-based resolutions.

References

  1. [1]
    Florida State 34-31 Auburn (Jan 6, 2014) Final Score - ESPN
    1 Florida State beat No. 2 Auburn 34-31 to win the last BCS national championship game on Monday night. Jan 7, 2014, 08:28 am - Associated ...Missing: results date
  2. [2]
    FBS Football Championship History | NCAA.com
    FBS FootballChampionship History ; 2015, Alabama, CFP ; 2014, Ohio State, CFP ; 2013, Florida State, BCS ; 2012, Alabama, BCS.Missing: date | Show results with:date
  3. [3]
    Florida State vs Auburn Box Score, January 6, 2014
    Jan 6, 2014 · BCS Championship - Florida State vs Auburn Box Score, January 6, 2014 | College Football at Sports-Reference.com. On this page: Scoring Summary ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  4. [4]
    Florida State Seminoles win 2014 VIZIO BCS National ...
    Jan 7, 2014 · The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Auburn Tigers 34-31 Monday night in the 2014 VIZIO BCS National Championship Game.
  5. [5]
    Famous Jameis does what great QBs do - NCAA.com
    Jan 7, 2014 · Quarterback Jameis Winston led Florida State on a game-winning, 80-yard touchdown drive in the final minute to guide the Seminoles to a 34-31 win against ...Missing: significance | Show results with:significance
  6. [6]
    How Florida State proved itself by not winning big - USA Today
    Jan 7, 2014 · Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    BCS STANDINGS - WEEK 1 (Oct. 20, 2013)
    Oct 20, 2013 · The BCS Average is calculated by averaging the percentage totals of the Harris Interactive Poll, USA Today Poll, and computer rankings. The ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    How the BCS Standings Were Calculated – Official Formula
    Each team's overall BCS score was determined by combining three equally weighted components: USA Today Coaches Poll; Harris Interactive College Football Poll
  9. [9]
    How the creation of the BCS set the stage for the current playoff format
    Oct 31, 2023 · THE BCS WAS created in 1998 by then-SEC commissioner Roy Kramer as a way to pair the two highest-ranked teams in a national championship game at ...
  10. [10]
    Roy Kramer: BCS had growing pains but did what it was intended to ...
    Jan 3, 2014 · And while one of the most stinging criticisms of the BCS over the past 16 years was that it consolidated power (and money) into the largest ...
  11. [11]
    "BCS Megacast" - Coaches, Players, ESPNers & Celebs Across ...
    Jan 3, 2014 · ESPN's traditional telecast will be called by Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit, working their seventh consecutive BCS National Championship ...
  12. [12]
    BCS National Championship Game 2014 TV schedule
    Jan 2, 2014 · The Megacast includes different variations of the live game coverage on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPN Classic, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3 and ESPN Goal Line.
  13. [13]
    Florida State, Auburn in title game - ESPN
    Dec 8, 2013 · No. 1 Florida State and No. 2 Auburn top the final BCS standings and will play for the national title Jan. 6 in Pasadena, Calif.
  14. [14]
    College football rankings: Florida State, Auburn top final 2013 BCS ...
    Dec 8, 2013 · College football rankings: Florida State, Auburn top final 2013 BCS standings ; 1, Florida State Seminoles, 13-0 ; 2, Auburn Tigers, 12-1 ; 3 ...
  15. [15]
    Auburn 59-42 Missouri (Dec 7, 2013) Game Recap - ESPN
    Dec 8, 2013 · Mason rushed for 304 yards and four touchdowns, leading No. 3 Auburn to a wild 59-42 victory over No. 5 Missouri in a Southeastern Conference title showdown ...
  16. [16]
    Final 2013 BCS Rankings and Analysis - Athlon Sports
    Dec 8, 2013 · In the first BCS standings of the season after Week 9, Auburn was ranked No. 11, behind teams like Miami and Texas Tech. Auburn's rise to the ...
  17. [17]
    Florida State, Auburn in final BCS title game
    Dec 9, 2013 · When the final BCS standings were released on Sunday night, the expected was confirmed, as No. 1 Florida State (13-0) will face No. 2 Auburn (12 ...
  18. [18]
    Florida State, Auburn to play for BCS National Championship
    Dec 8, 2013 · The Seminoles and Tigers were ranked 1-2 in the two human polls – the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and the Harris Poll – and the Seminoles were ...
  19. [19]
    Florida State 45-7 Duke (Dec 7, 2013) Final Score - ESPN
    Game summary of the Florida State Seminoles vs. Duke Blue Devils NCAAF game, final score 45-7, from December 7, 2013 on ESPN.
  20. [20]
    College Football: Was 2013 Florida State the Most Dominant Team ...
    Jan 8, 2014 · Of those three elite teams, none averaged a greater margin of victory than Florida State's 39.5. The 2005 Texas team had two one-possession wins ...
  21. [21]
    2013 Auburn Tigers Stats | College Football at Sports-Reference.com
    Record: 12-2 (5th of 125) (Schedule & Results) ; Rank: 2nd in the Final AP poll ; Conference: SEC (West Division) ; Conference Record: 7-1 ; Coach: Gus Malzahn (12- ...
  22. [22]
    Auburn Tigers 2013 Regular Season NCAAF Schedule - ESPN
    Auburn Tigers Schedule 2013 ; Sat, 11/2. @ ARK. W35-17, 8-1 (4-1), Marshall 118 ; Sat, 11/9. @ TENN. W55-23, 9-1 (5-1), Marshall 35 ...
  23. [23]
    AUBURN'S GUS MALZAHN WINS 2013 EDDIE ROBINSON AWARD
    Dec 16, 2013 · Gus Malzahn won the 2013 Eddie Robinson Award for his 12-1 record, a 8 1/2 game improvement, and a great turnaround in his first year.
  24. [24]
    Football 2013 Cumulative Statistics - Auburn Tigers
    Football 2013 Cumulative Statistics ; Interception: Average, 8.62, 0.00 ; Scoring ; Points Per Game, 39.50, 0.00 ; Point Off Turnovers, 0, 0.Missing: no | Show results with:no
  25. [25]
    Nick Marshall College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits
    Nick Marshall. Schools: Georgia, Auburn. Position: DB/QB. 6-1, 210lb (185cm, 95kg). 27 14. +1. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free.
  26. [26]
    Tre Mason College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits
    Check out Tre Mason's College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits and More ... : Auburn. Position: RB. 5-10, 205lb (178cm, 92kg). Heisman Voting: 6th in 2013.
  27. [27]
    Auburn Tigers 2013 College Football Players Stats - ESPN
    In 2013, N. Marshall led in passing (1,976 yards), T. Mason in rushing (1,816 yards), S. Coates in receiving (902 yards), C. Davis in tackles (74), and R. ...
  28. [28]
    Auburn Football: Ellis Johnson's 4-2-5 Defense Is a Game-Changer ...
    Jun 8, 2018 · Auburn fans knew they would see a different look out of new defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson's 4-2-5 scheme this season.
  29. [29]
    Auburn 34-28 Alabama (Nov 30, 2013) Final Score - ESPN
    Auburn stuns Bama with final-play FG return ; 11:00 - 2nd. 6 · ALABAMA pass complete for a touchdown. ; 11:00 - 2nd. 7 · ALABAMA Extra point GOOD. ; 7:12 - 2nd. 13.
  30. [30]
    Auburn 59-42 Missouri (Dec 7, 2013) Final Score - ESPN
    Tre Mason rushed for 304 yards and four touchdowns, leading No. 3 Auburn to a wild 59-42 victory over No. 5 Missouri in the Southeastern Conference championship ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  31. [31]
    Auburn Wins 2013 SEC Football Championship
    3 Auburn to a 59-42 win against No. 5 Missouri in the highest-scoring Southeastern Conference Championship Game in the event's 22-year history.
  32. [32]
    Under Gus Malzahn, Auburn putting 'mental scars' of 2012 behind ...
    2013年3月28日 · Gus Malzahn's policy so far as head coach has centered around putting 2012 in the past and focusing on the future.
  33. [33]
    Season report card for 2013: Auburn Tigers - ESPN - SEC Blog
    Jan 27, 2014 · The Tigers ranked 12th in the SEC in total defense (420.7 yards per game) and gave up way too many big plays for defensive coordinator Ellis ...Missing: entering | Show results with:entering
  34. [34]
    2013 Florida State Seminoles Stats - Sports-Reference.com
    2013 Florida State Seminoles Stats ; Record: 14-0 (1st of 125) (Schedule & Results) ; Rank: 1st in the Final AP poll ; Conference: ACC (Atlantic Division).Schedule & Results · Roster · Game Logs
  35. [35]
    Jameis Winston Named 2013 Heisman Trophy Winner
    ... 2013 college football season in which the Florida State rookie quarterback was the brightest star. He set the ACC and FBS freshman record for touchdown ...<|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Jameis Winston - Heisman
    Winston edged out Mark Ingram as the youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy when he captured the 79th award at age 19 years and 342 days.
  37. [37]
    Jameis Winston - 2013 - Football - Florida State University
    The youngest player ever to win the Heisman Trophy completed his 27-game career as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Florida State, ACC and college ...<|separator|>
  38. [38]
    One of the best to ever do it: 2013 FSU stats, records, roster, season ...
    Dec 28, 2023 · Margin of victory (min. 10 games): 39.5 (Army holds overall record with 52 average margin of victory over 9 games in 1944). Individual: Most ...
  39. [39]
    FSU's top-ranked defense dominant under Jeremy Pruitt | FOX Sports
    Dec 4, 2013 · They lead the nation in scoring defense (11 points per game), the lowest total since Florida State allowed just 10.2 points per game in 2000.
  40. [40]
    Georgia hires FSU's Pruitt to head defense - NBC News
    Jan 14, 2014 · Under Pruitt, undefeated Florida State led the nation in scoring defense, allowing 12.1 points per game, and ranked third in total defense ...
  41. [41]
    2013 Top 25 player countdown: No. 7 Timmy Jernigan - ACC Blog
    Jan 29, 2014 · In 14 starts, Jernigan set career highs for tackles (63), tackles for loss (11.0) and sacks (4.5) and was an All-ACC coaches' first-team ...
  42. [42]
    Warrants detail accusations against FSU's Winston - NCAA.com
    Dec 5, 2013 · A woman who accused Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston of sexual assault ... resolved ''absent extraordinary circumstances as determined ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  43. [43]
    Distance, Stadium Capacity Explain Cheaper Secondary Prices For ...
    Jan 6, 2014 · Distance, Stadium Capacity Explain Cheaper Secondary Prices For 2014 BCS National Championship ; 2013-14, $817, Auburn vs Florida State ; 2012-13 ...Missing: details weather
  44. [44]
    BCS championship game: Auburn vs. Florida State live updates
    Jan 6, 2014 · A crowd of 94,208 witnessed it, and 10 times that many will say they were there. Winston connected with Kevin Benjamin on a two-yard pass just ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  45. [45]
    Auburn fans in Pasadena won't need gloves and scarfs, while fans ...
    Jan 6, 2014 · Today's forecast calls for temperatures to climb to 76 degrees. And at kickoff, temperatures are forecast to be 68 degrees with winds at 4 mph.
  46. [46]
    John O'Neill, BCS Championship Game Referee, is a St. Rita High ...
    John O'Neill, who will be the referee for Monday night's BCS Championship Game between No. 1 Florida State and No. 2 Auburn, is a St.Missing: crew | Show results with:crew
  47. [47]
    BCS title tickets selling on the cheap - ESPN
    Jan 6, 2014 · As of 8:30 a.m. ET Monday, nearly 1,000 tickets to the game were selling below face value, according to TiqIQ, a ticket-market data provider.
  48. [48]
    BCS Championship tickets among cheapest in history
    Jan 6, 2014 · Secondary market national championship tickets are selling at an average price of $374, according to Forbes, which cited TiqIQ, a website that ...
  49. [49]
    How the Rose Bowl (and Rose Parade) may be losing money on the ...
    Dec 17, 2015 · TofR brings in about $60 million when it only has one game. The profits from football subsidize the Rose Parade, which lost about $2 million in 2013 and 2014.<|separator|>
  50. [50]
    2014 BCS National Championship - Sports Video Group
    SVG was live on-site to take in the sights and sounds of ESPN's coverage of college football's final BCS Championship. Click through the photo gallery below to ...
  51. [51]
    BCS National Championship: Cable's Third Largest Audience Ever
    Jan 7, 2014 · Live access to the game itself on ESPN generated 553,000 unique viewers (a 53 percent increase), 33,600,000 live minutes viewed (90 percent ...
  52. [52]
    BCS Championship game draws 25.6 million viewers for ESPN
    Jan 7, 2014 · The college football battle at the Rose Bowl, the last BCS game ever, drew an average of 25.6 million people Monday night, making it the third-most-watched ...Missing: broadcast | Show results with:broadcast
  53. [53]
    2014 BCS National Championship Game - NFL.com
    The the Rose Bowl before the NCAA BCS National Championship college football game between Auburn and. 31 / 35. Rose Bowl Stadium. The the Rose Bowl before the ...<|separator|>
  54. [54]
    BCS National Championship breakdown: Who has the edge?
    Jan 6, 2014 · Auburn's line is anchored by center Reese Dismukes, a team leader, and all-conference left tackle Greg Robinson. This group paves the way for a ...
  55. [55]
    2014 Auburn Tigers Roster | College Football at Sports-Reference ...
    2014 Auburn Tigers Roster ; Record: 8-5 (37th of 128) (Schedule & Results) ; Rank: 22nd in the Final AP poll ; Conference: SEC (West Division) ; Conference Record: ...
  56. [56]
    2014 Florida State Seminoles Roster | College Football at Sports ...
    2014 Florida State Seminoles Roster ; Record: 13-1 (2nd of 128) (Schedule & Results) ; Rank: 5th in the Final AP poll ; Conference: ACC (Atlantic Division).
  57. [57]
    BCS national championship 2014: Auburn-Florida State preview
    Jan 6, 2014 · Newton's offensive coordinator in that game, Gus Malzahn, is now Auburn's head coach, bringing the Tigers back to national prominence. The man ...Missing: personnel | Show results with:personnel
  58. [58]
    FSU beats Auburn in BCS Championship, 34-31 - The Seattle Times
    Jan 6, 2014 · 1 of 28 | Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher holds the Coaches' Trophy after defeating the Auburn.
  59. [59]
    Florida State Football: Depth Charts, Complete 2014 Preview and ...
    Aug 22, 2014 · FSU coach Jimbo Fisher has spent part of the last seven months trying to figure out how to get the Seminoles back to a national championship ...
  60. [60]
    The big 2014 BCS Championship Game breakdown | SB Nation
    Jan 5, 2014 · Tied with Florida at 14/1: Florida State. And tied with Georgia Tech and Iowa at 200/1: Auburn. College football always plays out just like we ...Missing: qualification | Show results with:qualification
  61. [61]
    Auburn's Tre Mason made a great cut to score the BCS National ...
    Jan 7, 2014 · The Tigers needed just six plays to score when Nick Marshall found star running back Tre Mason for a 12-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-3 lead.<|control11|><|separator|>
  62. [62]
    Final: Florida State beats Auburn to win the BCS national ...
    Jan 6, 2014 · FINAL SCORE: FLORIDA STATE 34, AUBURN 31. PASADENA, California -- Florida State wins the last national championship of the BCS era.<|control11|><|separator|>
  63. [63]
    Florida State 34-31 Auburn (Jan 6, 2014) Play-by-Play - ESPN
    FLORIDA ST penalty 5 yard False Start on Tre' Jackson accepted. ... Jameis Winston pass complete to Rashad Greene for 29 yards to the Aub 18 for a 1ST down.
  64. [64]
    Florida State 34-31 Auburn (Jan 6, 2014) Game Recap - ESPN
    Jan 7, 2014 · Winston threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin with 13 seconds left and No. 1 Florida State beat No. 2 Auburn 34-31 to win the BCS national title ...
  65. [65]
    BCS Championship Game Scoring Summary Final: Florida State 34 ...
    Jan 7, 2014 · BCS Championship Game Scoring Summary Final: Florida State 34, Auburn 31 ... Score: Robert Aguayo 35-yard field goal. Time remaining: 9:53 Drive: ...
  66. [66]
    Florida State 34-31 Auburn (Jan 6, 2014) Game Recap - ESPN
    Jan 7, 2014 · Expert recap and game analysis of the Florida State Seminoles vs. Auburn Tigers NCAAF game from January 6, 2014 on ESPN.
  67. [67]
    Jameis Winston, Florida State complete perfect season with BCS ...
    Jan 7, 2014 · Florida State needed a two-point conversion to tie the game, but a costly unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Freeman pushed the ball back 15 ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  68. [68]
    Florida State Defeats Auburn, 34-31, to Win B.C.S. Title Game
    Jan 6, 2014 · Kelvin Benjamin hauled in a touchdown with 13 seconds to go to seal the victory for the Seminoles in a wild finish.
  69. [69]
    BCS Championship Game 2014: Seven moments to remember from ...
    Jan 7, 2014 · It worked as Karlos Williams rambled seven yards for the first down to set up Devonta Freeman's 3-yard touchdown run that cut FSU's deficit to a ...
  70. [70]
    BCS Championship 2014: Jameis Winston's Freshman Season Is ...
    Jan 7, 2014 · His first-half performance was a harsh reminder, and one of the few ... Both of his touchdowns and 185 of his 237 passing yards came after ...
  71. [71]
    2014 BCS National Championship weather forecast - SB Nation
    Jan 3, 2014 · 2014 BCS National Championship weather forecast: Perfect Pasadena weekend ... Weather won't be a big deal for the final national championship game ...
  72. [72]
    Florida State 34-31 Auburn (Jan 6, 2014) Game Stats - ESPN
    1st Downs, 19, 25. 3rd down efficiency, 2-12, 10-18. 4th down efficiency, 1-1, 0-0. Total Yards, 385, 449. Passing, 237, 217. Comp/Att, 20/35, 14/27.
  73. [73]
    Nick Marshall College Gamelog - Sports-Reference.com
    Check out Nick Marshall's College Gamelog and More College Stats at Sports-Reference ... Nick Marshall. Schools: Georgia, Auburn. Position: DB/QB. 6-1 ...
  74. [74]
    Jameis Winston College Gamelog - Sports-Reference.com
    2014-01-06 · Florida State, N, Auburn, BCS Championship, W 34-31, 20, 35, 57.1, 237, 2, 0, 6.8, 7.91, 132.9, 11, 26, 2.4, 0, 0.0, 0, 0, 0, 0.0, BCS Championship.
  75. [75]
    Auburn vs. FSU: Score, Grades and Analysis from 2014 BCS ...
    Jan 7, 2014 · It was Heisman winner Jameis Winston who scored in the end, as the Seminoles escaped Pasadena with a thrilling 34-31 victory.
  76. [76]
    Florida State's National Championship Trophy Presentation (2014)
    Apr 10, 2024 · 2014 BCS National Championship Celebration and Post Game ... One Team One Heartbeat FSU 2013 Season in Review. miaminole2010•161K views · 14 ...
  77. [77]
    Here's Gus Malzahn's Post-Game Speech After Auburn's Loss to FSU
    Jan 9, 2014 · ... BCS Nation Championship Game and wrote a fantastic article about the experience. ... "I'm just gonna tell you right now, I'm proud of you.
  78. [78]
    2014 BCS National Championship - Auburn coach Gus Malzahn
    Jan 6, 2014 · Auburn coach Gus Malzahn talks about his team's defense following a 34-31 loss to Florida State in the 2014 BCS National Championship.Missing: huddle | Show results with:huddle
  79. [79]
    Florida State scores with 13 seconds left to win BCS National ...
    Jan 6, 2014 · 2 Auburn 34-31 to win the BCS championship game on Monday night. "There's a lot of heart and guts down in Tallahassee, too," coach Jimbo Fisher ...Missing: post- transcript
  80. [80]
    Florida State's Jameis Winston credits God for college football ...
    Jan 8, 2014 · “Through everything we went through, we came out victorious,” Winston exulted. “God did this. I'm so blessed. There is nobody but God. There is ...Missing: grace quote
  81. [81]
    Tre Mason apologizes to Auburn fans for letting them down
    Jan 6, 2014 · I just want them to know that I gave it all I got, but I still feel like I let them down.” Mason finished the season with 1,816 yards, which ...<|separator|>
  82. [82]
    ESPN's BCS National Championship Game Scored 3rd-Largest ...
    an instant college football classic which saw No. 1 Florida State defeat No. 2 Auburn 34-31 in a Monday night nail-biter – averaged ...
  83. [83]
    2014 BCS National Championship Game - Wikipedia
    The game was played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, kicking off at 8:30 p.m. ET. The game was hosted by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the ...
  84. [84]
    BCS and College Football Playoff ratings list - Sports Media Watch
    A list of all Bowl Championship Series and College Football Playoff ratings dating back to the very beginning in the 1998-99 season.
  85. [85]
    FSU fans celebrate raucously after BCS title win - Sportsnet
    Jan 7, 2014 · Florida State fans shouted and danced in raucous celebration after their top-ranked team roared back in the final seconds of the fourth ...
  86. [86]
    BCS Blockbuster: Florida State are National Champions - The Roar
    Jan 7, 2014 · Despite a loss that will sting for some time to come, the Tigers deserve to be lauded for how far they've risen. 3-9 last year, including a ...
  87. [87]
    Florida State Seminoles College Football History, Stats, Records
    Record (W-L-T): 562-274-16. Adjusted Record (W-L-T): 551-273-16. Conferences: ACC, Ind. Conf. Championships: 16. National Championships: 1993, 1999 and 2013.2017 · 2018 · Head-to-Head · 2010
  88. [88]
    Jimbo Fisher - Football Coach - Texas A&M Athletics - 12thMan.com
    Fisher earned the 2013 Rawlings National College Football Coach of the Year ... 2014, with their third consecutive ACC Championship. The 37-35 victory over ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  89. [89]
    Jameis Winston selected by Buccaneers at No. 1 - NFL.com
    Apr 30, 2015 · Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was selected with the first pick of the 2015 NFL Draft on Thursday night, a choice the Buccaneers ...
  90. [90]
    2013 Auburn Tigers Schedule and Results - Sports-Reference.com
    2013 Auburn Tigers Schedule and Results ; Record: 12-2 (5th of 125) (Schedule & Results) ; Rank: 2nd in the Final AP poll ; Conference: SEC (West Division).
  91. [91]
    2014 Auburn Tigers Schedule and Results - Sports-Reference.com
    2014 Auburn Tigers Schedule and Results ; Record: 8-5 (37th of 128) (Schedule & Results) ; Rank: 22nd in the Final AP poll ; Conference: SEC (West Division).
  92. [92]
    Tre Mason Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
    Tre Mason. Trence Mason. Position: RB. 5-9, 207lb (175cm, 93kg). Born: August 6, 1993 in West Palm Beach, FL. College: Auburn (College Stats).
  93. [93]
    2014 Recruit Football Team Rankings - 247 Sports
    Jul 27, 2017 · Class Calculator · All Time Top Recruits · Transfer Portal · BK Rec ... Florida State · 29 Commits. 90.13. 5-Star. 2 ...
  94. [94]
    National Signing Day revisited: Auburn's 2014 recruiting class - al.com
    Feb 6, 2018 · A look back at Auburn's 2014 recruiting class, which was ranked 6th nationally and 4th in the SEC in the 247Sports Composite.
  95. [95]
    SEC's Streak of 7 Straight Titles Won't Be Replicated in Playoff Era
    The SEC's streak of seven straight titles came to an end when Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston hit Kelvin Benjamin in the final minute of the 2014 BCS ...Missing: broken | Show results with:broken
  96. [96]
    Jaguars draft CB Jalen Ramsey with No. 5 pick - NFL.com
    Apr 28, 2016 · The Jacksonville Jaguars select cornerback Jalen Ramsey from Florida State with the No. 5 pick overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
  97. [97]
    Nick Marshall Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
    Position: CB ; Born: June 30, 1992 in Pineview, GA ; College: Georgia, Garden City (KS), Auburn (College Stats) ; Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 2 (13842nd ...
  98. [98]
    Final BCS matchup created no controversy - Newsday
    Jan 6, 2014 · Final BCS matchup created no controversy. Auburn's Nick Marshall (14) congratulates Melvin Ray (82) after Ray's.. Auburn's Nick Marshall (14) ...
  99. [99]
    The End of the Much-Debated B.C.S. - The New York Times
    Jan 7, 2014 · The success of the B.C.S., however overstated or understated, happened largely by accident, according to its critics. The cause of death ...
  100. [100]
    How the playoff came to be - ESPN
    Dec 11, 2014 · Auburn's exclusion from the championship game might have sparked the most anger about the BCS system, but it wasn't the first major controversy ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  101. [101]
    Jimbo Fisher: Jameis Winston's clutch factor like Joe Montana's
    Feb 25, 2015 · Winston guided FSU to seven wins by six or fewer points in 2014, when the Seminoles finished 13-1 and lost in a semifinal playoff game. Fisher ...Missing: drive | Show results with:drive
  102. [102]
    TV Ratings: Florida State's BCS Championship Win Averages 25.5 ...
    Jan 7, 2014 · An average 25.5 million viewers tuned into ESPN's coverage of Monday night's game, making it the third-most-watched broadcast in cable history.
  103. [103]
    2014 BCS Wrap: In Final Year, BCS Averages Highest Rating Since ...
    The final edition of the Bowl Championship Series was the highest rated and most-viewed in four years. ESPN averaged a 9.4 U.S. rating and 16.5 million.Missing: thrillers | Show results with:thrillers
  104. [104]
    Goodbye, BCS. Hello, College Football Playoff. | Only A Game - WBUR
    Jan 11, 2014 · Florida State players celebrate their 2014 BCS title game victory over Auburn on Monday. The College Football Playoff will replace the BCS next ...
  105. [105]
    Florida State holds up ACC's rep with BCS title game win
    Jan 7, 2014 · It ended the SEC's run of seven straight BCS titles and saved face for the ACC. The conference had been the redheaded stepchild of the BCS for ...
  106. [106]
    The 150 greatest games in college football's 150-year history - ESPN
    Nov 4, 2019 · But the Trojans lost their only game ranked in the top 10. -- Ivan ... BCS National Championship, Pasadena, California, Jan. 6, 2014
  107. [107]
    Year of the Quarterback - ESPN
    What does it take to be a Super Bowl-winning quarterback? Here are the stories of 28 men who have hoisted the Lombardi trophy. Gallery ». YQB DOCUMENTARIES.