After a successful punt fake, the Seminoles managed a touchdown late in the second quarter, making it a 21–10 game in Auburn's favor going into halftime.

Both teams dominated on defense in the third quarter with the Seminoles hitting a field goal to cut Auburn's lead to eight.

In the fourth quarter, Florida State scored a touchdown early to make it a one-point game.

This was the 16th and last time the top two teams played for the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) title before implementation of a four-team College Football Playoff system the following season.

The Tigers then won the final eight games of the regular season to move to an 11–1 record and a SEC West division title.

Auburn's regular season was capped off by two improbable victories: the Prayer at Jordan–Hare and the Kick Six (Chris Davis' game-winning touchdown with a 109-yard return of a missed 57-yard field goal attempt).

[13] It was with the improbable finishes and the single-season turnaround that the Auburn Tigers were dubbed "a team of destiny.

[19] Despite losing 11 starters to the 2013 NFL draft, the Seminoles were dominant during the 2013 season, winning by an average of 42.3 points en route to a 13–0 record.

However, the Seminoles schedule was rather weak, and was ranked just #62 in the country by Jeff Sagarin even after the BCS championship game.

Offensively, the Seminoles were led by Heisman Trophy winner, redshirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston, who turned 20 years old on game day.

[22] Roberto Aguayo lead the team in scoring with 147 points (perfect 90 PAT and 19 out of 20 field goal attempts).

[25] The 2014 BCS National Championship Game kicked off at 8:30 p.m. EST at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.

On a third and 7 situation, the Tigers had a chance to score first when Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall threw a pass to an open Ricardo Louis.

Taking advantage of the good field position, Auburn went up 7–3 on a 12-yard touchdown pass to Tre Mason.

On the ensuing Florida State drive, the Seminoles stalled at their 26-yard line after Winston was sacked by Dee Ford.

On the punt return, Auburn was called for a roughing the kicker penalty, giving FSU a first down at the Seminoles' 41-yard line.

[30] Florida State opened the second quarter with an incomplete pass to Rashad Greene, forcing the Seminoles to punt on fourth down.

On the next play, Marshall connected to Melvin Ray for a 50-yard touchdown reception, giving Auburn a 14–3 lead.

FSU went for a fake punt, which was successfully converted after Karlos Williams ran seven yards for a first down.

Six plays later, facing a third and 7 situation at Auburn's 24-yard line, Winston ran 21 yards for a first down.

Florida State was unable to convert a third and 8 situation, however, forcing to the Seminoles to settle for a 41-yard field goal.

Taking advantage of the turnover, the Seminoles cut into the Tigers' lead on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Chad Abram.

In turn, Seminoles had to settle for an extra point instead of a two-point conversion, cutting FSU's deficit to 21–20.

After receiving a delay of game penalty, Florida State faced a third and 8 situation at Auburn's 10-yard line.

[29] On the next play, Florida State took a 34–31 lead on a 2-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin with 13 seconds remaining in the game.

However, Tre Mason was tackled at Auburn's 37-yard line with no time remaining, giving Florida State the victory and the National Championship.

Kelvin Benjamin was Florida State's second leading receiver, catching 4 passes for 54 yards and a touchdown.

[35] Florida State's victory earned it the 2014 BCS national championship and brought the Seminoles' season to an end with an undefeated 14–0 record.

After Kelvin Benjamin was recorded on broadcast yelling "Dameyune calling [out] all the plays" to Jimbo Fisher and Jameis Winston in the second quarter, FSU began using towels to shield their signals from Auburn.

[44][45] From Florida State, Timmy Jernigan, James Wilder, Jr., Kelvin Benjamin and Devonta Freeman declared for the draft.