What Is 1936 Tulane Green Wave football

Overview

The 1936 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 1936 college football season, competing as an independent program before joining a formal conference. Led by head coach Ted D. 'Tully' Grant, the team played its home games at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, a venue known for its distinctive Art Deco design and capacity of over 30,000.

That season, the Green Wave compiled a 7-2 record, showcasing a powerful offense that scored 202 points while allowing only 73. Their schedule included matchups against regional rivals and nationally recognized programs, helping solidify Tulane’s reputation as a competitive Southern team during the pre-World War II era.

• Record: The team finished with a 7-2 overall record, marking one of the stronger seasons in the program’s history during the 1930s.
• Head Coach:Ted D. 'Tully' Grant was in his third year at the helm, having previously played at Notre Dame under Knute Rockne.
• Home Stadium: Tulane played at Tulane Stadium, which opened in 1926 and hosted the Sugar Bowl starting in 1935.
• Scoring Dominance: The Green Wave outscored opponents 202 to 73, averaging over 22 points per game while allowing just over 8.
• Rivalry Win: They defeated in-state rival LSU 19-0 on November 28, 1936, in what was then called the 'Battle for the Boot' game.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1936 campaign featured a mix of dominant wins and narrow losses, highlighting both the team’s offensive strength and occasional defensive lapses. Despite playing as an independent, Tulane scheduled a challenging slate, including teams from across the South and Midwest.

• Season Opener: Tulane opened with a 21-0 win over Southwestern Louisiana, setting the tone with a shutout performance.
• Loss to Georgia Tech: The Green Wave fell 7-6 to Georgia Tech in a tightly contested game on October 10, 1936.
• Victory over Rice: They defeated Rice 14-7 in Houston, demonstrating their ability to win on the road against strong competition.
• Shutout of LSU: The 19-0 victory over LSU was a highlight, marking their second consecutive shutout of the Tigers.
• Final Game: Tulane closed the season with a 13-7 loss to Mississippi State, ending their bid for an undefeated record.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1936 season can be better understood by comparing it to adjacent years in Tulane football history. The table below highlights key statistical and competitive benchmarks.

The 1936 season sits between two stronger campaigns, notably behind the dominant 1934 team that went 10-1 and ahead of a decline in performance by 1937. The consistency in coaching and scoring trends underscores the program’s stability during this era.

Why It Matters

The 1936 Tulane Green Wave season is a significant chapter in the university’s athletic history, reflecting both regional pride and the evolution of college football in the South. Though not a national champion, the team contributed to Tulane’s legacy during a golden era of pre-war football.

• Program Prestige: The 1936 season helped maintain Tulane’s national visibility during a time when Southern teams were gaining respect.
• Stadium Legacy: Games at Tulane Stadium drew large crowds, reinforcing the venue’s status as a Southern football landmark.
• Rivalry Strength: Dominating LSU in the 1936 matchup strengthened Tulane’s position in the state’s football hierarchy.
• Coaching Consistency: Ted Grant’s leadership provided stability through the mid-1930s, a rare trait at the time.
• Historical Context: The season occurred during the Great Depression, making football a vital morale booster for New Orleans.
• Foundation for Future: The team’s performance laid groundwork for Tulane’s Sugar Bowl appearances in later years.

While overshadowed by the undefeated 1934 team, the 1936 Green Wave remains a testament to sustained excellence and regional competitiveness in early 20th-century college football.