What Is 1967 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 1967 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the NCAA University Division football season. Competing as an independent with no conference affiliation, the team was led by second-year head coach Jim Pittman and played its home games at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.

The Green Wave finished the season with a balanced 5–5 overall record, marking modest improvement from the previous year’s 3–7 mark. While not a dominant force nationally, the team showed competitiveness, scoring nearly as many points as it allowed.

• Season record: The team finished with a 5–5 win-loss record, showing marked improvement under head coach Jim Pittman’s leadership.
• Scoring output: Tulane tallied 186 total points over 10 games, averaging 18.6 points per game, a solid offensive performance for the era.
• Defensive performance: The defense allowed 178 points, averaging 17.8 points per game, indicating a tightly contested season.
• Home venue: All home games were played at Tulane Stadium, a historic venue with a capacity of over 80,000 in New Orleans.
• Independent status: As an independent program, Tulane did not belong to a conference and scheduled opponents across various regions.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1967 season featured a mix of wins against regional opponents and narrow losses to stronger programs. The Green Wave opened the season with promise but faced challenges maintaining consistency across the 10-game schedule.

• Opening game: Tulane defeated Southeastern Louisiana 23–0 in the season opener, showcasing early defensive strength.
• Key win: A 20–14 victory over in-state rival LSU stood as the season’s highlight, marking a rare win over a ranked opponent.
• Midseason slump: The team lost three consecutive games in October, including defeats to Virginia Tech and Southern Methodist.
• Offensive leaders: Quarterback Richie Petitbon Jr. led the passing attack, continuing a family legacy at Tulane.
• Season finale: The Green Wave closed with a 21–14 win over Virginia, providing a positive end to a transitional season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1967 season compares to surrounding years in terms of performance and team statistics:

The 1967 season stands out as a turning point, representing the only non-losing record between 1965 and 1969. Despite the .500 finish, the team failed to secure a bowl berth, which was common for independents without conference ties.

Why It Matters

The 1967 Tulane Green Wave season is significant as a brief resurgence during a prolonged period of struggle for the program. It demonstrated the potential for improvement under new coaching leadership and provided momentum for future recruiting.

• Program trajectory: The 5–5 record was the best since 1960, offering hope after a 0–10 disaster in 1965.
• Coach Pittman’s impact: Jim Pittman stabilized the program, though long-term success remained elusive in subsequent seasons.
• LSU rivalry: The win over LSU was one of only two victories over the Tigers in 30 years, making it historically notable.
• Recruiting boost: Competitive seasons like 1967 helped attract regional talent despite Tulane’s limited national profile.
• Stadium legacy: Games at Tulane Stadium connected the team to a storied venue later used by the NFL’s Saints.
• Historical context: This season occurred during a transitional era in college football, just before major NCAA rule and scholarship changes.

The 1967 campaign remains a footnote in college football history but serves as a marker of resilience for a program rebuilding from rock bottom. While not a championship contender, the Green Wave’s balanced record offered a rare moment of optimism.