What Is 1979 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 1979 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing as an Independent, the team was led by second-year head coach Larry Smith and played its home games at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, marking a modern era for the program.

This season was notable for its transitionary nature, as Tulane continued adapting to dome football and building momentum after a challenging 1978 campaign. Despite not achieving a winning record, the 1979 season laid groundwork for future improvements under Smith’s leadership.

• Record: The Green Wave finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, failing to qualify for a bowl game.
• Head Coach: Larry Smith, in his second year, led the team with a focus on defensive discipline and quarterback development.
• Home Stadium: Tulane played all home games at the Louisiana Superdome, a shift from earlier on-campus venues.
• Offensive Leader: Quarterback Steve Foley started most games, throwing for over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns.
• Key Game: A 24–21 win over in-state rival Louisiana Tech was one of the season’s highlights.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1979 campaign featured a mix of competitive performances and missed opportunities, with Tulane showing flashes of potential despite a losing record. The team struggled in road games but remained competitive in most matchups.

• September Start: Opened the season with a 17–14 loss to Virginia Tech, setting a tone of close contests.
• October Surge: Won two of three games in October, including the pivotal victory over Louisiana Tech.
• Defensive Effort: The defense held four opponents under 20 points, showcasing improvement under Smith’s system.
• November Struggles: Dropped three of four games in November, including a 27–10 loss to Mississippi State.
• Final Game: Ended the season with a 24–21 win over Southern Miss, providing momentum for 1980.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1979 season to surrounding years reveals its role as a transitional phase in Tulane’s football history.

The table shows gradual improvement from 1977 through 1981, with the 1979 season marking the first year Tulane surpassed three wins under Smith. This incremental progress reflected the rebuilding phase underway.

Why It Matters

Though not a standout season in terms of wins, the 1979 campaign was a critical step in Tulane’s long-term football development. It demonstrated early returns on coaching changes and stadium modernization.

• Program Stability: Retaining Larry Smith signaled commitment, leading to future success in the early 1980s.
• Stadium Impact: Playing at the Superdome increased visibility and attendance potential.
• Recruiting Base: The New Orleans location and dome games helped attract local talent.
• Competitive Growth: The 5–6 record showed tangible improvement over prior 3–8 seasons.
• Foundation for 1981: The 1979 team laid the groundwork for Tulane’s 7–4 season in 1981.
• Historical Context: Part of a broader era of transition that eventually led to conference realignment.

The 1979 season may not be remembered for championships, but its role in stabilizing the program makes it a quiet milestone in Tulane football history.