What Is 1985 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 1985 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the 1985 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing as an Independent, the team struggled under new leadership and finished with a disappointing 3–8 record.

Under first-year head coach Wally English, the Green Wave faced a challenging schedule that included several strong programs. Despite flashes of offensive potential, the team consistently fell short in close games, highlighting issues on both defense and special teams.

• Record: The team finished with a 3–8 overall record, including just one win against a Division I-A opponent.
• Head Coach:Wally English took over the program in 1985, marking his first and only full season as head coach.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, a venue that hosted NFL and college games alike.
• Scoring: The Green Wave scored 182 total points across 11 games, averaging 16.5 points per game.
• Season Opener: They opened the season with a 24–17 loss to Virginia Tech, setting a tone of competitiveness but inconsistency.

How It Works

The 1985 season marked a transitional year for Tulane football, as the program attempted to rebuild under new leadership and adapt to the evolving landscape of college football in the mid-1980s.

• Independent Status: As an Independent, Tulane had no conference affiliation, allowing scheduling flexibility but reducing postseason opportunities.
• Recruiting Strategy: The team relied heavily on local Louisiana talent, though depth and experience were limited compared to power programs.
• Offensive System: The Green Wave employed a pro-style offense, emphasizing balanced play-calling between run and pass.
• Defensive Scheme: They used a 4–3 base defense, focusing on speed and gap control but struggled against stronger rushing attacks.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen saw significant playing time, indicating a rebuilding phase for future seasons.
• Coaching Turnover: Wally English replaced Jim Kuhn, who resigned after the 1984 season, signaling a shift in program direction.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 1985 Tulane Green Wave to select peer teams from the same season:

While Tulane’s win total was slightly below average compared to regional peers, their point differential of –103 highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. The lack of bowl eligibility and conference ties limited national exposure, a challenge shared by many Independents at the time.

Why It Matters

The 1985 season is a notable chapter in Tulane football history, representing a low point that preceded eventual reforms and later success in the 1990s. Understanding this season provides context for the program’s resilience and long-term development.

• The 3–8 record was one of the worst in program history at the time, prompting administrative evaluation.
• Wally English’s tenure underscored the difficulty of rebuilding without strong recruiting infrastructure.
• The use of the Louisiana Superdome reflected a trend of college teams using NFL venues for larger crowds.
• Player development during this era laid groundwork for future stars like Richie Grant in the 1990s.
• The season highlighted the competitive disadvantage of being an Independent without conference support.
• It served as a catalyst for future conference realignment, eventually leading to Tulane joining Conference USA in 1996.

Though overshadowed by more successful seasons, the 1985 campaign remains a testament to perseverance and the cyclical nature of college football programs striving for relevance.