What Is 1991 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 1991 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing as an independent with no conference affiliation, the team was led by head coach Greg Davis in his second year at the helm.

The Green Wave played their home games at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, a venue known for hosting major college football events. Despite a challenging schedule, the team showed moments of offensive promise but struggled with consistency across the season.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 4-7 overall record, marking a slight decline from their 5-6 performance in 1990.
• Head Coach: Greg Davis, in his second season, continued to rebuild the program after taking over in 1990 following the departure of his predecessor.
• Scoring: Tulane scored a total of 216 points across 11 games, averaging 19.6 points per game, which ranked near the bottom nationally.
• Home Venue: The Louisiana Superdome, a domed stadium with a capacity of over 70,000, served as the home field for the Green Wave.
• Opponents: The schedule included matchups against teams like LSU, Southern Miss, and East Carolina, several of which were strong programs at the time.

How It Works

The 1991 season reflected the operational structure of a mid-tier independent college football program navigating recruiting, scheduling, and development challenges.

• Independent Status: As an independent, Tulane had no conference obligations and was responsible for arranging its own 11-game schedule each season.
• Recruiting: The team relied heavily on Louisiana high school talent, though national recruiting was limited compared to power conference programs.
• Coaching Staff: Greg Davis oversaw a staff focused on developing a balanced offensive attack and improving defensive discipline.
• Player Development: The program emphasized gradual improvement, with an eye toward future conference realignment opportunities.
• Game Strategy: Offensively, the team used a pro-style attack, aiming to control tempo through a mix of run and pass plays.
• Facilities: Training and practice occurred on campus, while home games were elevated by playing in the high-profile Superdome.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1991 season can be better understood by comparing Tulane's performance to peer programs and national averages.

While Tulane's scoring output was below the national average of 21.4 points per game, they outperformed some peers like SMU. Their independent status placed them in a unique scheduling position, often facing stronger opponents without conference support.

Why It Matters

The 1991 season was a transitional chapter in Tulane football history, illustrating the challenges of competing without conference affiliation during a period of realignment.

• Program Foundation: The season contributed to long-term rebuilding efforts that eventually led to conference membership in the mid-1990s.
• Recruiting Impact: Moderate success on the field made it harder to attract top-tier recruits compared to conference-affiliated schools.
• Stadium Use: Playing at the Superdome provided visibility and revenue, helping sustain the program financially.
• Coaching Development: Greg Davis gained experience that shaped future strategies, even as win totals remained low.
• Historical Context: This season preceded Tulane's entry into Conference USA in 1996, marking a key phase in modernization.
• Fan Engagement: Despite losing records, local support remained steady due to the team's New Orleans roots and historic legacy.

The 1991 campaign may not stand out in wins, but it played a role in Tulane’s evolution into a more competitive football program in the following decade.