What Is 1998 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 1998 Tulane Green Wave football team achieved unprecedented success, completing a flawless 12-0 season—the first undefeated campaign in the program’s 107-year history. Led by head coach Tommy Bowden and quarterback Shaun King, the team became a national sensation despite playing in a non-power conference.

Competing in Conference USA, Tulane overcame historical obscurity to earn a final #4 national ranking in the AP Poll, the highest in school history. Their season culminated in a dominant 28-12 victory over Brigham Young in the Liberty Bowl, cementing their legacy as one of the most surprising teams of the decade.

• 12-0 record: The Green Wave became the first team from a non-BCS conference to finish undefeated since 1975, achieving national recognition.
• Liberty Bowl champions: On December 31, 1998, Tulane defeated BYU 28-12 in Memphis, with Shaun King throwing for 327 yards and two touchdowns.
• AP Poll ranking: The team finished at #4 in the final Associated Press rankings, ahead of traditional powerhouses like Florida and UCLA.
• Offensive powerhouse: Tulane averaged 37.1 points per game, ranking 7th nationally in scoring offense.
• Defensive improvement: The defense allowed only 18.2 points per game, a significant improvement from 28.4 the previous season.

How It Works

The success of the 1998 Tulane team stemmed from a combination of elite quarterback play, strategic coaching, and momentum from the previous season’s 8-3 record. Each element contributed to their historic run.

• Quarterback Shaun King: Threw for 3,050 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 488 rushing yards, earning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year.
• Head Coach Tommy Bowden: In his final season at Tulane, Bowden compiled a 25-6 record over three years before leaving to coach at Clemson.
• Conference USA membership: Tulane competed in C-USA, which was in only its second year of football competition, reducing strength of schedule scrutiny.
• Non-BCS status: Despite going undefeated, Tulane was excluded from the national championship due to conference affiliation and lack of access to the BCS system.
• Liberty Bowl qualification: As C-USA champions, Tulane earned an automatic bid to the Liberty Bowl, one of the few postseason opportunities available.
• Postseason performance: King was named MVP of the Liberty Bowl after leading three scoring drives in the second half to break open a close game.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1998 Tulane Green Wave with other top teams from that season:

Despite matching or exceeding the win totals of several higher-ranked teams, Tulane’s lack of BCS access prevented a national title shot. Their performance highlighted flaws in the BCS selection process, sparking debate about inclusion for non-power conference teams.

Why It Matters

The 1998 Tulane season remains a landmark moment in college football history, symbolizing what smaller programs can achieve with strong leadership and execution. Its impact extended beyond the field, influencing perceptions of conference equity and postseason access.

• Historic achievement: First undefeated season in Tulane football history, ending a long period of mediocrity.
• Shaun King’s legacy: His performance led to being drafted in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• BCS controversy: Sparked national discussion about whether undefeated non-BCS teams deserved championship consideration.
• Program elevation: Raised Tulane’s national profile, leading to increased recruiting and media exposure.
• Inspiration for mid-majors: Paved the way for future success stories like Boise State (2006) and UCF (2013).
• Coaching transition: Tommy Bowden’s departure marked the end of an era, but his success laid the foundation for future development.

The 1998 Tulane Green Wave remains a celebrated chapter in college football lore, remembered not just for wins, but for proving that excellence can emerge from unexpected places.