What Is 2009 Tulane Green Wave football

Overview

The 2009 Tulane Green Wave football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of Conference USA. Led by head coach Bob Toledo, it was his final season at the helm after five years at the university.

The team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 5–7 overall record and a 3–5 mark in conference play. Despite some promising offensive moments, defensive lapses and close losses ultimately prevented a winning season.

• Overall record of 5–7: The Green Wave won five games and lost seven, failing to qualify for a bowl game due to not reaching the six-win threshold.
• Conference USA West Division: Tulane competed in the West, facing teams like Houston, UCF, and Southern Miss in a competitive division.
• Bob Toledo resigned after the season: After five seasons and a 24–38 overall record, Toledo stepped down, paving the way for a new coaching era.
• Offensive output of 20.2 points per game: The team scored 232 points over 12 games, showing flashes of potential but lacking consistency.
• Home games at Yulman Stadium: Though the stadium opened later, in 2014, the 2009 team played at the Louisiana Superdome due to post-Katrina rebuilding.

Season Performance

The 2009 campaign featured a mix of competitive performances and disappointing setbacks, particularly in close games that could have shifted the season’s trajectory.

• September 5 loss to LSU (30–20): An early road test against a ranked SEC opponent showed improvement but ended in defeat.
• First win against Southeastern Louisiana (42–0): A dominant home performance highlighted the team’s ability to control weaker opponents.
• Mid-season win over UTEP (28–21): A key Conference USA victory that briefly boosted bowl hopes.
• Loss to Southern Miss (37–34 in OT): A heartbreaking overtime defeat that underscored the team’s difficulty in closing tight games.
• Final game against SMU (59–57 in 2OT): A high-scoring, double-overtime loss that ended the season at 5–7, despite scoring 57 points.
• Quarterback performance: Nick Montana did not yet play; starter was junior Tyler Brees, son of NFL legend Drew Brees, who threw for 1,737 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2009 season compares to prior years in key statistical categories:

The 2009 season marked a modest improvement over previous years under Toledo, with a slight uptick in wins and points scored. However, the team still fell short of bowl eligibility and failed to break through in critical conference matchups. The data shows a program trending upward but still lacking the final push for postseason qualification.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a transitional moment for Tulane football, representing both the end of an era and the foundation for future rebuilding. While not a standout year, it provided insights into the team’s development and coaching limitations.

• End of Bob Toledo’s tenure: His resignation opened the door for new leadership, eventually leading to the hiring of head coach Curtis Johnson in 2010.
• Recruiting class of 2010: The performance influenced incoming talent decisions, with the program seeking more athletic and faster players.
• Continued use of the Superdome: Highlighted the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Katrina’s impact on campus infrastructure.
• Offensive identity: The team’s pass-heavy attack under Toledo foreshadowed future strategic shifts under new coaching staff.
• Fan engagement: Despite a losing record, attendance remained steady, showing enduring support for the program.
• Program trajectory: The 2009 season was a stepping stone toward Tulane’s eventual move to the American Athletic Conference in 2014.

Ultimately, the 2009 Tulane Green Wave season serves as a snapshot of a program in flux—struggling to achieve consistency but laying groundwork for future realignment and improvement.