What Is 2011 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 2011 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in Conference USA’s West Division, the team was led by head coach Bob Toledo in his final year before retirement.

Under Toledo’s leadership, the Green Wave achieved a significant turnaround from previous seasons, finishing with an 8–5 overall record and a 5–3 mark in conference play. Their performance earned them a bowl berth, marking a notable improvement in program momentum.

• 8–5 record: The team finished the 2011 season with eight wins and five losses, a marked improvement over prior years and their best record since 2002.
• Bob Toledo: In his sixth and final season as head coach, Toledo compiled a 2–10 record in 2010 but guided the team to a winning season in 2011.
• Yulman Stadium: Though Tulane began construction on Yulman Stadium in 2011, they still played home games at the Louisiana Superdome due to ongoing development.
• Conference USA: The Green Wave competed in the West Division of Conference USA, facing teams like Houston, SMU, and Southern Miss during the regular season.
• New Orleans Bowl: Tulane defeated the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns 36–21 in the 2011 New Orleans Bowl, securing their first bowl win since 2002.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2011 season marked a turning point for Tulane football, showcasing improved offensive production and defensive consistency. Quarterback Nick Montana, son of NFL legend Joe Montana, stepped into a starting role and led a balanced attack.

• Offensive turnaround: Averaged 27.5 points per game, up from 19.8 in 2010, thanks to improved quarterback play and offensive line cohesion.
• Nick Montana: Threw for 2,177 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first full season as starter, providing stability at quarterback.
• Defense improvement: Allowed only 21.8 points per game, a significant drop from 35.1 in 2010, led by linebacker Lorenzo Doss.
• Key win vs. UCF: A 37–34 overtime victory against Central Florida in November kept Tulane bowl-eligible and energized the fanbase.
• Rushing attack: Running back Orleans Darkwa rushed for 868 yards and 11 touchdowns, becoming a reliable workhorse in the backfield.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2011 season compared to recent years in key statistical categories:

The 2011 season was a pivotal year that laid the foundation for future success. While the team changed head coaches after Toledo’s retirement, the momentum carried into the early 2010s, culminating in Tulane’s eventual move to the American Athletic Conference in 2014.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a critical rebound for a program that had struggled through losing records for most of the 2000s. It restored confidence among fans and recruits, setting the stage for long-term growth.

• Recruiting boost: Success in 2011 helped Tulane attract higher-rated recruits, including several four-star prospects in the following years.
• Stadium development: The momentum aided fundraising for Yulman Stadium, which opened in 2014 and provided a modern on-campus venue.
• Coaching transition: The season eased the transition to new head coach Todd Berry, who took over after Toledo’s retirement.
• Bowl eligibility: Achieving a winning record and bowl berth re-established Tulane as a competitive FBS program.
• Conference realignment: Strong performances helped Tulane gain attention, contributing to their eventual invitation to the American Athletic Conference.
• Alumni engagement: The successful season reignited interest among alumni, boosting donations and attendance.

Ultimately, the 2011 Tulane Green Wave football team served as a catalyst for modernizing the program, both on and off the field, and remains a benchmark for recent success in school history.