What Is 2015 Tulane Green Wave football

Overview

The 2015 Tulane Green Wave football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Led by head coach Curtis Johnson, the team struggled through a challenging season, finishing with a 3–9 overall record and 1–7 in conference play.

Despite high hopes following improvements in prior seasons, the 2015 campaign was marked by offensive inconsistency and defensive lapses. The season concluded with the dismissal of Johnson, marking a turning point for the program as Tulane sought a new direction.

• Season record: The Green Wave finished 3–9 overall and 1–7 in AAC play, placing last in the Western Division.
• Head coach: Curtis Johnson was in his fourth and final season, dismissed after compiling a 15–34 record from 2012 to 2015.
• Home stadium: Tulane played all home games at Yulman Stadium, a 30,000-seat facility that opened in 2014 on campus in New Orleans.
• Key victory: Their only conference win came on October 10, 2015, when they defeated South Florida 24–20 in a closely contested matchup.
• Offensive leader: Quarterback Tanner Lee started every game, throwing for 2,176 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions on the season.

Performance & Season Details

The 2015 season was defined by missed opportunities and a lack of consistency on both sides of the ball. While the Green Wave showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly in close losses, they failed to secure enough wins to remain bowl-eligible.

• Non-conference play: Tulane opened the season with losses to Georgia Tech and Kansas, failing to build early momentum.
• Defensive struggles: The team allowed an average of 35.8 points per game, ranking among the worst in the FBS.
• Offensive inconsistency: Despite Tanner Lee’s efforts, the passing game lacked reliable targets, with only one receiver surpassing 500 yards.
• Running game: Senior Sherman Badger led the rushing attack with 477 yards and 3 touchdowns on 127 carries.
• Special teams: kicker Spencer Ruffer made 10 of 15 field goals, with a long of 44 yards, but struggled with consistency.
• Injuries: Key absences, including linebacker Andrew Howard, weakened the defense throughout the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 Tulane Green Wave compared to the previous season and conference average metrics:

The data highlights a significant regression from 2014, when Tulane was bowl-eligible and competitive in conference play. The 2015 team underperformed across nearly every statistical category, especially on defense, where they allowed nearly 7 more points per game than the AAC average.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a pivotal moment in Tulane football history, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a rebuild. The team’s struggles underscored deeper issues within the program, prompting leadership changes and a renewed focus on recruiting and development.

• Coaching change: Curtis Johnson’s firing led to the hiring of Willie Fritz in December 2015, who revitalized the program in subsequent years.
• Program transition: The season highlighted the challenges of competing in a Power Five conference without adequate resources or depth.
• Recruiting impact: Poor performance affected recruiting momentum, requiring Fritz to rebuild trust with prospects.
• Facility investment: Despite on-field struggles, Yulman Stadium remained a key asset for fan engagement and player development.
• Conference realignment: Tulane’s struggles emphasized the competitive gap within the AAC, especially between East and West divisions.
• Long-term growth: The 2015 season became a benchmark for measuring future progress under new leadership.

The 2015 campaign, while disappointing, laid the groundwork for future improvements. It served as a catalyst for change, ultimately contributing to Tulane’s resurgence in the late 2010s and early 2020s.