What Is 1914 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 1914 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 1914 college football season. Competing as an independent program with no conference ties, the team played under head coach Clarence Berry, who was in his second year leading the program.

The Green Wave finished the season with a 3–2–1 record, marking modest improvement from prior years. Though not a national powerhouse at the time, the team contributed to the early development of college football in the South.

• Record: The team finished the 1914 season with 3 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie, reflecting a competitive but inconsistent performance across matchups.
• Head Coach:Clarence Berry served as head coach, continuing his leadership from the previous season with limited resources and a small roster.
• Scoring: Tulane scored 119 total points while allowing 55, indicating a strong offensive output compared to their defensive performance.
• Opponents: The schedule included regional teams such as Louisiana Industrial, Southwestern Louisiana, and the Tulane Alumni team.
• Home Field: Games were played on campus fields in New Orleans, years before the construction of Tulane Stadium in 1926.

Season Performance and Game Results

The 1914 campaign featured a mix of victories, defeats, and one draw, showcasing the team’s evolving competitiveness in early Southern football.

• September 26: Tulane defeated Louisiana Industrial 41–0 in a dominant season-opening performance.
• October 3: The Green Wave won again, beating Southwestern Louisiana Institute 26–0, continuing their strong start.
• October 10: Tulane faced Tulane Alumni and lost 0–3 in a rare matchup against former players.
• October 17: A 45–0 victory over Mississippi College highlighted the team’s offensive strength and depth.
• October 24: The team tied Louisiana Normal 7–7, a result that prevented a winning streak but showed resilience.
• November 7: Tulane lost 0–38 to LSU, revealing a gap in competitiveness against stronger regional rivals.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 1914 season to other early Tulane football seasons:

The 1914 season marked a turning point with a significant increase in scoring and a winning record. Compared to 1913, the offense improved dramatically, foreshadowing future success under new leadership in later years.

Why It Matters

Though not widely remembered today, the 1914 season played a role in shaping Tulane’s football identity and Southern college football development.

• The season demonstrated improvement under Clarence Berry, who laid groundwork before being replaced by future innovator Clark Shaughnessy.
• High-scoring games like the 41–0 and 45–0 wins reflected early offensive strategies common in the pre-modern football era.
• Playing as an independent allowed flexibility in scheduling but limited exposure to national rankings or postseason opportunities.
• Competing against regional teams helped establish rivalries and recruiting networks in Louisiana and the Gulf South.
• The lopsided loss to LSU underscored the competitive gap between emerging programs and more established Southern teams.
• Historical records of this season contribute to archival research and college football historiography, preserving early program milestones.

The 1914 Tulane Green Wave football team may not have achieved national fame, but it represents an important chapter in the evolution of college football in the American South, illustrating the growth of athletic programs in the early 20th century.