What Is 1919 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 1919 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 1919 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Clark Shaughnessy, who was in his fifth season at the helm. The Green Wave played their home games at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, a venue that would later become a landmark in college football history.

This season marked a transitional period for the program as it continued to build a competitive presence in Southern football. The team’s performance reflected steady improvement, finishing with a winning record and outscoring opponents over the course of the season. Despite not being part of a formal conference, Tulane scheduled a mix of regional and emerging national programs.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 5–3–1 record, including notable wins over in-state rivals and regional opponents.
• Scoring: Tulane outscored its opponents 107 to 53, showcasing a balanced offense and a resilient defense.
• Head Coach:Clark Shaughnessy, a pioneering figure in football strategy, implemented early versions of the short-passing game.
• Home Field: Games were played at Tulane Stadium, which opened in 1926 but the team used earlier versions of the field site.
• Opponents: The schedule included teams like Louisiana College, Mississippi College, and Southwestern Louisiana.

Season Performance

The 1919 season featured a mix of dominant performances and hard-fought contests, reflecting the team’s growing competitiveness. Tulane opened the season with a strong showing and maintained momentum through the middle of the schedule before encountering tougher opposition late in the year.

• September 27: Tulane defeated Louisiana College 40–0, setting the tone with a commanding offensive display.
• October 4: A 13–0 win over Mississippi College highlighted the team’s defensive strength.
• October 11: The Green Wave tied Southwestern Louisiana 0–0, a rare scoreless draw in an era of increasing scoring.
• October 25: A decisive 20–7 victory over Louisiana Tech demonstrated improved consistency.
• November 8: Tulane lost to Baylor 14–7, facing one of the stronger non-conference teams of the season.
• November 29: The season concluded with a 7–7 tie against LSU, preserving rivalry pride in a hard-fought battle.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1919 season to surrounding years reveals trends in performance and program development:

The data shows a clear upward trajectory from 1917 to 1921, with the 1919 season serving as a turning point. The team improved both offensively and defensively, laying the foundation for a dominant 1921 campaign. This progression underscores the impact of Clark Shaughnessy’s coaching and strategic innovations during this era.

Why It Matters

The 1919 Tulane Green Wave season is significant as a pivotal moment in the program’s early development. It reflected growing stability under a visionary coach and helped establish Tulane as a competitive force in Southern football.

• Program Growth: The 5–3–1 record marked Tulane’s best performance since 1915, signaling a resurgence.
• Coaching Legacy: Clark Shaughnessy’s tenure laid the groundwork for future success, influencing modern football strategy.
• Rivalry Continuity: The annual game against LSU continued, strengthening one of the South’s enduring college football rivalries.
• Recruiting: Improved results helped attract better regional talent to the New Orleans-based program.
• Historical Context: The 1919 season occurred just after World War I, a time when college football was regaining normalcy.
• Stadium Development: Though Tulane Stadium wasn’t built yet, the team’s popularity contributed to future infrastructure planning.

Overall, the 1919 season was more than just a record—it was a step toward establishing Tulane as a respected football program in the early 20th century.