What Is 1933 Tulane Green Wave football

Overview

The 1933 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the Southern Conference during the 1933 college football season. Under head coach Bernie Bierman, the team achieved a 6–2–1 overall record and a perfect 3–0–1 mark in conference play, securing the Southern Conference championship.

This season marked the final year of Bierman’s tenure at Tulane before he departed to become head coach at the University of Minnesota. The Green Wave played their home games at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, drawing strong regional support and showcasing a balanced offense and disciplined defense.

• Record: The team finished with a 6–2–1 overall record, including three wins against conference opponents and one tie.
• Championship: Tulane claimed the Southern Conference title by going undefeated in league play with a 3–0–1 conference record.
• Key victory: A decisive 14–7 win over Georgia Tech highlighted the team’s strength against a traditional Southern power.
• Rivalry game: The season included a hard-fought 0–0 tie against LSU, preserving the rivalry’s competitive edge.
• Coach’s legacy: Bernie Bierman compiled a 25–8 record at Tulane from 1927 to 1933 before moving on to national prominence at Minnesota.

Season Performance

The 1933 campaign featured a challenging schedule that tested Tulane’s depth and resilience. Despite two losses, both on the road, the Green Wave demonstrated consistency, especially within the Southern Conference, where they remained unbeaten.

• Offensive output: The team scored 137 points over nine games, averaging 15.2 points per game, a strong figure for the era.
• Defensive strength: Tulane allowed only 57 points all season, with five shutouts, including against Mississippi College and Spring Hill.
• Home dominance: At Tulane Stadium, the Green Wave won all four home games, including victories over Southwestern and Mississippi State.
• Road challenges: Losses came at away games against Fordham (13–7) and Temple (9–0), both tough Northeastern opponents.
• Season finale: The 0–0 tie with LSU in Baton Rouge ended the season on a defensive note, preserving Tulane’s conference title.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1933 Green Wave compared to previous and subsequent Tulane seasons:

The 1933 season stands out as the peak of Bierman’s tenure, with the only Southern Conference championship under his leadership. The team’s disciplined play and strong defense set it apart from surrounding years, especially compared to the decline in performance after his departure.

Why It Matters

The 1933 Tulane Green Wave football season remains a significant chapter in the university’s athletic history, representing both a conference triumph and the end of an era under a future College Football Hall of Fame coach.

• Historical significance: It was Tulane’s first outright Southern Conference title, cementing the program’s regional prominence.
• Coach Bierman’s legacy: His move to Minnesota led to five national championships, amplifying the importance of his Tulane years.
• Stadium legacy: Tulane Stadium, where the team played, later became a landmark in college and professional football history.
• Rivalry continuity: The 0–0 tie with LSU maintained a fierce in-state rivalry that continues to this day.
• Defensive excellence: Five shutouts in nine games demonstrated one of the era’s most disciplined defensive units.
• Program transition: The 1933 season marked the end of an era, as Tulane shifted leadership and direction in the years that followed.

Today, the 1933 Green Wave are remembered as a pivotal team in Tulane football history—balancing competitive success with the transition of one of college football’s most influential coaches.