What Is 1935 Tulane Green Wave football

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1935 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 1935 college football season, finishing with a 6–2–1 record under head coach Red Dawson. They played their home games at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans and were part of the Southern Conference.

Key Facts

The 1935 Tulane Green Wave finished the season with a 6–2–1 overall record
Head coach Red Dawson led the team during its 1935 campaign
Tulane played home games at Tulane Stadium, which opened in 1926
The team was a member of the Southern Conference in 1935
Tulane defeated conference rival Mississippi State 20–0 that season

Overview

The 1935 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the 1935 college football season, marking the program’s continued rise in national prominence. Competing as a member of the Southern Conference, the team was led by head coach Red Dawson, who was in his third year at the helm and building on prior success.

This season followed Tulane’s undefeated 1934 campaign and showcased a slightly more challenging schedule. While not as dominant as the previous year, the 1935 team maintained a strong defensive record and remained competitive against regional powerhouses. The season highlighted Tulane’s growing reputation in Southern football.

Record: The Green Wave finished the 1935 season with a 6–2–1 overall record, including a 3–1 mark in Southern Conference play.
Head coach: Red Dawson, in his third season, continued to develop a disciplined, defense-first approach that defined the program during this era.
Home stadium: Tulane played all home games at Tulane Stadium, a 30,000-seat venue in New Orleans that opened in 1926 and was known as "The Sugar Bowl".
Key victory: The team defeated Mississippi State 20–0 in a decisive Southern Conference matchup, showcasing their defensive strength.
Season ender: Their final game was a 7–7 tie against in-state rival LSU, a result that ended the regular season on a mixed note.

Season Highlights & Performance

The 1935 campaign featured a mix of dominant wins and narrow setbacks, reflecting a transitional phase for the program. Despite losing two games, Tulane remained a respected team in the South, drawing attention for their balanced attack and solid special teams play.

September 28: Tulane opened the season with a 20–6 win over Southwestern Louisiana, setting an early tone with strong rushing offense.
October 5: A 13–0 victory over Spring Hill College highlighted the team’s defensive consistency early in the season.
October 19: The Green Wave suffered their first loss, 14–0, to a powerful Alabama team that would go on to win the Rose Bowl.
November 2: Tulane rebounded with a 20–0 shutout of Mississippi State, one of their most complete performances of the year.
November 16: A 7–0 loss to Vanderbilt exposed vulnerabilities against top-tier Southern Conference opponents.
November 30: The season concluded with a 7–7 tie against LSU, a result that sparked debate due to controversial officiating calls.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1935 season to surrounding years reveals trends in performance and coaching development under Red Dawson:

Season	Record	Conference	Head Coach	Notable Result
1933	6–4	Southern	Red Dawson	First winning season under Dawson
1934	10–1	Southern	Red Dawson	Undefeated regular season
1935	6–2–1	Southern	Red Dawson	Tied LSU in season finale
1936	5–5	Southern	Red Dawson	First losing season since 1932
1937	3–7	Independent	Red Dawson	Team struggled amid transition

The 1935 season served as a bridge between Tulane’s peak in 1934 and a gradual decline in performance through the late 1930s. While still competitive, the team faced stronger schedules and growing parity in the Southern Conference. The 6–2–1 record reflected a solid but unspectacular year compared to prior excellence.

Why It Matters

The 1935 Tulane Green Wave season is significant for understanding the trajectory of college football in the South during the 1930s. It illustrates how even strong programs could fluctuate year-to-year due to schedule strength and personnel changes.

Program momentum: After the historic 1934 season, 1935 tested whether Tulane could sustain elite performance.
Regional rivalry: The tie against LSU underscored the intensity of in-state matchups, which remained pivotal for recruiting and fan engagement.
Coaching legacy: Red Dawson’s tenure shaped Tulane’s identity, emphasizing defense and disciplined play.
Stadium significance: Playing at Tulane Stadium helped establish New Orleans as a football hub, later leading to the Sugar Bowl game.
Historical context: The 1935 season occurred during the Great Depression, when college football provided vital entertainment and school pride.
Conference dynamics: As a Southern Conference member, Tulane helped lay groundwork for future SEC and independent programs.

The 1935 season may not stand out statistically, but it remains a valuable chapter in Tulane’s football history, reflecting broader trends in collegiate sports during a transformative decade.