What Is 1970 Tulane Green Wave football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1970 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 1970 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 4-7 record under head coach Bennie Ellender. They played their home games at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans and were part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Key Facts

The 1970 Tulane Green Wave finished the season with a 4-7 overall record
Head coach Bennie Ellender was in his first year leading the team
Tulane played home games at Tulane Stadium, a 80,762-seat venue in New Orleans
The team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1970 season
Quarterback Joe Barnes was a key player, throwing for 1,045 yards that season

Overview

The 1970 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the NCAA University Division football season. Competing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team faced a challenging schedule and struggled to achieve a winning record.

Under first-year head coach Bennie Ellender, the Green Wave finished with a 4-7 overall record and 2-4 in conference play. Despite the losing record, the season marked a transition period for the program amid broader changes in college football.

Tulane Stadium: The team played its home games at Tulane Stadium, a historic venue in New Orleans with a seating capacity of 80,762, which hosted numerous major events including Super Bowls.
First season under Ellender: Bennie Ellender took over as head coach in 1970 after predecessor Tommy O'Boyle was dismissed, bringing a new offensive philosophy focused on a balanced attack.
Offensive performance: The Green Wave scored 189 total points during the season, averaging 17.2 points per game, ranking them below mid-tier in the nation.
Defensive struggles: Tulane allowed 258 points over 11 games, averaging 23.5 points per game against, highlighting inconsistencies on the defensive side of the ball.
Key game: A 24-14 victory over in-state rival LSU was the highlight of the season, marking one of the few wins against a ranked opponent in a difficult year.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1970 campaign featured a mix of close losses and hard-fought wins, reflecting the team's transitional phase under new leadership. Several games were decided by single digits, indicating competitive play despite the final record.

September 12: vs. Houston: The season opened with a 24-14 loss to Houston, setting a tone of offensive inefficiency and defensive vulnerability.
September 26: vs. Virginia Tech: A 14-7 win over Virginia Tech provided early momentum, showcasing improved ball control and time of possession.
October 10: vs. LSU: The 24-14 upset win over LSU was the season's high point, fueled by strong rushing performances and defensive stops.
October 24: vs. Ole Miss: A 27-24 loss to Ole Miss came down to the final minutes, demonstrating the team's ability to compete with top SEC programs.
November 7: vs. Alabama: A 38-0 defeat to Bear Bryant’s Alabama squad revealed the gap between Tulane and elite programs at the time.
November 21: vs. Southern Miss: A 20-19 loss to Southern Miss ended any hope of a winning season, highlighting missed opportunities in crucial moments.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1970 season can be better understood by comparing it to surrounding years in terms of win-loss records, coaching changes, and conference performance.

Year	Head Coach	Overall Record	SEC Record	Key Achievement
1968	Tommy O'Boyle	3-7	2-4	Pre-rebuilding phase
1969	Tommy O'Boyle	3-7	2-5	Final season under O'Boyle
1970	Bennie Ellender	4-7	2-4	First year under new coach
1971	Bennie Ellender	7-4	3-3	Significant improvement
1972	Bennie Ellender	7-5	4-2	Best season in a decade

This comparison shows that while the 1970 season was modest, it laid the foundation for improvement in the early 1970s. The hiring of Bennie Ellender marked the beginning of a gradual turnaround, culminating in winning records by 1971 and 1972.

Why It Matters

The 1970 Tulane Green Wave season, while not statistically dominant, represents a pivotal moment in the program's modern history. It marked the end of one era and the beginning of a more competitive phase under new leadership.

Coaching transition: The shift from Tommy O'Boyle to Bennie Ellender signaled a strategic overhaul that eventually led to more consistent performance.
Program stability: Despite a losing record, the team maintained fan engagement and laid groundwork for future recruiting success.
Historical context: The 1970 season occurred during a time of social change, including the integration of college football programs across the South.
Stadium legacy: Playing at Tulane Stadium connected the team to a rich tradition, as the venue hosted Sugar Bowls and NFL games.
Player development: Several players from the 1970 roster contributed to improved teams in subsequent years, showing long-term value.
SEC competition: Remaining competitive in the SEC, even with a losing record, demonstrated resilience against stronger athletic programs.

The 1970 season may not stand out in the record books, but it played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Tulane football in the 1970s, setting the stage for future success.