What Is 1973 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 1973 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the NCAA College Division football season. Competing as an independent, the team did not belong to any conference and scheduled a mix of regional and national opponents.

Under the leadership of head coach Bennie Ellender, who was in his sixth year, the Green Wave struggled to find consistency, finishing the season with a 5–6 record. Despite the losing record, the team showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly on offense.

• 5–6 overall record: The Green Wave won five games and lost six, failing to reach a bowl game for the second consecutive year.
• Bennie Ellender: In his sixth season as head coach, Ellender emphasized a balanced offensive attack and disciplined defense.
• Tulane Stadium: The team played all home games at the historic 80,000-seat Tulane Stadium, which hosted Super Bowl VI two years later.
• Independent status: Without a conference affiliation, Tulane scheduled opponents independently, including teams from the SEC and independent programs.
• Steve Foley: Quarterback Steve Foley emerged as a key player and later played professionally with the Denver Broncos in the NFL.

Season Performance

The 1973 season featured a challenging non-conference schedule, with games against regional rivals and power programs. The Green Wave opened the season with a mix of home and away contests, aiming to rebuild momentum after a 5–5 season in 1972.

• September 8, 1973: Tulane lost 21–14 to in-state rival LSU in a hard-fought game at Tulane Stadium.
• Offensive output: The team averaged 20.1 points per game, showing improvement over the previous season’s 17.8 average.
• Defensive struggles: Tulane allowed 23.4 points per game, a key factor in their narrow losses to competitive opponents.
• Win over Vanderbilt: A 24–14 victory over Vanderbilt in October provided a highlight during the midseason stretch.
• Final game: The season concluded with a 35–14 loss to Southern Miss, sealing the 5–6 record.
• Player development: Several underclassmen gained experience, laying the foundation for future seasons under Ellender.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1973 season can be evaluated in context with previous and subsequent years under Bennie Ellender’s leadership. The table below compares key performance metrics across three seasons.

The data shows a decline in performance from 1971 to 1973, with a drop in wins and increasing defensive vulnerabilities. While offensive production improved slightly in 1973, the defense struggled to contain opponents, contributing to the team’s losing record.

Why It Matters

The 1973 season is a notable chapter in Tulane football history, reflecting both the challenges and transitions of the era. It marked a turning point as the program began a downward trend that would eventually lead to major changes in leadership and structure.

• End of an era: The use of Tulane Stadium ended in 1974, making 1973 one of the final seasons at the historic venue.
• Coaching legacy: Bennie Ellender’s tenure began to face scrutiny after three consecutive non-winning seasons starting in 1972.
• NFL pipeline: Players like Steve Foley demonstrated that Tulane could develop professional talent despite modest team success.
• Independent scheduling: The team’s ability to compete with SEC schools highlighted the value of independent status during this period.
• Program transition: The mid-1970s marked the beginning of a difficult decade for Tulane football, culminating in major reforms in the 1980s.
• Historical context: The 1973 season occurred during a time of NCAA realignment and growing professionalism in college football.

Though not a standout season in terms of wins, the 1973 Tulane Green Wave football team provides insight into the evolving landscape of college football and the challenges faced by smaller programs in a competitive environment.