What Is 1978 Tulane Green Wave football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1978 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Larry Smith. They played their home games at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

Key Facts

The 1978 Tulane Green Wave finished the season with a 7-4 overall record.
Head coach Larry Smith led the team in his second year at the helm.
They played home games at the Louisiana Superdome, marking a shift from Tulane Stadium.
The team scored 219 total points, averaging 19.9 points per game.
Tulane defeated rivals LSU 17-14 in a key November matchup.

Overview

The 1978 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the NCAA Division I-A football season, marking the second year under head coach Larry Smith. Playing their home games at the newly adopted Louisiana Superdome, the team showed marked improvement over the previous season with a solid 7-4 overall record.

This season was notable for revitalizing interest in Tulane football, especially after the move from Tulane Stadium to the modern Superdome. The team competed as an independent, facing a challenging schedule that included regional rivals and national programs, ultimately finishing strong with a winning record.

Record: The Green Wave finished the 1978 season with a 7-4 overall record, a significant improvement from their 4-7 record in 1977.
Head Coach:Larry Smith, in his second year, guided the team to a winning season and laid the foundation for future competitiveness.
Home Stadium: For the first time, Tulane played all home games at the Louisiana Superdome, leaving behind the historic but aging Tulane Stadium.
Points Scored: The offense tallied 219 total points across 11 games, averaging 19.9 points per game, a modest but efficient output.
LSU Rivalry: A highlight of the season was a 17-14 victory over LSU in November, marking one of the more memorable wins in the series during the late 1970s.

Season Performance

The 1978 campaign was defined by consistency and key performances against both in-state and national opponents. The team started the season with a mix of wins and losses but gained momentum as the year progressed, peaking with the win over LSU.

Season Opener: Tulane opened with a 24-10 win over Southeastern Louisiana, setting a positive tone with a balanced offensive showing.
Defensive Strength: The defense held four opponents under 10 points, including a 17-3 win over Utah in October.
Close Games: Three of Tulane’s four losses were by seven points or fewer, indicating a competitive team capable of challenging top squads.
Offensive Leaders: Quarterback Steve Foley emerged as a key playmaker, throwing for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns during the season.
Running Game: Fullback Tommy Manning led the ground attack with 587 rushing yards and five touchdowns, anchoring the backfield.
Independent Status: As an independent program, Tulane scheduled a diverse slate of teams without conference obligations, allowing scheduling flexibility.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1978 season to prior and subsequent years highlights its significance in Tulane’s football timeline. The table below outlines key metrics across multiple seasons.

Season	Record	Head Coach	Home Stadium	Key Win
1976	5-6	Don Zimmerman	Tulane Stadium	vs. LSU (21-14)
1977	4-7	Larry Smith (1st year)	Tulane Stadium	vs. Rice (21-14)
1978	7-4	Larry Smith (2nd year)	Louisiana Superdome	vs. LSU (17-14)
1979	5-6	Larry Smith	Louisiana Superdome	vs. Vanderbilt (24-21)
1980	4-7	Larry Smith	Louisiana Superdome	vs. SMU (20-17)

The 1978 season stands out as the most successful during Larry Smith’s early tenure. While subsequent years saw regression, the 7-4 record and the win over LSU demonstrated that Tulane could compete with regional powerhouses. The move to the Superdome also symbolized a modernization effort, aligning the program with contemporary facilities used by other major programs.

Why It Matters

The 1978 season played a crucial role in stabilizing Tulane football during a transitional era. It provided momentum for recruiting and fan engagement, especially after the shift to the Superdome and a new coaching direction.

Program Momentum: The winning record helped boost morale and attendance, reversing a downward trend from the mid-1970s.
Facility Upgrade: Moving to the Superdome improved game-day experience and expanded Tulane’s visibility in New Orleans.
Recruiting Boost: Success on the field made it easier to attract local talent, especially from Louisiana high schools.
Coach Smith’s Legacy: His leadership in 1978 laid the groundwork for future improvements, eventually leading to a 1983 Liberty Bowl appearance.
Rivalry Significance: Beating LSU, even in a non-conference setting, reinforced regional pride and fan enthusiasm.
Historical Context: The season marked the beginning of a modern era for Tulane football, setting the stage for future conference affiliations.

While not a national powerhouse, the 1978 Tulane Green Wave represented a turning point in the program’s trajectory. Its blend of competitive performance, key victories, and modernization efforts made it a milestone season in the university’s football history.