What Is 1981 Tulane Green Wave football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1981 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 1981 NCAA Division I-A season, finishing with a 5–6 record under head coach Jerry Golstine. They played their home games at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans and were independent in conference affiliation.

Key Facts

1981 record: 5 wins, 6 losses (5–6 overall)
Head coach Jerry Golstine led the team for the third consecutive season
Played home games at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans
Team scored 198 total points, averaging 18.0 points per game
Defensive struggles: allowed 261 total points (23.7 per game)

Overview

The 1981 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Jerry Golstine, who was in his third year at the helm. The Green Wave played their home games at the Louisiana Superdome, a venue that provided a modern stadium atmosphere in New Orleans.

Despite a middling 5–6 overall record, the 1981 season reflected continued rebuilding efforts under Golstine’s leadership. The offense managed to score 198 points across 11 games, averaging 18.0 points per contest, while the defense allowed 261 points, or 23.7 per game. The team faced a challenging schedule, including matchups against several ranked opponents.

Season record: Finished 5–6 overall, showing slight improvement from the previous year’s 3–8 mark under the same head coach.
Home venue: The Louisiana Superdome hosted all home games, offering a capacity of over 70,000 and a domed playing environment.
Offensive output: Scored 198 total points, with a season-high 35 points in a win against Southeastern Louisiana.
Defensive performance: Allowed 261 points, including a 42-point loss to ranked Southern Methodist University (SMU).
Independent status: As an independent, Tulane did not belong to a conference, which affected scheduling and postseason eligibility.

How It Works

The structure and operation of a college football team like the 1981 Tulane Green Wave involve coaching strategies, player development, and logistical planning. Each season is built around recruiting, training camp, game preparation, and academic oversight for student-athletes.

Head Coach Role: Jerry Golstine was responsible for game planning, staff management, and player discipline. His leadership shaped the team’s performance across three seasons.
Recruiting: Tulane relied on regional talent, particularly from Louisiana high schools, to build depth and skill on both offense and defense.
Game Strategy: The team utilized a balanced offensive approach, mixing passing and running plays to adapt to opponents’ defensive schemes.
Practice Schedule: Weekly preparation included film study, strength training, and full-contact drills to simulate game conditions.
Player Eligibility: NCAA rules required student-athletes to maintain academic progress, impacting roster decisions and playing time.
Medical Support: Athletic trainers and team physicians monitored injuries, with special attention to concussions and joint health.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1981 Tulane Green Wave to other independent teams and conference-affiliated programs highlights performance trends and structural differences.

Team	Record (W–L)	Points For	Points Against	Head Coach
Tulane Green Wave	5–6	198	261	Jerry Golstine
Notre Dame Fighting Irish	5–6	172	179	Dan Devine
SMU Mustangs	10–1	380	177	Ron Meyer
LSU Tigers	3–8	167	241	Jerry Stovall
Alabama Crimson Tide	5–6	196	175	Bear Bryant

The table shows that while Tulane’s record matched that of powerhouses like Notre Dame and Alabama, their point differential was less favorable. SMU, a dominant force that year, outperformed Tulane in both record and scoring margin. The Green Wave’s defensive struggles were evident compared to similarly ranked teams, highlighting areas for improvement.

Why It Matters

The 1981 season is a snapshot of Tulane’s football program during a transitional era, reflecting broader trends in college athletics, including the challenges of remaining competitive as an independent.

Program Development: The 1981 season contributed to long-term rebuilding, eventually leading to improved performance in later years.
Coaching Legacy: Jerry Golstine’s tenure, though not highly successful, laid groundwork for future coaching hires and strategic shifts.
Stadium Use: Playing at the Superdome elevated the team’s visibility and provided a professional-grade venue for big games.
Recruiting Impact: Performance on the field influenced Tulane’s ability to attract high school talent in a competitive Southern market.
Historical Record: The season is preserved in NCAA archives, contributing to the university’s athletic history and alumni engagement.
Conference Realignment: As an independent, Tulane faced scheduling challenges that later influenced its decision to join Conference USA in the 1990s.

While the 1981 Tulane Green Wave did not achieve national prominence, the season remains a key chapter in the program’s evolution, illustrating the complexities of managing a mid-tier college football team during a period of national expansion and rising competition.