What Is 1999 Tulane Green Wave football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1999 Tulane Green Wave football team went a perfect 12-0, won the Liberty Bowl, and finished ranked No. 9 in the final AP Poll. Led by head coach Chris Scelfo and quarterback J.P. Losman, it was the program's first undefeated season in over a century.

Key Facts

The 1999 Tulane Green Wave finished with a perfect 12-0 record.
They defeated Brigham Young 46-7 in the 1999 Liberty Bowl.
Quarterback J.P. Losman threw for 3,179 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Tulane was ranked No. 9 in the final AP Poll, its highest finish since 1939.
The team played home games at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

Overview

The 1999 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the NCAA Division I-A football season and achieved one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football history. After struggling for decades, the Green Wave completed a perfect 12-0 season, becoming the only undefeated team in Division I-A that year.

Under head coach Chris Scelfo, the team combined a high-powered offense with a disciplined defense to dominate opponents. Their success culminated in a Liberty Bowl victory and a final No. 9 national ranking, marking the program's best finish in over 60 years.

12-0 record: The Green Wave became the first undefeated team in Division I-A in 1999, outscoring opponents by an average of 38.6 to 18.3 per game.
Liberty Bowl champions: Tulane defeated the Brigham Young Cougars 46-7 in Memphis on December 31, 1999, in front of over 50,000 fans.
Offensive powerhouse: The team averaged 474.6 yards per game, ranking among the top 10 nationally in total offense.
J.P. Losman: Quarterback J.P. Losman threw for 3,179 yards and 23 touchdowns, establishing himself as a future NFL prospect.
Defensive strength: Despite losing key players to injury, Tulane’s defense allowed just 18.3 points per game, a significant improvement from prior seasons.

Season Highlights & Key Performances

The 1999 season was defined by consistent dominance and crucial late-season performances that solidified Tulane’s national standing. From non-conference wins to conference dominance, the Green Wave showcased resilience and talent across all phases of play.

September 4 opener: Tulane opened the season with a 42-10 win over Mississippi State, signaling their arrival as a national contender.
October 9 upset: A 24-17 victory over then-No. 25 Southern Miss proved the Green Wave could win tough conference matchups.
November 6 peak: The team cracked the AP Top 10 after defeating East Carolina 52-28, showcasing explosive offensive capability.
November 20 showdown: A 38-31 win over Army featured a late-game rally, demonstrating composure under pressure.
December 31 finale: The 46-7 rout of BYU in the Liberty Bowl was a decisive end to an undefeated campaign.
Final ranking: The AP Poll placed Tulane at No. 9, their highest finish since 1939 and a program milestone.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1999 Green Wave stack up against other top teams and previous Tulane squads:

Team	Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank	Key Player
1999 Tulane	12-0	W 46-7 (Liberty)	No. 9	J.P. Losman
1998 Tulane	8-4	L 20-40 (Independence)	NR	Shaun King
1999 Florida State	11-2	W (Sugar)	No. 3	Chris Weinke
1999 Virginia Tech	11-1	L (National)	No. 2	Michael Vick
1973 Tulane	9-3	W (Liberty)	NR	Steve Foley

The 1999 season stands out not only for its perfect record but also for the program context. Unlike 1998, when Tulane lost four games, the 1999 team matured into a national powerhouse. Compared to other undefeated teams in history, Tulane’s No. 9 ranking reflects the skepticism some pollsters had about Conference USA competition, but the on-field results remain undeniable.

Why It Matters

The 1999 season remains a landmark moment in college football history, especially for smaller programs striving for national relevance. It demonstrated that with strong coaching, player development, and institutional support, even historically overlooked teams could achieve excellence.

Program transformation: The undefeated season elevated Tulane’s football profile, leading to increased recruiting and funding.
Conference USA validation: The win helped legitimize Conference USA as a competitive league on the national stage.
Player legacy: J.P. Losman later played in the NFL, showing the team developed pro-level talent.
Historic rarity: Being one of the few undefeated teams in modern college football adds lasting prestige.
Post-Katrina inspiration: The 1999 success became a symbol of New Orleans’ resilience, especially after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Coaching impact: Chris Scelfo’s leadership proved crucial, though he later faced challenges maintaining that peak performance.

The legacy of the 1999 Tulane Green Wave endures as a benchmark of achievement. While the program hasn’t matched that level of success since, the season remains a source of pride and a reminder of what’s possible with determination and teamwork.