What Is 2011 Tulane Green Wave football

Overview

The 2011 Tulane Green Wave football team marked the beginning of a new era for the program, as it was the first season under head coach Curtis Johnson, who was hired in January 2011. The team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of Conference USA, specifically in the West Division, and played its home games at the Louisiana Superdome due to ongoing construction of Yulman Stadium.

Despite high hopes for a turnaround, the Green Wave finished the season with a 5-7 overall record and a 2-6 mark in conference play. The team showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency on both offense and defense, particularly in close games, where they went 2-4 in contests decided by one possession.

• Record: The 2011 Tulane Green Wave finished with a 5-7 overall record, failing to qualify for a bowl game for the fifth consecutive season.
• Head Coach:Curtis Johnson took over as head coach in January 2011, becoming the 39th head coach in program history and bringing experience from the NFL and college ranks.
• Home Venue: Due to construction delays, Tulane played home games at the Louisiana Superdome rather than the future Yulman Stadium, which opened in 2014.
• Offensive Struggles: The team averaged 21.3 points per game, ranking 97th nationally, hampered by injuries and inexperience at key offensive positions.
• Defensive Performance: Tulane’s defense allowed 28.5 points per game, placing 84th in the nation, with particular vulnerability against the pass.

How It Works

The 2011 season represented a foundational year for the Green Wave under new leadership, with changes in coaching staff, recruiting focus, and team culture aimed at long-term improvement. Each aspect of team operations—from player development to game strategy—was overhauled to align with Johnson’s vision for a competitive program.

• Recruiting:Curtis Johnson prioritized local talent, signing a class ranked in the top 30 nationally by Rivals, including several four-star prospects from Louisiana.
• Offensive Scheme: The team ran a pro-style offense emphasizing balanced play-calling, though injuries to starting QB Nick Montana disrupted continuity.
• Defensive System: Tulane utilized a 3-4 base defense under coordinator Chris Thurmond, focusing on aggressive linebacker play and improved secondary depth.
• Player Development: The staff emphasized strength and conditioning, implementing an NFL-style training regimen to improve player durability and performance.
• Conference Play: As members of Conference USA West Division, Tulane faced teams like Houston, SMU, and UCF, all of which had stronger records that season.
• Season Highlights: A 45-38 win over UTEP in October was the team’s most decisive victory, showcasing offensive potential despite defensive shortcomings.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2011 season to prior and subsequent years reveals trends in performance, coaching impact, and program trajectory.

The 2011 season was a transitional year, as reflected in the drop from 8 wins in 2010 to 5 in 2011. However, the foundation laid that year contributed to improved records in 2012 and 2013, showing progress under new leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season is significant as a turning point in Tulane football history, marking the end of one era and the beginning of a rebuilding phase under new leadership. Though the record was underwhelming, the changes initiated that year had long-term implications for the program’s competitiveness and culture.

• Coaching Change: Hiring Curtis Johnson brought NFL credibility and a renewed recruiting focus, especially in talent-rich Louisiana.
• Program Rebuilding: The 2011 season was the first step in a three-year rebuild that eventually led to consecutive bowl appearances in 2012 and 2013.
• Facility Development: The delay in opening Yulman Stadium impacted home-field advantage, but its eventual completion improved fan engagement and recruiting.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen who played in 2011 became key contributors in future successful seasons, including linebacker Zach Davis.
• Conference Transition: Tulane remained in Conference USA until 2013, when it moved to the American Athletic Conference, a shift influenced by performance trends starting in 2011.
• Legacy Impact: The struggles of 2011 underscored the need for sustained investment in football, leading to increased athletic department support in later years.

While not a standout season in terms of wins, the 2011 Tulane Green Wave football team played a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the program.