What Is 2012 Tulane Green Wave football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 4–8 record under head coach Curtis Johnson, who was in his second year leading the program.

Key Facts

The 2012 Tulane Green Wave finished with a 4–8 overall record.
They played as a member of Conference USA's West Division.
Head coach Curtis Johnson was in his second season at the helm.
Tulane scored 238 total points, averaging 19.8 points per game.
The team played home games at Yulman Stadium, which opened in 2014, so they played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 2012.

Overview

The 2012 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in Conference USA under head coach Curtis Johnson, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 4–8 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play.

Despite the losing record, the season was part of a rebuilding effort following the transition from the dissolved Conference USA to a more competitive structure. The Green Wave showed flashes of potential, particularly on offense, but defensive lapses and close losses hampered their progress.

Overall record: The team finished the season with a 4–8 win-loss tally, marking slight improvement from their 2011 campaign.
Conference performance: In Conference USA play, Tulane went 2–6, placing them near the bottom of the West Division.
Head coach: Curtis Johnson was in his second year as head coach, aiming to rebuild the program after a long losing streak.
Home stadium: Due to Yulman Stadium not being completed until 2014, the Green Wave played home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
Scoring output: Tulane scored 238 total points during the season, averaging 19.8 points per game, ranking them near the bottom nationally.

Season Performance

The 2012 season was defined by missed opportunities and narrow defeats, with several games decided by a touchdown or less. The offense showed moments of promise but lacked consistency, while the defense allowed an average of 31.3 points per game.

September opener: The Green Wave began the season with a 37–27 loss to Georgia Tech, showing offensive potential but defensive vulnerability.
First win: Tulane earned their first victory on September 15 with a 35–29 win over Southeastern Louisiana, a non-conference FCS opponent.
Conference struggles: In a key Conference USA matchup, Tulane lost 38–31 to UCF, a game that exposed their difficulty in closing out strong second halves.
Mid-season highlight: On October 20, Tulane defeated SMU 42–34 in a high-scoring shootout, marking one of their two conference wins.
Defensive issues: The team allowed 375.6 yards per game, with particular struggles against the pass, giving up 258.4 passing yards per game.
Season finale: The Green Wave closed the year with a 49–28 loss to East Carolina, finishing 4–8 and out of bowl contention for the fifth consecutive season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2012 Tulane Green Wave compared to other Conference USA teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points For	Points Against
Tulane	4–8	2–6	238	376
East Carolina	7–5	5–3	345	298
SMU	8–5	5–3	372	304
Memphis	4–8	2–6	287	338
UAB	2–10	2–6	219	372

While Tulane matched Memphis in overall and conference record, they scored fewer points and allowed more than most peers. Their performance highlighted the need for offensive development and defensive tightening, which became focal points in subsequent seasons.

Why It Matters

The 2012 season was a transitional chapter in Tulane football history, reflecting both the challenges of rebuilding and the foundation for future improvements. Though unsuccessful on the scoreboard, it helped shape program identity and coaching strategy under Curtis Johnson.

Rebuilding phase: The 2012 season was part of a broader effort to revitalize a program that had endured years of losing records.
Recruiting focus: Johnson emphasized recruiting local New Orleans talent to build a sustainable, competitive roster.
Stadium transition: Playing at the Superdome underscored the urgency to complete Yulman Stadium, which opened in 2014.
Player development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, including quarterback Nick Montana, who started most games.
Fan engagement: Despite poor results, attendance and student involvement began to grow, signaling renewed interest.
Program trajectory: The 2012 season set the stage for modest improvements in 2013 and beyond, culminating in a bowl appearance in 2013.

In hindsight, the 2012 Tulane Green Wave season was not defined by wins, but by its role in laying groundwork for future success. It represented a necessary step in the long-term vision for Tulane football’s resurgence.