What Is 2013 Tulane Green Wave football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 7–6 record under head coach Curtis Johnson. They played their home games at Yulman Stadium and earned a berth in the New Orleans Bowl, losing to Louisiana–Lafayette 24–26.

Key Facts

The 2013 Tulane Green Wave finished the season with a 7–6 overall record and 5–3 in Conference USA.
Head coach Curtis Johnson was in his third year leading the team.
Tulane played their first season at the newly opened Yulman Stadium, a 30,000-seat venue on campus.
They secured a bowl berth by defeating UTEP 51–14 in November to reach six wins.
In the New Orleans Bowl, Tulane lost 24–26 to Louisiana–Lafayette on December 21, 2013.

Overview

The 2013 Tulane Green Wave football team marked a pivotal season for the program, representing Tulane University during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of Conference USA in its inaugural season in the league, the team was led by head coach Curtis Johnson in his third year at the helm.

This season was historically significant as it was the first played in the newly constructed Yulman Stadium, a 30,000-seat on-campus venue that replaced the Superdome as Tulane's home field. The Green Wave finished the regular season with a 7–5 record, becoming bowl-eligible and earning a spot in the New Orleans Bowl.

Record: The team finished with a 7–6 overall record, including a 5–3 mark in Conference USA play during its first year in the conference.
Stadium debut: Yulman Stadium opened in September 2013, hosting its first game against Georgia Tech, marking a major shift from off-campus venues.
Offensive output: Tulane averaged 26.5 points per game, led by quarterback Nick Montana, who threw for 2,059 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Defensive effort: The defense allowed 25.6 points per game, with linebacker Lorenzo Doss recording three interceptions and earning All-Conference USA honors.
Bowl appearance: The Green Wave played in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on December 21, 2013, narrowly losing 24–26 to Louisiana–Lafayette.

How It Works

The 2013 season operated under NCAA Division I FBS rules, with Conference USA scheduling, rankings, and bowl eligibility criteria shaping the team’s path. Each game contributed to conference standings and postseason qualification.

Bowl Eligibility: Teams must win at least six games to qualify for a bowl. Tulane reached six wins after defeating UTEP 51–14 in November.
Conference Realignment: Tulane joined Conference USA in 2013 after leaving the Big East, adjusting to new rivals like UCF, Houston, and SMU.
Recruiting Impact: The opening of Yulman Stadium boosted recruiting, with improved facilities attracting higher-rated prospects.
Coaching Strategy: Curtis Johnson emphasized defense and special teams, leading to a top-50 national ranking in turnover margin.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting roles, including running back Orleans Darkwa, who rushed for 1,216 yards.
Game Management: The team relied on a balanced offensive attack, averaging 189 rushing yards and 198 passing yards per game.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Tulane Green Wave with other Conference USA teams in key performance metrics:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game	Bowl Result
Tulane	7–6	5–3	26.5	Lost New Orleans Bowl 24–26
UTEP	4–8	3–5	22.1	Did not qualify
Marshall	10–4	7–1	37.9	Won Military Bowl
East Carolina	8–5	5–3	34.6	Won BBVA Compass Bowl
SMU	7–6	5–3	30.2	Lost Armed Forces Bowl

The data shows Tulane was competitive within its division, matching SMU and East Carolina in conference wins. While offensive output was solid, the team lagged behind powerhouses like Marshall. The narrow bowl loss highlighted both progress and areas needing improvement, such as red-zone efficiency and fourth-quarter execution.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a cornerstone in Tulane’s football resurgence, symbolizing a new era of on-campus play and conference realignment. It laid the foundation for future competitiveness and program growth.

Facility upgrade: Yulman Stadium’s opening brought games back to campus, increasing student attendance and game-day engagement.
Conference transition: Moving to Conference USA provided more geographically aligned opponents and reduced travel costs.
Recruiting boost: The modern stadium and bowl appearance helped attract talent from Louisiana and Texas.
Program momentum: The bowl berth marked only the second since 2002, signaling improvement under Johnson.
Media exposure: The New Orleans Bowl appearance was televised nationally, raising Tulane’s visibility.
Alumni engagement: On-campus games revitalized fan interest, with season ticket sales increasing by 40%.

Overall, the 2013 season was a turning point that combined facility advancement, conference realignment, and on-field progress. It set the stage for future success and reestablished football as a visible part of Tulane’s campus culture.