What Is 2013 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 2013 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Curtis Johnson in his third year at the helm and played its home games at Yulman Stadium, which opened that season with a capacity of approximately 30,000.

The Green Wave posted a 7-6 overall record, marking a modest improvement from previous seasons and culminating in a bowl appearance for the first time since 2002. The team’s performance laid the foundation for future success as Tulane prepared to join the American Athletic Conference in 2014.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 7-6 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in non-conference play and a 2-3 record against bowl-eligible teams.
• Bowl Game: Tulane secured a spot in the 2013 New Orleans Bowl on December 21, 2013, defeating the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns 24-21 in front of a home crowd.
• Stadium: The Green Wave moved into the newly constructed Yulman Stadium in Uptown New Orleans, marking the first on-campus football stadium for Tulane since 1974.
• Offensive Output: The team averaged 25.8 points per game, led by quarterback play and a balanced offensive attack that gained over 4,500 total yards.
• Defensive Performance: Tulane’s defense allowed 27.2 points per game, showing improvement but still struggling at times against high-powered offenses.

How It Works

The 2013 season was a transitional year for Tulane football, both structurally and competitively, as the program prepared for conference realignment and modernized facilities. The team operated with a mix of returning veterans and developing talent under Johnson’s leadership.

• Head Coach:Curtis Johnson entered his third season as head coach, having been hired in 2011; he compiled a 7-6 record in 2013, improving from a 4-8 mark in 2012.
• Quarterback:Nick Montana started 10 games, throwing for 1,626 yards and 10 touchdowns with 11 interceptions, leading a spread-based offensive scheme.
• Running Game:Shawn Breeden and Evan O’Hara shared carries, combining for over 1,100 rushing yards and helping balance the offense.
• Receiving Corps:Darius Carter emerged as the top target, recording 47 receptions for 589 yards and four touchdowns during the season.
• Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Zach Davis led the team with 98 total tackles, anchoring a defense that forced 17 turnovers.
• Schedule: As an independent, Tulane faced a challenging non-conference slate, including games against Georgia, BYU, and UCF, all of which finished bowl-eligible.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Tulane Green Wave with the previous season and a peer program in the same region.

The data shows clear progress from 2012 to 2013 for Tulane, particularly in scoring and defensive efficiency. While Louisiana-Lafayette had a stronger overall season, Tulane outperformed them in their head-to-head bowl matchup, demonstrating resilience and strategic improvement.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was pivotal for Tulane football, symbolizing a turning point in the program’s modern era. It marked the first winning season and bowl victory in over a decade, restoring momentum and fan engagement.

• Historical Context: The 2013 New Orleans Bowl win was Tulane’s first bowl victory since the 1970 Sugar Bowl, ending a 12-year postseason drought.
• Stadium Impact: The opening of Yulman Stadium revitalized game-day culture and increased student and community involvement.
• Conference Transition: The season preceded Tulane’s move to the American Athletic Conference in 2014, enhancing its competitive and financial outlook.
• Recruiting Boost: Success on the field improved recruiting rankings and helped attract higher-profile prospects to the program.
• Program Momentum: The 7-6 record under Johnson provided optimism and laid groundwork for future success under subsequent leadership.
• Local Significance: As a New Orleans institution, the team’s resurgence strengthened city pride and connection between the university and its community.

In summary, the 2013 Tulane Green Wave football team represented more than just a winning record—it was a symbol of renewal, progress, and the reestablishment of a proud football tradition in a city known for its resilience and spirit.