What Is 2014 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 2014 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It marked the program's first year as a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) after leaving Conference USA following the 2013 season.

Under head coach Curtis Johnson, the team aimed to build momentum after a 7-6 record in 2013. The 2014 campaign was notable for the debut of Yulman Stadium, the team’s new 30,000-seat on-campus venue in Uptown New Orleans, replacing the Superdome as their home field.

• Record: The Green Wave finished the 2014 season with a 7-6 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in American Athletic Conference play.
• Head Coach:Curtis Johnson was in his fourth year as head coach, having led the team since 2012 after a career as an NFL assistant.
• Stadium: The team played its home games at Yulman Stadium, which opened in September 2014 with a capacity of approximately 30,000.
• Conference: 2014 was Tulane’s first season in the American Athletic Conference, transitioning from Conference USA.
• Bowl Game: Tulane qualified for the 2014 New Orleans Bowl, where they lost 35-34 to Louisiana Tech on December 20, 2014.

How It Works

The structure of college football programs like Tulane’s involves recruiting, scheduling, conference alignment, and postseason eligibility. The 2014 season reflected adjustments due to conference realignment and new facilities.

• Recruiting Class: Tulane signed a 2014 recruiting class ranked 97th nationally by 247Sports, featuring 20 total signees including several Louisiana-based players.
• Offensive Scheme: The team ran a pro-style offense under offensive coordinator Frank Scelfo, emphasizing balanced run-pass play.
• Defensive Strategy: The defense utilized a 3-4 alignment, focusing on aggressive linebacker play and zone coverage.
• Key Player: Quarterback Michael Martian started most games, throwing for 1,825 yards and 12 touchdowns during the season.
• Injuries: Several key starters, including running back Orleans Darkwa, missed time due to injuries, impacting consistency.
• Attendance: Yulman Stadium averaged 22,500 fans per game in 2014, showing strong local support for the new venue.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 Tulane Green Wave compared to recent seasons in terms of performance and key metrics:

The 2014 season maintained the modest success seen in 2012 and 2013, but Tulane struggled to improve in subsequent years. The move to the AAC increased competition, and despite a strong start in 2014, the program faced challenges in sustaining performance. The opening of Yulman Stadium, however, marked a turning point in fan engagement and recruiting.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a transitional but symbolically important year for Tulane football, reflecting broader changes in the program’s trajectory. It represented both continuity in win-loss performance and significant shifts in infrastructure and conference alignment.

• Historic Venue: The opening of Yulman Stadium ended Tulane’s long tenure at the Superdome and re-established on-campus football.
• Conference Upgrade: Joining the American Athletic Conference elevated Tulane’s competitive level and national exposure.
• Recruiting Boost: The new stadium and conference affiliation helped improve recruiting appeal in Louisiana and beyond.
• Bowl Consistency: Making a bowl game in three straight seasons (2012–2014) was a program high point under Johnson.
• Financial Investment: The $60 million stadium project signaled Tulane’s commitment to football despite academic priorities.
• Coaching Pressure: Despite moderate success, Johnson was eventually fired in 2016, highlighting the challenges of sustaining momentum.

The 2014 season stands as a bridge between Tulane’s modest revival and future struggles, underscoring the difficulty of maintaining progress in a competitive FBS environment. However, the foundation laid in 2014, particularly with Yulman Stadium, continues to benefit the program today.