What Is 2018 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 2018 Tulane Green Wave football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Under head coach Willie Fritz, who was in his third year at the helm, the team aimed to build on previous improvements and achieve bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season.

Tulane finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, including a 4-4 mark in conference play. Their season concluded with a dominant loss in the Armed Forces Bowl, but the campaign still marked continued progress for a program rebuilding after years of struggle. Home games were played at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana.

• Season record: The team finished 6-6 overall and 4-4 in AAC play, showing steady improvement under Willie Fritz’s leadership.
• Bowl eligibility: Tulane became bowl-eligible by defeating UCF 38-31 on November 23, 2018, marking a key milestone for the program.
• Head coach: Willie Fritz, entering his third season, continued to rebuild the program with a focus on defense and physical play.
• Home stadium: Yulman Stadium, with a capacity of 30,000, provided an intimate and energetic environment for Green Wave fans.
• Bowl game: The team played in the 2018 Armed Forces Bowl on December 22 but lost 38-3 to Louisiana Tech in Fort Worth, Texas.

How It Works

The 2018 season structure followed standard NCAA FBS rules, including an 12-game regular season and bowl eligibility for teams with at least six wins. Conference alignment, scheduling, and player eligibility all played roles in shaping Tulane’s performance.

• Regular season: The Green Wave played a 12-game schedule, including eight conference matchups in the American Athletic Conference.
• Offensive scheme: Tulane utilized a run-heavy, physical offense under Fritz, emphasizing ball control and time of possession.
• Defensive strategy: The defense focused on aggressive pressure and tackling fundamentals, finishing ranked in the top half of the AAC in points allowed.
• Player eligibility: Key contributors included quarterback Justin McMillan and running back Darius Bradwell, both of whom played pivotal roles.
• Recruiting impact: The 2018 class included several four-star recruits who contributed immediately, boosting team depth.
• Coaching staff: Defensive coordinator Chris Wilson and offensive coordinator Will Hall played crucial roles in game planning and execution.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 Tulane Green Wave compared to select AAC peers in key statistical categories:

The table highlights Tulane’s mid-tier standing in the AAC during the 2018 season. While they trailed powerhouses like UCF and Memphis in scoring and wins, they outperformed struggling programs like ECU and SMU. The Green Wave’s ability to reach bowl eligibility placed them ahead of nearly half the conference, underscoring progress in the rebuilding effort.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was significant for Tulane as it demonstrated sustained improvement in a long-rebuilding program. While the bowl loss was disappointing, the season continued a positive trajectory under Willie Fritz, laying groundwork for future success.

• Program momentum: Back-to-back bowl-eligible seasons for the first time since 2002–2003 signaled long-term growth.
• Recruiting boost: Improved performance helped attract higher-rated recruits in subsequent classes.
• Conference competitiveness: Tulane proved capable of beating top AAC teams, such as their win over UCF.
• Stadium atmosphere: Increased attendance at Yulman Stadium reflected growing fan engagement.
• Player development: Quarterback Justin McMillan and running back Darius Bradwell emerged as leaders.
• Coaching stability: Fritz’s consistent leadership provided a foundation for future recruiting and player retention.

Overall, the 2018 Tulane Green Wave football team represented a step forward in the program’s resurgence, combining competitive play with organizational stability and fan interest.