LOOKING BACK: The 1979 Tulane Football Team Goes Bowling in the Liberty Bowl
Jun 26, 2020 | Football
NEW ORLEANSÂ - As the Tulane University football team prepares for the upcoming 2020 season, TulaneGreenWave.com takes a look back at some of the best seasons in Green Wave history.
In this week's edition of Looking Back, TulaneGreenWave.com examines the 1979 Tulane football team which finished with a 9-3 record and posted wins over victories over Georgia Tech, Boston College, Ole Miss and LSU.Â
RECAPPING THE 1979 GREEN WAVE
The 1979 squad won as many games as Coach Larry Smith's first three teams combined and finished the regular season 9-2 to earn an invitation to play Penn State in the Liberty Bowl.
The offensive leader was senior quarterback Roch Hontas, who completed 215-of-367 pass attempts for 2,345 yards and 21 TDs to set single-season records.
His favorite targets were wide receiver Alton Alexis and tight end Rodney Holman, who set a season receiving record with 47 catches each. Marvin Christian led Tulane in rushing for the third consecutive season. Kicker Ed Murray was perfect on 35 extra point attempts and set a season record for kicking points, as he was named to the All-South Independent team for the fourth straight season.
Late in the year, the team went on one of the greatest tears in modern Tulane history, outscoring Boston College, Ole Miss and LSU by a combined score of 116-36. In the Liberty Bowl against Penn State, the Nittany Lions won a battle of field goals, 9-6. Following the season, Smith accepted the head coaching position at the University of Arizona.
Fans can purchase 2020 football season tickets in non-premium sections by visiting TulaneTix.com or by calling (504) 861-WAVE (9283). Season ticket deposits for premium sections are also on sale. All deposits are $50 and are non-refundable.
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Download the official mobile app of Tulane Athletics. Now, you can stay in touch with the Green Wave anytime and anywhere on your Android or iOS mobile device.
Follow Tulane football on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @GreenWaveFB. Fans also follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
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WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, all-Americans, professional athletes and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out our story at NolaBuilt.com.
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In this week's edition of Looking Back, TulaneGreenWave.com examines the 1979 Tulane football team which finished with a 9-3 record and posted wins over victories over Georgia Tech, Boston College, Ole Miss and LSU.Â
RECAPPING THE 1979 GREEN WAVE
The 1979 squad won as many games as Coach Larry Smith's first three teams combined and finished the regular season 9-2 to earn an invitation to play Penn State in the Liberty Bowl.
The offensive leader was senior quarterback Roch Hontas, who completed 215-of-367 pass attempts for 2,345 yards and 21 TDs to set single-season records.
His favorite targets were wide receiver Alton Alexis and tight end Rodney Holman, who set a season receiving record with 47 catches each. Marvin Christian led Tulane in rushing for the third consecutive season. Kicker Ed Murray was perfect on 35 extra point attempts and set a season record for kicking points, as he was named to the All-South Independent team for the fourth straight season.
Late in the year, the team went on one of the greatest tears in modern Tulane history, outscoring Boston College, Ole Miss and LSU by a combined score of 116-36. In the Liberty Bowl against Penn State, the Nittany Lions won a battle of field goals, 9-6. Following the season, Smith accepted the head coaching position at the University of Arizona.
Fans can purchase 2020 football season tickets in non-premium sections by visiting TulaneTix.com or by calling (504) 861-WAVE (9283). Season ticket deposits for premium sections are also on sale. All deposits are $50 and are non-refundable.
Â
Download the official mobile app of Tulane Athletics. Now, you can stay in touch with the Green Wave anytime and anywhere on your Android or iOS mobile device.
Follow Tulane football on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @GreenWaveFB. Fans also follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
Â
WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, all-Americans, professional athletes and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out our story at NolaBuilt.com.
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