High expectations for Green Wave football
The excitement of college football season has arrived to the Tulane campus and the New Orleans community, as the 2011 Tulane football team takes the field for the first time Saturday (Sept. 3) against Southeastern Louisiana University at the Louisiana Superdome.
Green Wave team members and fifth-year head coach Bob Toledo have high expectations for the 2011 football season. (Photo from Tulane athletics)
High hopes and expectations surround this year's team, as fifth-year football head coach Bob Toledo is poised to lead the Green Wave to its first bowl game appearance since 2002. The 2011 team returns 49 letterwinners, including 17 starters (seven each on offense and defense, and three on special teams), and features 28 newcomers.
Among the returners are three players who have garnered national attention during the preseason and have been named to three prestigious watch lists. The Green Wave trio includes sophomore running back Orleans Darkwa, junior linebacker Trent Mackey and junior receiver Ryan Grant.
“I know we are all looking forward to college football,” Toledo said. “Believe me, no one more so than me. I'm anxious to get going with the season and to see the progress we've made as a football program. We had a very productive fall football camp.
“We feel that we're ready to play and we can't wait for Saturday, and I hope the fans, the boosters and the people feel the same as we do and come out to see us play.”
Saturday's opener is “Green Out” at the Superdome. Tulane is asking students, faculty, staff and its fans to wear green and show Green Wave pride. There will be in-game giveaways, a family fun zone with inflatable activities for kids and a $1 beer garden at the tailgate area for adults. Kickoff is slated for 12:30 p.m.
Roger Dunaway is assistant athletics director for athletics communication.
