Led by third-year head coach Bernie Bierman and captain Bill Banker, the Green Wave posted a 9–0, undefeated record and outscored opponents 297–45.
The team would feature a veteran backfield of quarterback Dick Baumbach, halfbacks Ike Armstrong and captain Bill Banker, and fullbacks Ford Seeuws and Jack Pizzano.
[2][3] [13] In the season opener against Louisiana Normal (today Northwestern State), Tulane won 40–6.
But the helmet slipped over his eyes as the Yellow Jackets were preparing to kickoff, so Banker tossed it to the sideline, and was never taken out, calling Bierman's bluff.
[19] Sources:[20] The Green Wave defeated Georgia, conquerors of Yale, in Columbus 21–15, twice coming from behind.
[20] For the first score, end Vernon "Catfish" Smith nailed Bill Banker behind the line for a safety.
[24] The following chart provides a visual depiction of Tulane's lineup during the 1929 season with games started at the position reflected in parentheses.