The Hornets posted 11 wins on the way to an appearance in the national championship game against Carson Newman. ESU opened the season 3-0 before falling at Central Arkansas 20-14.  The Hornets then went on a school record eight game winning streak in which they outscored their opponents 277 (34.6) to 123 (15.4) with the closest game being a 15-6 victory at Northeastern (Okla.) State.  Seven players earned NAIA?All-American honors including first-team honors for linebacker Matt Koehler and second team honors for running back Alvester Bobby and defensive lineman Monte Boots. This team capped a three year run in the NAIA?Playoffs and was the fifth of a school record tying six year streak of winning records.