What Is 1995 Alcorn State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1995 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University in the 1995 NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Johnny Thomas. The team competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and won the SWAC championship, earning a berth in the NCAA I-AA playoffs where they lost in the first round to Northern Iowa.

Key Facts

The 1995 Alcorn State football team finished the season with a 7-4 overall record
They won the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship with a 6-1 conference record
Head coach Johnny Thomas led the team in his fifth season at the helm
Quarterback Lenorris Footman was a key player, throwing for over 1,800 yards
Alcorn State defeated Southern 27-24 in the 1995 SWAC Championship Game

Overview

The 1995 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University during the 1995 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team achieved notable success under head coach Johnny Thomas, culminating in a conference championship and a playoff appearance.

Alcorn State finished the regular season with a 7-4 overall record and a dominant 6-1 mark in SWAC play. Their victory over Southern in the SWAC Championship Game secured the conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA I-AA playoffs, where they faced Northern Iowa in the first round.

Record: The team finished with a 7-4 overall record, including a 6-1 mark in SWAC conference play.
Championship: Alcorn State won the 1995 SWAC Championship by defeating Southern 27-24 in the title game.
Playoffs: As SWAC champions, they earned a berth in the NCAA I-AA playoffs but lost to Northern Iowa 24-14.
Head Coach: Johnny Thomas was in his fifth season as head coach and led the team to its second SWAC title under his leadership.
Key Player: Quarterback Lenorris Footman threw for 1,847 yards and 12 touchdowns during the season.

SWAC Championship and Season Highlights

The 1995 season was marked by strong performances in conference play and a dramatic championship game victory. Alcorn State demonstrated resilience, particularly in close matchups against key rivals, which solidified their position atop the SWAC standings.

Opening Game: Alcorn State opened the season with a 24-21 win over Mississippi Valley State on September 2, 1995.
Key Victory: A 27-24 win over Southern on November 18 secured the SWAC championship and playoff berth.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 26.8 points per game, ranking among the top offenses in the conference.
Defensive Strength: Alcorn State's defense allowed only 20.6 points per game, showcasing balanced team performance.
Playoff Appearance: Their NCAA I-AA playoff game against Northern Iowa on December 2 ended in a 24-14 loss, ending their season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is how the 1995 Alcorn State team compares to recent SWAC champions in key statistical categories:

Year	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Championship Won?	Playoff Result
1995	7-4	6-1	Yes	Lost in First Round
1994	6-5	5-2	No	Did not qualify
1993	8-3	6-1	Yes	Lost in Quarterfinals
1992	7-4	5-2	No	Did not qualify
1991	9-3	7-0	Yes	Lost in Semifinals

The 1995 team’s 6-1 conference record matched their 1993 championship season, though their overall win total was lower. Despite a strong defensive showing, they fell short in the playoffs, unlike the 1991 team that advanced deep into the postseason. The consistency in SWAC play highlights Alcorn State’s status as a conference powerhouse during the mid-1990s.

Why It Matters

The 1995 season remains a significant chapter in Alcorn State football history, reflecting the program’s competitive strength during the 1990s. Their championship win reinforced the university’s legacy in HBCU football and contributed to its growing national recognition.

Historical Legacy: The 1995 title added to Alcorn State’s growing list of SWAC championships, now totaling over 15.
Player Development: The season helped develop future professional talent and bolstered recruiting efforts.
Conference Prestige: Winning the SWAC elevated the conference’s profile in NCAA Division I-AA football.
Coaching Milestone: Johnny Thomas solidified his reputation as a top HBCU coach with this championship win.
Community Impact: The success brought pride to the Alcorn State campus and surrounding communities in Mississippi.
Foundation for Future Success: The 1995 season laid groundwork for continued competitiveness into the late 1990s.

Overall, the 1995 Alcorn State football team exemplified excellence in HBCU athletics, combining strong leadership, skilled players, and conference dominance to leave a lasting mark on college football history.