Led by fourth-year head coach Tony Knap, the Broncos were 9–2 in the regular season (4–2 in conference),[1] and were invited to the Camellia Bowl in Sacramento, California.
Boise State opened the season with a stunning 42–14 upset of Idaho in the first meeting between the two teams,[2] creating an instant rivalry game.
[5][23] Boise State was ranked seventh in the final small college poll, released by the Associated Press in late November.
Led by quarterback (and placekicker) Eric Guthrie, Boise State outscored the Wildcats 25–0 in the final period to win 32–28.
[26][27][19][28] This was the extent of the postseason in the College Division; after the final poll in late November, four regional bowls (quarterfinals) were played in mid-December.