Led by seventh-year head coach Tony Knap, the Broncos were 10–1 in the regular season and were again undefeated in conference (6–0), repeating as Big Sky champions.

[1] The only loss was by two points in-mid season at Las Vegas; the UNLV Rebels were led by running back Mike Thomas, a future NFL Rookie of the Year, and sophomore quarterback Glenn Carano.

They built a 31-point lead, then hung on as Boise State answered with four straight touchdown passes from senior Jim McMillan.

Invited again to the eight-team Division II playoffs,[3] BSU drew a road game in the quarterfinals at Central Michigan; the Chippewas won 20–6 and went on to win the national title.

Following this season, Bronco Stadium was expanded with an upper deck added to the east grandstand, which increased the permanent seating capacity to 20,000.