Led by eighth-year head coach Tony Knap, the Broncos were 9–1–1 in the regular season and undefeated in conference (5–0–1), gaining their third straight Big Sky title.

[2] For those three seasons, the Broncos were 17–0–1 (.972) in conference play; the only non-victory was a tie at rival Idaho during the Kibbie Dome dedication game in October.

[3][4][5][6] Prior to the regular season finale at Idaho State, it was announced that the winner would gain one of the eight playoff berths;[7] BSU won by three to advance to the postseason.

[8] Invited again to the eight-team Division II playoffs, sixth ranked BSU hosted #5 Northern Michigan at Bronco Stadium in the quarterfinals on November 29.

Boise State won the Big Sky title in 1977 but could not participate in the playoffs because of a late regular season game, and they moved up to the new Division I-AA in 1978.