They were led by fourth-year head coach Jim Criner and an offensive backfield of juniors: quarterback Joe Aliotti, fullback David Hughes, halfback Cedric Minter, with halfback Terry Zahner in reserve.

[5][6][7][8][9] Senior quarterback Hoskin Hogan dropped out of school and junior college transfer Aliotti won the starting job.

[11] A 14–0 shutout win for BSU, it was the only blemish for Montana State (6–1) in conference play, but three non-conference losses kept them out of the four-team I-AA playoffs; the western postseason bid went again to fifth-ranked Nevada-Reno (8–3), who finished their first season in the Big Sky at 5–2.

[12][13] [22] Halfback Cedric Minter was a repeat selection to the all-conference team, joined by quarterback Joe Aliotti, wide receiver Kipp Bedard, guard Shawn Beaton, defensive tackle Doug Scott, linebacker Ralph Esposito, and safety Rick Woods.

[25][26][27] Second team selections were fullback David Hughes, halfback Terry Zahner, wide receiver Mike Brady, defensive tackle Randy Trautman, nose guard Willie Tufono, linebacker Dan Williams, and cornerback Chris Bell.