[1] The previous season, the Broncos had a 10–1 record and were undefeated in the Big Sky,[2][3][4] but were on probation for a scouting violation in November 1978, making them ineligible for the conference title or the 1979 I-AA playoffs.

During halftime of the Nevada-Reno game on November 8, BSU dedicated the playing field at Bronco Stadium to athletic director and former head coach Lyle Smith.

As Big Sky champions with a substantial stadium and fan base, BSU was chosen to host in the first round, a national semifinal on December 13, three weeks after the completion of the regular season.

The Broncos won 14–9 in sub-freezing fog and advanced to the championship game the following week in California against defending champion Eastern Kentucky, coached by Roy Kidd.

[10][11][12] In a back-and-forth contest played in the fog at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento, Boise State won 31–29 to win their only I-AA national title.