The Broncos were led by sixth-year head coach Jim Criner and were the defending champions of Division I-AA.

[3] The Broncos narrowly defeated rival Idaho for the fifth consecutive year, in the regular season finale in Moscow.

This time the Colonels prevailed 23–17,[6] but lost the title game to Idaho State the following week in Texas.

[7] The Broncos returned to the I-AA playoffs in 1988, the semifinals in 1990, and the title game in 1994, then moved up to Division I-A in 1996.

Defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich was promoted to head coach and led Boise State for four seasons, from 1983 to 1986.