The Cavaliers were led by second-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall and played their home games at Scott Stadium.

They competed as members of the Coastal Division in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Source:[3] The Cavaliers came in as thirteen point underdogs against the Broncos and quickly went down 7–0 within the first three minutes.

After this shaky start, the Cavaliers took a 21–14 lead into halftime led by success in the passing game on offense.

Virginia pressed its advantage to 42–14 before Boise State made it 42–23 on a late safety and touchdown.