The Broncos were 10–1 and undefeated in the Big Sky,[2][3][4] but were on probation for a scouting violation in November 1978; they were ineligible for the league title or I-AA playoffs in 1979 and were not allowed to scouting films of upcoming opponents.[5][6][7][8][9]
Senior quarterback Hoskin Hogan dropped out of school and junior college transfer Aliotti won the starting job.[1][8]
After an opening two-point loss at home,[10] BSU won ten straight; the league opener in late September set a Big Sky attendance record at 20,712.[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]
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.[27]
^"Record book (football)"(PDF). Boise State University Athletics. 2016. p. 71. Archived from the original(PDF) on February 15, 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
^"Probable starters". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). October 13, 1979. p. 3C.
^BSU gameday program – Boise State vs. Northern Arizona (homecoming) – November 3, 1979 – Probable starters, rosters, p. 21–25