What Is 1987 Boise State Broncos football

Overview

The 1987 Boise State Broncos football team represented Boise State University during the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by head coach Tony Knap, who retired after the season following a long and influential career.

The Broncos showed strong offensive performance and earned a playoff berth, marking a notable chapter in the program’s history. Though they fell short in postseason play, the season contributed to the growing momentum of Boise State football in the late 1980s.

• Record: The team finished with a 7-4 overall record and a 5-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play, demonstrating competitive consistency.
• Head Coach: Tony Knap, in his final season, concluded a 13-year tenure at Boise State with a legacy of program development and discipline.
• Quarterback: Doug Martin started at quarterback, throwing for 1,852 yards and 14 touchdowns over the season.
• Playoff Appearance: The Broncos qualified for the 1987 I-AA playoffs, advancing as an at-large team despite not winning their conference.
• Season Outcome: They lost 34-20 to Eastern Illinois in the first round, ending their postseason run prematurely.

Season Performance

The 1987 campaign featured a balanced mix of strong offensive output and defensive challenges. While the Broncos won several close games, they struggled against top-tier conference opponents, highlighting areas for improvement.

• Offensive Output: The team averaged 27.1 points per game, ranking them among the top half of I-AA programs in scoring.
• Defensive Stats: They allowed 21.5 points per game, showing resilience but vulnerability against high-powered offenses.
• Key Game: A 31-24 victory over Idaho stood out as a highlight, boosting their playoff resume.
• Home Field: Playing at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho, the team posted a 5-1 home record.
• Season Start: They opened the season with a win over Cal Poly, setting a positive tone with a 24-10 victory.
• Season End: After the playoff loss, the team disbanded as Knap retired, ushering in a new era under new leadership.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1987 season compares to other notable years in Boise State’s I-AA era:

The 1987 season was consistent with Boise State’s mid-tier finishes in the 1980s. While not a championship year, it continued a pattern of competitiveness under Knap’s leadership. The transition to Greg Makowski in 1988 marked the end of an era, but the foundation laid in 1987 helped sustain program stability.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season holds historical significance as the final chapter of Tony Knap’s tenure, a period that shaped Boise State into a competitive I-AA program. It also reflects the transitional phase before the Broncos began building toward greater postseason success in the 1990s.

• Legacy of Leadership: Tony Knap’s retirement marked the end of a 13-year coaching era that included multiple winning seasons.
• Program Transition: The 1987 season set the stage for new coaching strategies under interim coach Greg Makowski.
• Player Development: Quarterback Doug Martin’s performance signaled emerging talent that future coaches could build upon.
• Playoff Experience: Participating in the I-AA playoffs provided valuable exposure and experience for future teams.
• Conference Rivalries: Games against Idaho and other Big Sky teams strengthened regional competition and fan engagement.
• Historical Context: The season is part of Boise State’s broader journey toward national prominence, culminating in later FBS success.

Though overshadowed by more decorated seasons, the 1987 campaign remains a testament to consistency and program evolution. It captures a pivotal moment just before Boise State began its ascent in college football’s lower divisions.