In 1988, the team went 9-3 and posted a 7-1 conference record. Similar to this year’s team, the ‘88 team opened its season against a Big Ten foe, the University of Wisconsin. The Broncos came away with a 24-14 victory. That year, the team received a bid to the California Bowl but lost 35-30 to Fresno State University. Another similarity that the 1988 team has with the current Broncos is that they both had to face off with the Ohio University Bobcats for the conference championship.
The 1988 team was led by second year head coach Al Molde and boasted a team surrounded by stars at key positions.