COLLEGE FOOTBALL DIVISION I-AA CHAMPIONSHIP : Boise State Close to the Improbable
Boise State is only a victory away from a remarkable turnaround that even Coach Pokey Allen figured was unlikely during the summer.
The Broncos (13-1) of the Big Sky Conference play independent Youngstown State (13-0-1) today for the NCAA Division I-AA football championship at Marshall University Stadium.
This time last year, Boise State was trying to forget its 3-8 record in Allen’s first season.
“The players thought we were going to reach the national championship (this year),” Allen said. “I had a lot of doubts. . . . We’ve had a magical season. That we’re here is amazing.”
The magic started with Allen’s recruiting efforts last winter. He brought in several junior college transfers, all who “really contributed.”
Youngstown State is trying to repeat after beating Marshall for the title in 1991 and 1993 and losing to the Herd in the 1992 title game.
In fact, the only surprise is that they are playing Boise instead of Marshall, a 28-24 loser to Boise.
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