The JC teams of Lyle Smith were incredible, but it was during the 70's that Boise State began to make a name for themselves. Boise State was 85-28-2 during the super 70's, winning five Big Sky Conference Championships, playing three times in the Division II National Playoffs, making the semifinals once and also winning the 1971 Camellia Bowl. Tony Knap's offenses were a wonder to behold and the defenses stiff as nails. Here is the All-70's Boise State Football Team:
QB: Jim McMillan
Jimmy Mac threw for 5,558 yards in his career despite only two seasons as the full-time starter. That was unheard of in those days. He was razor sharp, hitting 382-of-640 passes for 58 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. In 1974, Jim was named All-Big Sky Conference and First Team Division II All-American.
RB: Cedric Minter
Cedric was Boise State's first legitimate threat to score on any play, and he is still one of the greatest all-purpose backs to ever play at Bronco Stadium. Minter of course played in 1980 on Boise State's National Championship team, but in the three years that make up the decade, he ran for 3,415 yards on 582 carries (5.87 yards per carry) and 26 touchdowns. He also caught 32 passes for 373 yards and six scores for Jim Criner's Broncos. Cedric was Third Team All-American in 1978 and Honorable Mention in 1979 and named All-Big Sky in both years (plus 1980). Minter had a great career up north with Toronto in the CFL after being drafted in the First Round of the 1981 CFL Draft, scoring the winning touchdown to help the Argos win the Grey Cup. He also played for the New York Jets in the NFL.
RB: John Smith
Talk about all-purpose. John "Super Needle" Smith defined the phrase. They never did, but if Minter and Smith played in the same backfield, defenses would have been in a world of trouble. Smith was a great ball carrier to be sure, with 260 carries for 1,623 yards (a school record 6.24 yards per carry) and 18 touchdowns in his great career at Boise State. But he was also the kind of guy you wanted to get the football to--he caught 87 passes for 1,527 yards and 23 touchdowns, records for a Bronco running back. John was an All-Big Sky Conference and First Team Kodak All-American in 1975. Smith was drafted in the Third Round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
FB: David Hughes
And then you throw in Hughes at fullback, another versatile player and the best-blocking fullback by far in the history of the school? Unfair. Hughes carried 262 times for 1,328 yards and 13 touchdowns in three years and also caught 55 passes for 536 yards and five TD's. Hughes was All-Big Sky Conference in 1978. David was drafted in the Second Round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks and at one time in his career, was ranked in the Top 10 in the AFC in pass receptions. McMillan, Minter, Smith and Hughes--that's an incredible backfield.
WR: Don Hutt
Hutt held virtually ever Boise State receiving record until Titus Young and Austin Pettis came around, and they were over 30-year-old records. This guy had Super-Glue on his hands; if Don could get a fingertip on the ball, he would catch it. Hutt had 187 catches for 2,728 yards and 30 scores in his fabulous Bronco career. The all-time great was one of a handful of players to be named All-Conference three years in a row (71, 72 and 73). Hutt was named First Team I-AA All-American in 1973. Don was drafted in the 8th Round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
WR: Mike Holton
Extremely close for the second receiver position; it's almost a Hutt-Hutt receiving tandem as Terry Hutt nearly made the team and Al Marshall isn't far behind. But when you add receiving ability plus elusiveness, Mike "Motor Mouse" Holton gets the nod. He was an All-Big Sky Conference pick and Honorable Mention Division II All-American in both 1974 and 1975. In any case, it's an All-Borah High School receiving duo, as Holton caught 139 passes for 2,354 yards (16.94 per catch) and 21 TD's. In other words, for every seven times Mike would catch the ball, he scored. Money.
TE:
Boise State didn't use the tight end position for much of the decade, so, to fit the firepower offenses of Tony Knap, we'll put a third wide receiver on the team...
WR: Terry Hutt
Hutt was injured one season or he likely would have been much higher in career statistics. Nevertheless, Terry had 132 catches for 2,354 yards (17.83 per catch) and 14 touchdowns. Terry was named All-Big Sky Conference and First Team Division II All-America in 1977. We've got the great backfield of McMillan at QB with backs Cedric Minter, John Smith and David Hughes, and now three incredible receivers in Don Hutt, Mike Holton and Terry Hutt.
C: Mark Villano
Now all you need are the hogs up front and you have an unstoppable offense. The center position was very close between John Klotz, now co-owner of McU Sports, and Mark Villano. Mark gets the nod for the All-70's Boise State team; he was Honorable Mention All-America in 1977 and All-Big Sky Conference and Third Team All-America in 1978.
G: Glenn Sparks
Glenn was All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-America in 1975, and a three-year starter. Glenn led the Bronco offense that scored 36 points a game and averaged 234 yards rushing and 466 yards of total offense per game in 1973. He was the dependable blocker that helped the Broncos explode in 1974 with 41 points a game and average 183 on the ground and 517 yards of total offense. In 1975, Sparks helped Boise State score 33 points a game and pile up 436 yards of total offense per game.
G: Dan Dixon
Dan was All-Big Sky Conference in 1973; he was drafted in the 13th Round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. In Dan's senior year, he helped Boise State score 36 points a game and paved the way for the Broncos to average 234 yards rushing and 466 yards of total offense per game. Dixon earned Honorable Mention All-America in 1973.
T: Shawn Beaton
Shawn was a powerful road-grader for the Four Horsemen and an All-Big Sky Conference selection in 1979 (also 1980). He played both guard and tackle; we like him at tackle, especially when you have two guards with the talent of Sparks and Dixon. In 1979, Boise State averaged 32 points a game, 250 yards rushing and 452 yards of total offense. Beaton was drafted in the First Round of the CFL Draft by the Montreal Alouettes.
T: Al Davis
Davis helped Boise State score 36 points a game and paved the way for the Broncos to average 234 yards rushing and 466 yards of total offense per game in 1972. He was an All-Big Sky selection and Honorable Mention Division II All-American in 1973. Al was drafted in the 17th Round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Harold Cotton and Everett Carr were also strongly considered.
DE: Pete Poumele
Faddie Tillman terrorized opposing defenses in the late 60's but only played one year in the 70's. So here, we give Pete Poumele some love. Poumele was tough as nails and gave 110% on every play. Pete had 164 tackles in his great Bronco career, which ranks 16th among defensive linemen at Boise State.
DE: Mark Goodman
The second starter on the outside is Mark Goodman. Mark had 147 tackles for the Broncos as a two-year starter and All-Big Sky Conference performer in 1973.
DT: Chris Malmgren
This guy made mincemeat of opposing ball carriers and quarterbacks and earned All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-America in 1976 and All-Big SKy and First Team All-America in 1977. He had 173 tackles in his career; that's still 11th in Bronco history among defensive linemen. They just began to track sacks in the latter part of Malmgren's career, and officially he's credited with 15. Just know that it was a lot more than that.
DT: Blessing Bird
You're going to notice Randy Trautman's name left off and wonder why. Randy's career was split between the 70's and 80's, and he didn't become the force we knew him to be until 1979. So again, in this case we're going to give the nod to another fierce competitor at defensive tackle who probably also makes the Bronco All-Name Team. Bird had 137 tackles for Tony Knap's Broncos and he too would have ranked high in career sacks if they kept the stat back then. Another sensational Samoan, Saia Misa, was also strongly considered.
NG: Doug Scott
Boise State used the nose guard position when Jim Criner took over as coach and as Boise State's all-time leader in tackles by a defensive lineman (325), a thinking man cannot leave Scott off the All-70's team. Scott was an Honorable Mention All-American in 1978 and First Team Associated Press I-AA All-American in 1979 and named All-Big Sky Conference both seasons. A fearsome foursome is going to seem like five rushers--the combination of Poumele, Goodman, Bird, Malmgren and Scott is going to seem like six or seven.
LB: Larry Polowski
Linebacker is another tough position to call, but there's no doubt that Polowski belongs at the top of the list. Larry had 218 tackles, and that's with opposing teams constantly trying to run to the opposite side. He had 11 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries. Larry was named All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-American in 1978. Polowski had a successful career with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL.
LB: Bob Macauley
Macauley patrolled sideline to sideline for the Broncos and had 255 tackles with seven sacks, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and an astonishing nine fumble recoveries. Bob earned All-Big Sky Conference and Second Team All-America honors in 1978. With the stellar line and three linebackers of this quality, you have an airtight interior.
LB: Willie Beamon
This is another close call with both John Walker (256 tackles) and Loren Schmidt (224) deserving as well. But we're going to give it to the UCLA transfer that Jim Criner brought with him from Los Angeles. Beamon had 225 stops in two years, with three interceptions (one for a TD), one forced fumble, three recoveries and five pass deflections. Beamon was named All-Big Sky Conference in 1977. He was everything you'd ever want in a linebacker.
CB: Gary Rosolowich
Gary was a heady player for Tony Knap. He ranks 18th among Bronco secondary players with 170 career tackles and had 11 interceptions (12th all-time). And when "Rosol" got the pick, he made things happen, averaging 10 yards per interception return. Gary earned All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-America in 1975 and 1976.
CB: Ken West
If all teams had cornerbacks with the tackling ability of Rosolowich and West. Kenny had 158 himself to rank 23rd all-time among defensive backs. He added eight interceptions and was always around the ball. West was named All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention Division II All-American in 1977. Lester McNealy was also given strong consideration for the All-70's cornerback position.
S: Rolly Woolsey
Woolsey was an intelligent player that went all the way from Rimrock High School in Idaho to the NFL. He had 127 tackles and nine interceptions--another Bronco with a great nose for the ball. Rolly earned All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-America as a senior. Woolsey went on to a great career with the Dallas Cowboys after being drafted in the Sixth Round of the 1975 NFL Draft, helping the 'Boys win a Super Bowl.
S: Clint Sigman
Another case when a great all-time player was split between the 70's and 80's, Rick Woods is of course one of the greatest safeties in school history. Joe Larkin is another safety given strong consideration with his 15 interceptions in two seasons. But in this case, another time when we can spread the love to another great safety--Meridian's Clint Sigman. Clint had 163 stops in his great Bronco career, which ranks 20th all-time among defensive backs, plus he added 12 interceptions, which ranks 10th all-time at Boise State.
PK: Tom Sarette
Sarette had 130 points in two seasons, which is still 29th on the career scoring list. Most kickers hadn't fully mastered the field goal in the 70's, but Tom was more accurate than most. Kenrick Camerud's career was split between the 70's & 80's but was still strongly considered.
P: Eric Guthrie
"The Canadian Rifle", one of Boise State's all-time best quarterbacks did it all; he also was the Broncos' place-kicker. Eric punted 75 times in the 70's for 3,082 yards, an outstanding average of 41.09 yards per kick.
PR: Al Marshall
Marshall had the breakaway speed to be a threat every time he fielded a punt. In the 70's, Al had 33 returns for 388 yards (11.76 per return), with one brought back all the way. Marshall was drafted in the 10th Round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
KR: Gary Rosolowich
Gary had 58 returns for 1,465 yards, an average of 25.26 per return, which, 36 years later, still ranks fourth all-time at Boise State. Rosol brought back two for scores.
KR: Bill Stephens
Another exciting player, and with Rosolowich, would be a lot for kickoff teams to watch out for. Stephens had 43 returns for 912 yards, a 21.21 average, with a touchdown.
Boise State Offense
QB: Jim McMillan
Jimmy Mac threw for 5,558 yards in his career despite only two seasons as the full-time starter. That was unheard of in those days. He was razor sharp, hitting 382-of-640 passes for 58 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. In 1974, Jim was named All-Big Sky Conference and First Team Division II All-American.
RB: Cedric Minter
Cedric was Boise State's first legitimate threat to score on any play, and he is still one of the greatest all-purpose backs to ever play at Bronco Stadium. Minter of course played in 1980 on Boise State's National Championship team, but in the three years that make up the decade, he ran for 3,415 yards on 582 carries (5.87 yards per carry) and 26 touchdowns. He also caught 32 passes for 373 yards and six scores for Jim Criner's Broncos. Cedric was Third Team All-American in 1978 and Honorable Mention in 1979 and named All-Big Sky in both years (plus 1980). Minter had a great career up north with Toronto in the CFL after being drafted in the First Round of the 1981 CFL Draft, scoring the winning touchdown to help the Argos win the Grey Cup. He also played for the New York Jets in the NFL.
RB: John Smith
Talk about all-purpose. John "Super Needle" Smith defined the phrase. They never did, but if Minter and Smith played in the same backfield, defenses would have been in a world of trouble. Smith was a great ball carrier to be sure, with 260 carries for 1,623 yards (a school record 6.24 yards per carry) and 18 touchdowns in his great career at Boise State. But he was also the kind of guy you wanted to get the football to--he caught 87 passes for 1,527 yards and 23 touchdowns, records for a Bronco running back. John was an All-Big Sky Conference and First Team Kodak All-American in 1975. Smith was drafted in the Third Round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
FB: David Hughes
And then you throw in Hughes at fullback, another versatile player and the best-blocking fullback by far in the history of the school? Unfair. Hughes carried 262 times for 1,328 yards and 13 touchdowns in three years and also caught 55 passes for 536 yards and five TD's. Hughes was All-Big Sky Conference in 1978. David was drafted in the Second Round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks and at one time in his career, was ranked in the Top 10 in the AFC in pass receptions. McMillan, Minter, Smith and Hughes--that's an incredible backfield.
WR: Don Hutt
Hutt held virtually ever Boise State receiving record until Titus Young and Austin Pettis came around, and they were over 30-year-old records. This guy had Super-Glue on his hands; if Don could get a fingertip on the ball, he would catch it. Hutt had 187 catches for 2,728 yards and 30 scores in his fabulous Bronco career. The all-time great was one of a handful of players to be named All-Conference three years in a row (71, 72 and 73). Hutt was named First Team I-AA All-American in 1973. Don was drafted in the 8th Round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
WR: Mike Holton
Extremely close for the second receiver position; it's almost a Hutt-Hutt receiving tandem as Terry Hutt nearly made the team and Al Marshall isn't far behind. But when you add receiving ability plus elusiveness, Mike "Motor Mouse" Holton gets the nod. He was an All-Big Sky Conference pick and Honorable Mention Division II All-American in both 1974 and 1975. In any case, it's an All-Borah High School receiving duo, as Holton caught 139 passes for 2,354 yards (16.94 per catch) and 21 TD's. In other words, for every seven times Mike would catch the ball, he scored. Money.
TE:
Boise State didn't use the tight end position for much of the decade, so, to fit the firepower offenses of Tony Knap, we'll put a third wide receiver on the team...
WR: Terry Hutt
Hutt was injured one season or he likely would have been much higher in career statistics. Nevertheless, Terry had 132 catches for 2,354 yards (17.83 per catch) and 14 touchdowns. Terry was named All-Big Sky Conference and First Team Division II All-America in 1977. We've got the great backfield of McMillan at QB with backs Cedric Minter, John Smith and David Hughes, and now three incredible receivers in Don Hutt, Mike Holton and Terry Hutt.
C: Mark Villano
Now all you need are the hogs up front and you have an unstoppable offense. The center position was very close between John Klotz, now co-owner of McU Sports, and Mark Villano. Mark gets the nod for the All-70's Boise State team; he was Honorable Mention All-America in 1977 and All-Big Sky Conference and Third Team All-America in 1978.
G: Glenn Sparks
Glenn was All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-America in 1975, and a three-year starter. Glenn led the Bronco offense that scored 36 points a game and averaged 234 yards rushing and 466 yards of total offense per game in 1973. He was the dependable blocker that helped the Broncos explode in 1974 with 41 points a game and average 183 on the ground and 517 yards of total offense. In 1975, Sparks helped Boise State score 33 points a game and pile up 436 yards of total offense per game.
G: Dan Dixon
Dan was All-Big Sky Conference in 1973; he was drafted in the 13th Round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. In Dan's senior year, he helped Boise State score 36 points a game and paved the way for the Broncos to average 234 yards rushing and 466 yards of total offense per game. Dixon earned Honorable Mention All-America in 1973.
T: Shawn Beaton
Shawn was a powerful road-grader for the Four Horsemen and an All-Big Sky Conference selection in 1979 (also 1980). He played both guard and tackle; we like him at tackle, especially when you have two guards with the talent of Sparks and Dixon. In 1979, Boise State averaged 32 points a game, 250 yards rushing and 452 yards of total offense. Beaton was drafted in the First Round of the CFL Draft by the Montreal Alouettes.
T: Al Davis
Davis helped Boise State score 36 points a game and paved the way for the Broncos to average 234 yards rushing and 466 yards of total offense per game in 1972. He was an All-Big Sky selection and Honorable Mention Division II All-American in 1973. Al was drafted in the 17th Round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Harold Cotton and Everett Carr were also strongly considered.
Boise State Defense:
DE: Pete Poumele
Faddie Tillman terrorized opposing defenses in the late 60's but only played one year in the 70's. So here, we give Pete Poumele some love. Poumele was tough as nails and gave 110% on every play. Pete had 164 tackles in his great Bronco career, which ranks 16th among defensive linemen at Boise State.
DE: Mark Goodman
The second starter on the outside is Mark Goodman. Mark had 147 tackles for the Broncos as a two-year starter and All-Big Sky Conference performer in 1973.
DT: Chris Malmgren
This guy made mincemeat of opposing ball carriers and quarterbacks and earned All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-America in 1976 and All-Big SKy and First Team All-America in 1977. He had 173 tackles in his career; that's still 11th in Bronco history among defensive linemen. They just began to track sacks in the latter part of Malmgren's career, and officially he's credited with 15. Just know that it was a lot more than that.
DT: Blessing Bird
You're going to notice Randy Trautman's name left off and wonder why. Randy's career was split between the 70's and 80's, and he didn't become the force we knew him to be until 1979. So again, in this case we're going to give the nod to another fierce competitor at defensive tackle who probably also makes the Bronco All-Name Team. Bird had 137 tackles for Tony Knap's Broncos and he too would have ranked high in career sacks if they kept the stat back then. Another sensational Samoan, Saia Misa, was also strongly considered.
NG: Doug Scott
Boise State used the nose guard position when Jim Criner took over as coach and as Boise State's all-time leader in tackles by a defensive lineman (325), a thinking man cannot leave Scott off the All-70's team. Scott was an Honorable Mention All-American in 1978 and First Team Associated Press I-AA All-American in 1979 and named All-Big Sky Conference both seasons. A fearsome foursome is going to seem like five rushers--the combination of Poumele, Goodman, Bird, Malmgren and Scott is going to seem like six or seven.
LB: Larry Polowski
Linebacker is another tough position to call, but there's no doubt that Polowski belongs at the top of the list. Larry had 218 tackles, and that's with opposing teams constantly trying to run to the opposite side. He had 11 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries. Larry was named All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-American in 1978. Polowski had a successful career with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL.
LB: Bob Macauley
Macauley patrolled sideline to sideline for the Broncos and had 255 tackles with seven sacks, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and an astonishing nine fumble recoveries. Bob earned All-Big Sky Conference and Second Team All-America honors in 1978. With the stellar line and three linebackers of this quality, you have an airtight interior.
LB: Willie Beamon
This is another close call with both John Walker (256 tackles) and Loren Schmidt (224) deserving as well. But we're going to give it to the UCLA transfer that Jim Criner brought with him from Los Angeles. Beamon had 225 stops in two years, with three interceptions (one for a TD), one forced fumble, three recoveries and five pass deflections. Beamon was named All-Big Sky Conference in 1977. He was everything you'd ever want in a linebacker.
CB: Gary Rosolowich
Gary was a heady player for Tony Knap. He ranks 18th among Bronco secondary players with 170 career tackles and had 11 interceptions (12th all-time). And when "Rosol" got the pick, he made things happen, averaging 10 yards per interception return. Gary earned All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-America in 1975 and 1976.
CB: Ken West
If all teams had cornerbacks with the tackling ability of Rosolowich and West. Kenny had 158 himself to rank 23rd all-time among defensive backs. He added eight interceptions and was always around the ball. West was named All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention Division II All-American in 1977. Lester McNealy was also given strong consideration for the All-70's cornerback position.
S: Rolly Woolsey
Woolsey was an intelligent player that went all the way from Rimrock High School in Idaho to the NFL. He had 127 tackles and nine interceptions--another Bronco with a great nose for the ball. Rolly earned All-Big Sky Conference and Honorable Mention All-America as a senior. Woolsey went on to a great career with the Dallas Cowboys after being drafted in the Sixth Round of the 1975 NFL Draft, helping the 'Boys win a Super Bowl.
S: Clint Sigman
Another case when a great all-time player was split between the 70's and 80's, Rick Woods is of course one of the greatest safeties in school history. Joe Larkin is another safety given strong consideration with his 15 interceptions in two seasons. But in this case, another time when we can spread the love to another great safety--Meridian's Clint Sigman. Clint had 163 stops in his great Bronco career, which ranks 20th all-time among defensive backs, plus he added 12 interceptions, which ranks 10th all-time at Boise State.
PK: Tom Sarette
Sarette had 130 points in two seasons, which is still 29th on the career scoring list. Most kickers hadn't fully mastered the field goal in the 70's, but Tom was more accurate than most. Kenrick Camerud's career was split between the 70's & 80's but was still strongly considered.
P: Eric Guthrie
"The Canadian Rifle", one of Boise State's all-time best quarterbacks did it all; he also was the Broncos' place-kicker. Eric punted 75 times in the 70's for 3,082 yards, an outstanding average of 41.09 yards per kick.
PR: Al Marshall
Marshall had the breakaway speed to be a threat every time he fielded a punt. In the 70's, Al had 33 returns for 388 yards (11.76 per return), with one brought back all the way. Marshall was drafted in the 10th Round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
KR: Gary Rosolowich
Gary had 58 returns for 1,465 yards, an average of 25.26 per return, which, 36 years later, still ranks fourth all-time at Boise State. Rosol brought back two for scores.
KR: Bill Stephens
Another exciting player, and with Rosolowich, would be a lot for kickoff teams to watch out for. Stephens had 43 returns for 912 yards, a 21.21 average, with a touchdown.
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