Youngstown State finished their regular season with a 10–0–1 record.[7] The only game they did not win was a season opening tie with
Stephen F. Austin. One of their wins was a 17–14 victory over the defending
NCAA Division II champion
North Alabama Lions.[8] Seeded first in the playoffs, the Penguins defeated
Alcorn State,
Eastern Kentucky, and
Montana to reach the final. This was the fourth appearance, both consecutively and overall, for Youngstown State in a Division I-AA championship game, having won in 1991 and 1993, and having lost in 1992.
Boise State finished their regular season with a 10–1 record (6–1 in conference).[9] Their only loss came in an away game at
Idaho State. The Broncos, seeded third, defeated
North Texas,
Appalachian State, and second-seed
Marshall to reach the final. This was the second appearance for Boise State in a Division I-AA championship game, having won in 1980.
Youngstown State finished their regular season with a 10–0–1 record.[7] The only game they did not win was a season opening tie with
Stephen F. Austin. One of their wins was a 17–14 victory over the defending
NCAA Division II champion
North Alabama Lions.[8] Seeded first in the playoffs, the Penguins defeated
Alcorn State,
Eastern Kentucky, and
Montana to reach the final. This was the fourth appearance, both consecutively and overall, for Youngstown State in a Division I-AA championship game, having won in 1991 and 1993, and having lost in 1992.
Boise State finished their regular season with a 10–1 record (6–1 in conference).[9] Their only loss came in an away game at
Idaho State. The Broncos, seeded third, defeated
North Texas,
Appalachian State, and second-seed
Marshall to reach the final. This was the second appearance for Boise State in a Division I-AA championship game, having won in 1980.