I was a toddler then, so I don't know/remember.

I ask because if we get to 9-4 (far from a given), we would have equalled the record of the 1988 team, and on paper the 1988 season feels like a really solid analogue for this year's team from a record/opponent standpoint (though the '88 team clearly put up bigger numbers on O than this year's team):

September 1 at Wyoming
L 14–24
Wyoming was strong. They ended up 11-2, WAC champs, and were ranked #15 headed into their bowl

2019 comparison: Washington (Currently: 6-4) 

September 8 Texas
W 47–6

Texas came into the game ranked #19, but went on to have a rough 4-7 season in a solid conference

2019 comparison: Tennessee (currently 5-5)


September 17 UTEP
W 31–27

UTEP was a solid team, ended the season at 10-3 and a bowl.

2019 comparison: Boise State (Currently: 8-1)


September 30 Utah State
W 38–3

Meh. Ended the season 4-7

2019 comparison: Utah State (heh)


October 8 Colorado State
W 42–7

CSU was a mess. 1-11 season

2019 comparison: UMass (Currently: 1-9)


October 15 TCU
W 31–18

TCU was in the SWC but not a good team. 4-7 season 

2019 comparison: Liberty (Currently: 6-4)

October 22 at Hawaii
W 24–23

Hawaii was solid but only played 3 games out of HI. Ended the season at 9-3

2019 comparison: San Diego State

October 29 New Mexico
W 65–0

New Mexico was a mess. 2-10 season.

2019 comparison: Idaho State (Currently: 3-6, FCS, Big Sky)

November 5 at San Diego State
L 15–27

SDSU wasn't good. BYU came in ranked #20 and had no business losing this game. SDSU ended the season 3-9

2019 comparison: USF (Currently: 4-5)

November 12 at Air Force
W 49–31

Air Force was a solid team, and though they ended up 5-7, they were in every game except for against BYU, Notre Dame, Army and Northwestern

2019 comparison: Bowl Game (assuming it's an opponent like Tulane or Hawaii)

November 19 at Utah
L 28–57

Middling Utah team that ended 6-5. Tough, bad loss. But they were a decent enough team I guess.

2019 comparison: Toledo (Currently: 6-3)

December 3 at Miami (FL)
L 17–41

Miami was an excellent team. Ended season ranked #2 with ther only loss being to #1 (and eventual National Champ) Notre Dame in the Catholics vs Convicts game.

2019 comparison: Unfortunately probably Utah. Best team on our schedule this year. (Currently: 8-1 with outside shot at the Playoff)

FREEDOM BOWL: December 29 vs. Colorado
W 20–17

Colorado was a strong team that only lost to us and top 15 ranked teams. Ended season 8-4

2019 comparison: USC (Currently: 6-4)

I feel like losing 3 of the last 5 might have left a sour taste in 1988 folks' mouths, especially being just 5 years removed from the 1984 season, and especially losing to Utah and to a crap SDSU team. (The Miami L is fine.) That said, 9 wins is no mean feat that had a couple of solid Ws over good teams, including the bowl win.

I feel like there's an argument both ways about how successful the 1988 season was. I feel like LaVell was made a legend thanks to the the 80, 81, 83, 84, and 96 teams, but the stellar win record that backs up his legend status was largely built on the solid-but-flawed teams like 1988. So while I don't personally remember it, in retrospect I feel like I have to look at 1988 as a success.

If we draw the comparison then to this season, I'm comfortable calling 9-4, or even 8-5, a solid and successful season. Even more so when considering it in comparison to the last couple of years leading up to this one.