Led by head coach George MacIntyre, Vanderbilt made its first bowl appearance in eight years.
Vanderbilt was coming off of a sixth consecutive losing season, compiling an overall record of 13–53 (.197) with only one win against 35 losses in conference play over that period.
In 1982, Vanderbilt was a veteran team with 19 seniors and 26 juniors, led by Whit Taylor at QB and All-American's TE Allama Matthews (1982), punter Jim Arnold (1982), Corner Back Leonard Coleman (1983), flanker/TE Chuck Scott (1983), and kicker Ricky Anderson (1984).
Vanderbilt came into Chapel Hill facing the #11 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels.
Vanderbilt took a 10–3 lead into the second quarter before the Tar Heels tied it back up before half time.
But the Kurt Page to Allama Matthews combination would make it a close game, scoring 14 points in the third quarter.
Vandy scored 17 points in the first half, holding off the Green Wave late charge to win the 1982 home opener, 24-21.
Terry Hoage picked off Vanderbilt QB Whit Taylor three times in the first half.
Vandy went on to score from the eight to seal the victory for Vanderbilt and start a five-game regular season winning streak.
A fourth-quarter interception by Vandy free safety Manuel Young stopped a drive that would have given the Wildcats the lead.
Fullback Keith Edwards then made a one-hand catch from Whit Taylor for a 31-yard touchdown pass that clinched the game for the Commodores.
All-American Allama Matthews set a school record by catching four touchdown passes.
Ricky Anderson's thirteenth and fourteenth field goals broke the Commodores single-season record held by Mark Adams in 1975.
in the Hall of Fame Classic in Birmingham on December 31, Vanderbilt and Air Force played a tight game for three quarters.