In their first season under head coach Jack Harbaugh, the Broncos compiled a 7–2–2 record and finished in second place in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
[2] Linebacker Les Garrett, defensive tackle/middle guard Dave Knapp, and tackle Duane Wilson were the team captains.
[3] Defensive back Mark Kujacznski received the team's most outstanding player award.
[4] On December 10, 1981, Jack Harbaugh was hired as Western's head football coach.
Harbaugh was 42 years old at the time and had been defensive coordinator at Stanford since 1980.