[3][4] The Cavaliers opened with seven straight wins and were ranked #1 in the AP Poll for the first time in school history, but a loss to Georgia Tech dropped them to eleventh; consecutive losses to Maryland and at rival Virginia Tech dropped them out of the poll completely, as Virginia finished third in the Atlantic Coast Conference and had lost three of four entering their first (and only) Sugar Bowl appearance.
The Vols were champion of the Southeastern Conference for the second straight year due to Florida being on probation, and were as ranked as high as third until a loss to Alabama.
[5] Less than six minutes into the game, Gary Steele scored from ten yards out for the Cavaliers to give them an early lead, though the kick was blocked.
The Volunteers tried to strike back on their next drive, but quarterback Andy Kelly's pass was intercepted by Tyrone Lewis and the Cavaliers went to work once again, driving eighty yards in seven minutes, concluding with a Terry Kirby touchdown run that gave Virginia (who had forced three turnovers and had the ball for over 22 minutes) a 16–0 lead at halftime.
It ended with a one-yard Thompson touchdown run that gave Tennessee its first lead with 31 seconds remaining, although the two-point conversion pass attempt failed.