The team's head coach was Bobby Johnson, who served his seventh season in the position.

The Commodores played their six home games at Vanderbilt Stadium at Dudley Field in Nashville, Tennessee.

This was Vanderbilt's first 5–0 start since 1943 and first bowl appearance since 1982, ending a streak of 25 straight losing seasons.

[2] After the good start, the Commodores would lose their next four games before a 31-24 victory over Kentucky that declared them bowl eligible for the first time since 1982.

ESPN's College GameDay broadcast from Vanderbilt's campus prior to the Auburn game.