B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 248; Flight Crew Type 8515
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
During arrival into ATL (KOLTT 1) we were given a 'descend via' clearance and cleared for the VA Runway 9R. We were also following an MD-80. The distance (based on TCAS) between us was between 3-3.5 miles. We had been following this aircraft from some point in the arrival and through the turns to base leg and final.On several occasions we encountered mild wake turbulence which I was able to avoid by utilizing the MCP Mode of automation. Prior to turning final we encountered a significant wake (about 10-20 degrees of left bank). At this point I went to manual flying which resulted in a slight delay of my turn to final. We were shortly thereafter given a 070 degrees vector to rejoin the LOC. I flew slightly high on final once electronic and visual guidance was available.  The remainder of the flight was uneventful.
B737 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence in trail of an MD-80 on approach to ATL.