In their first year under head coach Johnny Griffith, the Bulldogs compiled a 3–7 record (2–5 in conference games), finished in ninth place in the SEC, and were outscored by a total of 177 to 84.
[2] Tackle Peter Case received first-team honors on the 1961 All-SEC football team.
The team played its home games at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
Other notable performers were Bill Godfrey (234 rushing yards, 64 carries, 3.7-yard average) and John Landry (11 receptions, 191 yards).
[2] Tackle Peter Case received first-team honors from the Associated Press (AP) and second team honors from the United Press International (UPI) on the 1961 All-SEC football team.