| Year: | 1961 |
| Team: | Georgia Bulldogs |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Southeastern Conference |
| Short Conf: | SEC |
| Record: | 3–7 |
| Conf Record: | 2–5 |
| Head Coach: | Johnny Griffith |
| Hc Year: | 1st |
| Stadium: | Sanford Stadium |
The 1961 Georgia Bulldogs football team was an American football team that represented the University of Georgia as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1961 college football season. 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.[1]
The team's statistical leaders included Larry Rakestraw (710 passing yards) and Billy McKenny (328 rushing yards, 202 receiving yards).[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.
The Bulldogs gained an average of 104.3 rushing yards and 92.0 passing yards per game. On defense, they gave up 138.5 rushing yards and 91.0 passing yards per game.[2]
Quarterback Larry Rakestraw completed 68 of 136 passes (50.0%) for 710 yards with four touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and an 85.9 quarterback rating. Rakestraw also rushed for 131 yards for a team-best 841 yards of total offense.[2]
Bill McKenny led the team in both rushing (328 yards, 81 carries, 4.0-yard average) and receiving (23 passes, 202 yards). 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.[4] [5]
Quarterback Larry Rakestraw was selected as the quarterback on the AP's All-SEC sophomore football team.[6]