After the season, the Bulldogs declined two bowl invitations. The first to be offered was the Tangerine Bowl. The Citadel had appeared in the previous edition of this small-college bowl in 1960 and elected to decline the repeat trip. Later, the Bulldogs declined an invitation to the Aviation Bowl.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Bill Whaley (980 passing yards), halfback Earley Eastburn (307 rushing yards), and Charley Brendle (20 receptions, 303 receiving yards).[1] Eastburn and Bill Gilgo received first-team honors on the 1961 All-Southern Conference football team.
The Bulldogs gained an average of 113.7 rushing yards and 135.4 passing yards per game. On defense, they gave up an average of 220.9 rushing yards and 83.8 passing yards per game.[1]
Senior quarterback Bill Whaley completed 78 of 148 passes for 980 yards with four touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 103.7 quarterback rating.[1]
Halfback Earley Eastburn led the team in rushing with 307 yards on 83 carries for an average of 3.7 yards per carry. He also ranked second in receiving with 11 catches for 196 yards.[1]
Charley Brendle led the team in receiving with 20 catches for 303 yards and four touchdowns.[1]
Awards and honors
Quarterback Bill Whaley was selected by his teammates as the team's most vauable player. Senior tackle Jim Reiney was selected as the outstanding lineman, and guard Gene Dice was named outstanding defensive player.[13]
End Bill Gilgo and halfback Earley Eastburn were selected as first-team players on the 1961 All-Southern Conference football team. End Charles Brendle and guard Ed Herrington were named to the second team.[14]
