The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Jack Renwick (724 rushing yards, 53 points scored), halfback Bobby Herron (444 rushing yards), and end Jim Whitaker (294 receiving yards).[2] Three Nevada players received first-team all-conference honors: end Jim Whitaker; defensive tackle Larry Moss; and linebacker Max Culp.
The team tallied 2,055 yards of total offense (228.3 per game) consisting of 1,186 rushing yards (131.8 per game) and 869 passing yards (96.5 per game). On defense, they allowed opponents to gain 2,566 yards (285.1 per game) including 1,233 rushing yards (137.0 per game) and 1,333 passing yards (148.1 per game).[2]
QuarterbackJack Renwick led the team in passing, total offense, and scoring. He completed 52 of 111 passes for 724 yards with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also gained 110 rushing yards to boost his total offense to 834 yards. He scored 53 points on six touchdowns, 14 extra point kicks, and one field goal.[2]
The team's rushing leaders were halfbacks Bobby Herron (444 yards, 96 carries) and Cal Campbell (241 yards, 65 carries). Campbell also ranked second in scoring with 42 yards on seven touchdowns.[2]
The team's receiving leaders were end Jim Whitaker (21 receptions, 294 yards, one touchdown) and halfback Cal Campbell (11 receptions, 130 yards, three touchdowns).[2]
Backup quarterback Bob Alfred handled punting, averaging 39.9 yards on 48 punts. Alfred also completed 13 of 27 passes for 129 yards with three interceptions.[2]
Awards and honors
Three Nevada players received first-team honors on the 1961 All-Far Western Conference football team: end Jim Whitaker (first-team offense, second-team defense); defensive tackle Larry Moss; and linebacker Max Culp. Five others received second-team honors: quarterback Jack Renwick; tackle Tony Klenakis; defensive end Gary Busch; and defensive tackle Tom McKerras.[10]