The 1971 Lumberjacks were led by sixth-year head coach Bud Van Deren. They played home games at the Redwood Bowl in Arcata, California. Humboldt State finished with a record of seven wins and four losses (7–4, 3–3 FWC). The Lumberjacks outscored their opponents 288–209 for the season.
^The official name of Cal Poly has been California Polytechnic State University since 1947. However, it is more commonly known as either Cal Poly San Luis Obispo or just Cal Poly.