1961 Northeast Missouri State Bulldogs football team

The 1961 Northeast Missouri State Bulldogs football team was an American football team that represented Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now known as Truman State University) as a member of the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) during the 1961 college football season. In their 11th year under head coach Maurice Wade, the Bulldogs compiled a 9–1 record (5–0 in conference games), won the MIAA championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 218 to 86.[1]

1961 Northeast Missouri State Bulldogs football
MIAA champion
ConferenceMissouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Record9–1 (5–0 MIAA)
Head coach
Home stadiumStokes Stadium
Seasons
← 1960
1962 →
1961 Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association football standings
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
NE Missouri State $ 5 0 0 9 1 0
SE Missouri State 3 2 0 5 5 0
Missouri–Rolla 3 2 0 4 5 0
SW Missouri State 2 3 0 4 4 1
Central Missouri State 2 3 0 3 5 0
NW Missouri State 0 5 0 2 7 0
  • $ – Conference champion

The team tallied 2,954 yards of total offense (328 yards per game), consisting of 1,989 rushing yards (221 yards per game) and 965 passing yards (107 yards per game). On defense, the Bulldogs gave up 1,740 yards (193 yards per game) with 1,147 rushing yards (127 yards per game) and 593 passing yards (65.77 yards per game).[2]

Quarterback Jack Ball, a 197-pound junior, led the team with 965 passing yards and 978 yards of total offense.[2] He was also one of the leading vote recipients on the 1961 All-MIAA football team.[3] Other statistical leaders included: halfback Ted Michael with 735 rushing yards; end Randy Jones with 18 receptions for 318 yards; and fullback Joe Minton with 55 points scored on seven touchdowns, 10 extra points, and a field goal.[2]

In addition to Ball, four other Northeast Missouri State players received first-team honors on the 1961 All-MIAA football team: end Milton Pike; tackle David Grant; guard Ronald Stark; and center Pat Claywell. Four others received second-team honors: backs Joseph Minton and Ted Michael; end Allen Church; and tackle Fred Lyles.[3]

The team played its home games at Stokes Stadium in Kirksville, Missouri.

Schedule

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DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 16at William Jewell*Liberty, MOW 19–05,000[4]
September 22at Washburn*Topeka, KSW 27–94,200
September 29Northern Illinois*
W 28–132,300–4,100[5]
October 7at Central State (OH)*Wilberforce, OHL 14–213,750[6]
October 14at Southeast Missouri StateCape Girardeau, MOW 26–78,000
October 21Northwest Missouri StateKirksville, MOW 36–72,400[7]
October 28at Southwest Missouri State
W 12–75,500–7,000[8]
November 3Central Missouri StateKirksville, MOW 14–73,750[9]
November 10Missouri–RollaKirksville, MOW 20–73,100
November 25vs. Parsons*
W 22–85,000[10][11]
  • *Non-conference game

[2][12]

References

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  1. ^ Kreisler, Fritz (November 13, 1961). "Loop Titles Old Hat For Vikes, Bulldogs And Their Coaches". The Kansas City Star. Kansas City, Missouri. p. 13. Retrieved July 21, 2020 – via Newspapers.com  .
  2. ^ a b c d "Brief Summary Of Cumulative Football Statistics [N.E. Mo. State]". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Allen On All-MIAA First Team; Three On Second". Daily Star-Journal. November 22, 1961. p. 7 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Kirksville Raps Jewell, 19-0". St. Joseph News-Press. September 17, 1961. p. 1D – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Brief Summary Of Cumulative Football Statistics (Northern Illinois)". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  6. ^ "Central State 21 N. E. Mo. 14". The Akron Beacon Journal. October 8, 1961. p. 10B – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Kirksville Bombs 'Cats For 36-7 Win". The Maryville Daily Forum. October 23, 1961. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "SMS Nipped in Last Minute". Springfield Leader and Press. October 29, 1961. p. 35 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "CMSC Mules Lose At Kirksville By Score Of 14-7". The Daily Star-Journal. November 6, 1961. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Dick Mackey (November 26, 1961). "Kirksville Reigns at Spa". The Kansas City Star. p. 7B – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Buck Turnbull (November 26, 1961). "22-8 Defeat To Parsons In Bowl Tilt". The Des Moines Register. p. 3S – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ Official Collegiate Football Record Book. National Collegiate Athletic Association. 1962. p. 126.