The1961 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was anAmerican football team that represented theUniversity of Illinois as a member of theBig Ten Conference during the1961 Big Ten season. In their second year under head coachPete Elliott, the Fighting Illini compiled a 0–9 record (0–7 in conference games), finished in last place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 289 to 53.[1]
Guard and middle linebacker Tony Parrilli was selected as the team's most valuable player and received first-team honors on the1961 All-Big Ten Conference football team.[2] Gary Brown was the team captain. The team's statistical leaders included senior quarterback Dave McGann (269 passing yards, 55.1% completion percentage), sophomore fullback Al Wheatland (230 rushing yards, 3.2 yards per carry), and senior end Dick Newell (16 receptions for 184 yards).[3][4] CenterDick Butkus was selected as captain of the freshmen team.[5]
The 1961 Illini gained an average of only 175.3 yards per game, consisting of 105.0 rushing yards and 70.3 passing yards. On defense, the Illini gave up an average of 364.7 yards per game, including 237.6 rushing yards.[16]
Dave McGann played little until the final two games, but led the Illini in passing, completing 27 of 49 for 269 yards and a .551 completion percentage.[17] The other leading passers were Mel Romani (16-for-47, 174 yards), and Paul Golaszewski (11-for-33, 94 yards).[16]
The rushing leaders were Al Wheatland (230 yards, 73 carries, 3.2-yard average), Ron Fearn (219 yards, 55 carries, 4.0-yard average), and Ken Zimmerman (185 yards, 50 carries, 3.7-yard average).[17]
The receiving leaders were ends Dick Newell (16 receptions, 184 yards) and Gary Hembrough (16 receptions, 170 yards).[17]
Doug Mills handled punting for the Illini, punting 54 times for a 37.1-yard average.[17]
