The 1961 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1961 Big Ten season. In their second year under head coach Pete Elliott, the Fighting Illini compiled a 0âÂÂ9 record (0âÂÂ7 in conference games), finished in last place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 289 to 53.
Guard and middle linebacker Tony Parrilli was selected as the team's most valuable player and received first-team honors on the 1961 All-Big Ten Conference football team. 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). Center Dick Butkus was selected as captain of the freshmen team.
The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.
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.
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. The other leading passers were Mel Romani (16-for-47, 174 yards), and Paul Golaszewski (11-for-33, 94 yards).
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).
The receiving leaders were ends Dick Newell (16 receptions, 184 yards) and Gary Hembrough (16 receptions, 170 yards).
Doug Mills handled punting for the Illini, punting 54 times for a 37.1-yard average.
No Illinois players were named to the 1961 All-America college football team. Senior guard and middle linebacker Tony Parilli was selected by the United Press International as a first-team player, and by the Associated Press (AP) as a second-team player, on the 1961 All-Big Ten Conference football team. Parrilli was also selected by his teammates as the most valuable player on the 1961 Illinois team. Tackle Gary Brown was the 1961 team captain.
The following 38 players received varsity letters for their roles on the 1961 Illinois football team: