The 1961 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota in the 1961 Big Ten Conference football season. In their eighth year under head coach Murray Warmath, the Golden Gophers were 7–2 in the regular season and won the 1962 Rose Bowl, Rose Bowl, 21–3 over 1961 UCLA Bruins football team, UCLA; Minnesota outscored their opponents 161–78.
The Golden Gophers finished sixth in 1961 NCAA University Division football rankings, both final polls (Associated Press (AP) AP poll, writers poll and United Press International (UPI) Coaches Poll, coaches poll), released in early December, prior to the bowl games.
Quarterback Sandy Stephens received the team's most valuable player award, was a consensus first-team All-American, finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting, was named 1962 Rose Bowl, Rose Bowl MVP, and received the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, given to the Big Ten's most valuable player. Tackle Bobby Bell was also named a first-team All-American by the FWAA, AFCA, ''Sporting News'', and Central Press. Fullback Judge Dickson and offensive lineman Jim Wheeler were named Academic All-Big Ten.
Total attendance at six home games was 366,491, an average of 61,081, and the season high was against 1961 Purdue Boilermakers football team, Purdue on November 18.
Days after the conclusion of the regular season, the faculty council at Ohio State University voted down participation in the 1962 Rose Bowl, Rose Bowl,
and the berth went to Minnesota.
Schedule
Roster
* Carl Eller, Soph.
* QB Sandy Stephens
References
External links
Sports Reference– 1961 Minnesota football season
{{Minnesota Golden Gophers football navbox
1961 Big Ten Conference football season, Minnesota
Minnesota Golden Gophers football seasons
Rose Bowl champion seasons
1961 in sports in Minnesota, Minnesota Golden Gophers football