The 1961 Mississippi College Choctaws football team was an American football team that represented Mississippi College as an independent during the 1961 college football season. In their third year under head coach Hartwell McPhail, the Choctaws compiled an 8–1 record, shut out their first four opponents, and outscored all opponents by a total of 209 to 60 points. The Choctaws' 8–1 record marked the program's best season since 1927 Choctaws compiled a perfect 8–0 record. The team set a school record with an average of 264.0 rushing yards per game, while holding opponents to an average of only 99.9 rushing yards per game.
Quarterback Alton Greenlee, weighing only 150 pounds, was selected as the team's most valuable player. He led the team in total offense (371 rushing yards, 272 passing yards) and 68 points scored (10 touchdowns and four two-point conversion). Fullback G. T. Thames led the team in rushing with 483 yards on 98 carries (4.9 yard average). Reserve quarterback Charles Garrett set a new school record with an average of 20.0 yards on 11 punt returns.
The team played its home games at Robinson Field in Clinton, Mississippi.
Schedule
Personnel Players Players receiving varsity letters in 1961 were:
Fred Akers, fullback Bill Bobo, guard Bob Bobo, tackle, winner of most-improved player awardBill and Bob Bobo were twin brothers. George Bond, guard John Bowlin, tackle Vonnie Mac Breland, tackle Jerry Bustin, guard Charles Faulkner, end Jerry Foshee, guard, winner of best blocker award Charles Garrett, quarterback Alton Greenlee, quarterback and co-captain Dewey Herring, end Benson Holland, halfback Tommy Hudson, guard Jimmy Jinkins, tackle Billy Kelson, halfback Eddie Killough, guard Mart McMullan, center, winner of sportsmanship award Benny McKibbens, end Ray McPhail, halfback James Merritt, fullback Norman Minton, halfback Billy Newman, end Paul Pounds, end Jimbo Robertson, center Jack Root, quarterback Charles Simmons, tackle Clem Stovall, fullback G. T. Thames, fullback and co-captain Charles Underwood, halfback Mike Vinson, end Pat Watts, halfback Bud Yeats, center
Coaches Head coach - Hartwell McPhail Assistant coaches Bernard Blackwell (line) Ken Bramlett (ends) James Parkman (backfield)
References