1961 Mississippi College Choctaws football team

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.

[1] The team set a school record with an average of 264.0 rushing yards per game,[2] while holding opponents to an average of only 99.9 rushing yards per game.

[1] Quarterback Alton Greenlee, weighing only 150 pounds, was selected as the team's most valuable player.

Reserve quarterback Charles Garrett set a new school record with an average of 20.0 yards on 11 punt returns.

[2] The team played its home games at Robinson Field in Clinton, Mississippi.