| Year: | 1961 |
| Team: | Northeast Missouri State Bulldogs |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association |
| Short Conf: | MIAA |
| Record: | 9–1 |
| Conf Record: | 5–0 |
| Head Coach: | Maurice Wade |
| Hc Year: | 11th |
| Stadium: | Stokes Stadium |
| Champion: | MIAA champion |
| Bowl: | Mineral Water Bowl |
| Bowl Result: | W 22–8 vs. Parsons |
The 1961 Northeast Missouri State Bulldogs football team was an American football team that represented Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now known as Truman State University) as a member of the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) during the 1961 college football season. In their 11th year under head coach Maurice Wade, the Bulldogs compiled a 9–1 record (5–0 in conference games), won the MIAA championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 218 to 86.[1]
The team tallied 2,954 yards of total offense (328 yards per game), consisting of 1,989 rushing yards (221 yards per game) and 965 passing yards (107 yards per game). On defense, the Bulldogs gave up 1,740 yards (193 yards per game) with 1,147 rushing yards (127 yards per game) and 593 passing yards (65.77 yards per game).
Quarterback Jack Ball, a 197-pound junior, led the team with 965 passing yards and 978 yards of total offense. He was also one of the leading vote recipients on the 1961 All-MIAA football team. Other statistical leaders included: halfback Ted Michael with 735 rushing yards; end Randy Jones with 18 receptions for 318 yards; and fullback Joe Minton with 55 points scored on seven touchdowns, 10 extra points, and a field goal.
In addition to Ball, four other Northeast Missouri State players received first-team honors on the 1961 All-MIAA football team: end Milton Pike; tackle David Grant; guard Ronald Stark; and center Pat Claywell. Four others received second-team honors: backs Joseph Minton and Ted Michael; end Allen Church; and tackle Fred Lyles.[2]
The team played its home games at Stokes Stadium in Kirksville, Missouri.