Rutgers University Athletics

Rutgers enjoyed its first undefeated season in program history in 1961, when the team went 9-0, capping the season with a 25-point comeback victory over Columbia. That team included All-American center Alex Kroll, and was ranked No. 15 nationally. An Associated Press First Team All-American in 1961, Kroll, who was also a top-notch linebacker, was regarded as the finest center in the nation. Head coach John Bateman was in his second season of 13 seasons at the helm of the Rutgers program in 1961 when he guided the Knights to the unblemished mark.

Quarterbacks Sam Mudie and Bill Speranza directed the offense, with Mudie totaling 703 yards of offense and Speranza going for 318 yards through the air. Mudie took home the Homer Hazel Award as the team's most valuable player that season. Fullback Steve Simms led the rushing attack with 614 yards on the ground. He earned Honorable Mention Associated Press All-America honors that season. One of Simms' most notable accomplishments was his go-ahead touchdown against Columbia in the season finale to preserve the undefeated season. Pierce Frauenheim also secured the win against the Lions with a pair of interceptions.

The 1961 squad relied heavily on its rushing attack with 1,968 of its 2,612 yards of total offense that season on the ground. Rutgers and Alabama were the only undefeated teams in the nation that year.