1961 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

Schedule

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Statistics and awards

The team outgained its opponents in rushing yards by 2,245 (224.5 per game) to 1,282 (128.2 per game). In passing yards, the Irish were outgained by 1,591 (159.1 per game) to 961 (96.1 per game).

Guard/linebacker and team co-captain Nick Buoniconti was the team's leader on defense with 74 tackles, He also blocked two kicks. and the second team by the United Press International and The Sporting News. He was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Senior halfback Angelo Dabiero was the team leader in multiple statistical categories. He led the team in rushing with 637 yards on 92 carries for an average gain of 6.9 yards per attempt. He ranked second in pass receiving (10 receptions for 201 yards), first in punt returns (11 returns, 97 yards, 8.8-yard average), second in kickoff returns (eight returns, 203 yards), and tied for second in scoring (24 points). Dabiero also played on defense, leading the team with five interceptions and ranking third in tackles (47).

Sophomore quarterback Frank Budka completed 40 of 95 passes (42.1%) for 636 yards, three touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Budka also played on defense, tallying 21 tackles, three pass breakups, three opponent fumbles recovered, and two passes intercepted.

Quarterback Daryle Lamonica completed 20 of 52 passes (38.5%) for 300 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. Lamonica was also the team's leading punter, kicking 29 times for 1,113 yards, an average of 38.4 yards per punt. Lamonica also played on defense, tallying 29 tackles, five pass breakups, and three interceptions.

Senior end Les Traver was the team's leading receiver with 17 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns. Traver also tallied 35 tackles and an interception while playing on defense.

Fullback Joe Perkowski was the team's leading scorer with 31 points on five field goals and 16 points after touchdown. Following a penalty for roughing the holder, he kicked a game-winning field goal against Syracuse after time had expired.

Other notable contributors included tackle Bob Bill (second in tackles with 50) and fullback Mike Lind (second in rushing with 450 yards).

Personnel

Players

• Bob Bill, tackle
• Brian Boulac, end
• Frank Budka, quarterback, sophomore
• Ed Burke, guard
• Nick Buoniconti, guard/linebacker
• Joe Carollo, tackle
• Paul Costa, halfback
• Angelo Dabiero, halfback
• Tom Goberville, end
• Frank Grau, guard
• Gerry Gray, fullback
• Tom Hecomovich, center
• Ed Hoerster, center
• Jim Kelly, end
• Daryle Lamonica, quarterback
• Bob Lehmann, guard
• Mike Lind, fullback
• Frank Minik, halfback
• Dennis Murphy, end
• Dick Naab, fullback
• Charlie O'Hara, halfback
• Martin Olosky, tackle
• Joe Perkowski, halfback
• Pfeiffer, quarterback
• John Powers, end
• Norb Rascher
• Norm Roy, guard
• Ed Rutkowski, halfback
• Clay Schulz, center
• George Sefcik, halfback
• Jack Simon, end
• Jim Snowden, fullback
• Stephens, end
• Les Traver, end
• Gene Viola, center
• Roger Wilke, tackle
• George Williams, tackle

Coaches

1962 NFL draft

References

References

1. "1961 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results". Sports Reference LLC.
2. Joe Doyle. (October 1, 1961). "N.D. Beats Oklahoma, 19-6: Dabiero, Lind Score for Irish". The South Bend Tribune.
3. Roy Terrell. (October 9, 1961). "Hope Revives in South Bend". Sports Illustrated.
4. Gordon Graham. (October 9, 1961). "'New Look' Irish Topple Purdue". The Journal and Courier.
5. Al Wolf. (October 15, 1961). "Irish Slaughter USC: Trojans Battered by 30-0". Los Angeles Times.
6. George S. Alderton. (October 22, 1961). "Spartans' Rousing Rally Downs Irish". Lansing State Journal.
7. Maurice Shevlin. (October 29, 1961). "N.U. Beats Irish: Benz Passes for 2 Scores in 12-10 Game". Chicago Tribune.
8. Joe Doyle. (November 5, 1961). "Field Goal Tips Irish, 13-10: N.D. Fumble Helps Set Up Winning Kick". The South Bend Tribune.
9. Bob Drum. (November 12, 1961). "Notre Dame Tops Pitt, 26-20: 50,527 Fans See Irish Kill Panthers' Last Period Threat". The Pittsburgh Press.
10. Joe Doyle. (November 19, 1961). "Irish Stun Orange, 17-15: Second-Shot Field Goal Electrifying; Perkowski Boots 41-Yarder After Time Runs Out". The South Bend Tribune.
11. Bert McGrane. (November 26, 1961). "Big Iowa Plays Whip Irish, 42-21: 6 of Foe's 7 Fumbles Go To Hawykeyes". Des Moines Register.
12. (December 3, 1961). "Duke roars back to beat Notre Dame, 37–13". The Terre Haute Tribune-Star.
13. (December 5, 1961). "Dabiero Tops Irish In '61 Statistics". The South Bend Tribune.
14. (December 21, 1961). "Boston's Pro Patriots Sign Notre Dame's Linebacker". The Times Argus.
15. (December 7, 1961). "UPI Chooses Their All-American Football Teams". Okmulgee Daily Times.
16. (November 27, 1961). "Buoniconti Makes 2nd All-America". The Berkshire Eagle.
17. "1962 NFL Draft Listing".