| Year: | 1961 |
| Team: | California Golden Bears |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Athletic Association of Western Universities |
| Short Conf: | AAWU |
| Record: | 1–8–1 |
| Conf Record: | 1–3 |
| Head Coach: | Marv Levy |
| Hc Year: | 2nd |
| Stadium: | California Memorial Stadium |
The 1961 California Golden Bears football team was an American football team that represented the University of California, Berkeley in the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU), commonly known at the time as the Big 5 Conference, during the 1961 college football season. In their second year under head coach Marv Levy, the Bears compiled a 1–8–1 record (1–3 in conference games), finished in a tie for last place in the AAWU, and was outscored by their opponents by a total of 268 to 118.[1] [2]
The team's statistical leaders included Randy Gold with 403 passing yards, Alan Nelson with 331 rushing yards, and Bob Wills with 302 receiving yards.[3]
The team played its home games at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California.
The team gained an average of 135.3 rushing yards and 49.0 passing yards per game. On defense, the Bears gave up an average of 282.4 rushing yards and 82.8 passing yards per game.[5]
The team's passing leaders were Randy Gold (41-for-81, 403 yards, four touchdowns, three interceptions) and Larry Balliett (26-for-49, 367 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions).[5]
The team had four players who rushed for over 200 yards: Alan Nelson (331 yards, 59 carries, 5.6-yard average); Rudy Carvajal (257 yards, 41 carries, 6.3-yard average); George Pierovich (238 yards, 80 carries, 3.0-yard average); and Jerry Scattini (206 yards, 64 carries, 3.2-yard average).[5]
Bob Willis led the team in receiving with 21 receptions for 302 years.[5]
Quarterback Larry Balliett was selected as the team's most valuable player.[6]
Two California players received honors on the 1961 All-Pacific Coast football team selected by the Associated Press (AP), the All-West Coast team selected by the United Press International (UPI), or the All-Big 5 team announced by the AAWU. Guard Roger Stull received second-team honors from the UPI, and fullback George Pierovich received second-team honors from the AAWU, third-team honors from the UPI, and honorable mention from the AP. In addition, three other players received honorable mention: John Erby at guard (AP, AAWU); Randy Gold at back (AAWU); and Larry Balliet at back (AP).[7] [8] [9]