Conference Big Ten Conference 1951 record 9–0–1 (5–0–1 Big Ten) MVP Chuck Boerio | AP No. 4 Head coach Ray Eliot (10th year) Captain Chuck Studley | |
The 1951 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois during the 1951 Big Ten Conference football season. In their 10th year under head coach Ray Eliot, the Illini compiled a 9–0–1 record, finished in first place in the Big Ten Conference, was ranked #4 in the final AP Poll, and defeated Stanford 40–7 in the 1952 Rose Bowl. The lone setback was a scoreless tie with Ohio State.
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The team currently is the school's last national champion in football with a 40 to 7 rout of Stanford in what was the first nationally televised college football game. Additionally, there is one NCAA record that remains unbroken today, and may stand the test of time. Al Brosky had a career record 30 interceptions during the season, including a DiMaggio like record of 16 consecutive games with an interception. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
Halfback Johnny Karras was a consensus first-team pick on the 1951 College Football All-America Team. Linebacker Chuck Boerio was selected as the team's most valuable player.