The 1961 Orange Bowl to the featured the fifth-ranked Missouri Tigers and the fourth-ranked Navy Midshipmen. Navy jumped to a 6–0 lead with a 98-yard fumble return for a touchdown. But Missouri answered when Norm Beal intercepted Navy's Hal Spooner, rumbling down the sideline for a 90-yard return, giving Missouri a 7–6 advantage. They then drove 80 yards for a second touchdown, and led 14–6 at half.