Kelly Petersen Season 1966

Honors & Awards

• First-Team All-Big Eight (1966)
• Coaches All-America Game (1967)
• National Lineman of the Week by Associated Press (Week 7, 1966)

1966 (Senior)

Won All Big Eight honors in his second season at starting center. Petersen was a crucial piece of the offensive line unit. Kelly would be one of the top centers in the big eight in just his second season for the Huskers. Petersen was a major reason Nebraska had 1984 yards during the 1966 season, which was second best in the Big Eight behind Colorado. Also helped in the passing game allowing Bob Churchich to throw 1204 yards in the air. Won National Lineman of the week by Associate Press for his performance in the week 7 win against Missouri 35-0. Nebraska added another Big Eight crown in 1966, finishing with a 9-2 mark after falling to Alabama in the 1967 Sugar Bowl. The Huskers finished with a final No. 6 national ranking. NU led the Big Eight with 192.4 rushing yards per game, while managing 318.8 yards per game in total offense. 

1965 (Junior)

Stepped into the starting role during his Junior season when the Huskers were ailing at the pivot spot, following graduation of All Big Eight Lyle Sittler. Petersen was part of the offensive line unit that put up 2900 yards on the ground and 1140 yards in the air. The Huskers also would have 34 touchdowns on the ground as well. Petersen helped the Huskers to a 10-1 overall record, a Big Eight title and a trip to the 1966 Orange Bowl against Bear Bryant's Alabama squad. NU fell 39-28 to the Crimson Tide, but finished the season ranked No. 3 in the final national polls. With Petersen paving the way, Nebraska ranked second nationally in total offense with 404 yards per game, including the school's second NCAA rushing title with 290 yards per game. The Huskers also ranked second nationally in scoring offense with 32.1 points per game. 

1964 (Sophomore)

Petersen was buried on the depth chart behind six other centers during his sophomore year. Only being used primarily as a reserve player for the cornhuskers

1963 (Freshman)

Petersen played for the Huskers freshman team during his time as a freshman. 

Personal

Kelly Petersen enrolled at NU as a business administration major.