Ralston changed the all white helmet by leaving a one-inch white center gap and adding red one-inch red flanking stripes. HB Ray Handley did not quite live up to his 1965 pre-season All American billing but he finished his career as Stanford's all-time leading rusher with 1768 yards. Handley went on to a long coaching career as an assistant at Stanford, and with Bill Parcells. They both served as assistants at West Point and Handley then worked under Parcells at the Air Force Academy and as his offensive coordinator with the Giants. Handley became the Giants head coach in 1991 and '92. QB Dave Lewis again was the team leader but the jump to a 6-3-1 record came from the defensive unit that led the conference in total defense and gave up but 96 yards per game through the air. DT Gary Pettigrew completed his college play and then was an effective D-lineman for the Eagles through 1973, finishing his pro career in '74 with the Saints. Ralston had high hopes for the '66 team based on the 1965 finish, despite the loss of twelve starters. Gene Washington who quarterbacked the undefeated freshmen team was expected to be an immediate hit and two-year starter Dave Lewis was switched to left halfback. Washington, a Long Beach Poly product, was inconsistent completing only thirty-five of 102 passes with eleven INT's and Lewis returned to QB to finish the season. End Bob Conrad caught more than half of Stanford's paltry total with forty-five and Jack Root led the rushers with 571 yards. The great passing team, even with protection from soph standout tackle George Buehler, compiled only 125 yards per game in a season that disappointed at 5-5 with the 9-7 victory over Cal the only conference win. Tackle Blaine Nye led the defense. Lewis played with the Bengals for four years serving primarily as their punter.

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