Manning Joins Heisman Race At Full Speed

Your turn, Peyton.

Peyton Manning, eager to start his final season, gets that chance Saturday when the Heisman Trophy favorite leads No. 5 Tennessee against Texas Tech before a sellout crowd of more than 102,000 at Neyland Stadium.

“It’s an exciting time,” Manning said. “It’s what I’ve been waiting for for a long time. It seems like the off-season was getting longer and longer. Practices intensify, everybody’s got a little skip in their step.”

Two other Heisman contenders played in last week’s Kickoff Classic, with Syracuse quarterback Donovan McNabb excelling and Wisconsin tailback Ron Dayne falling back in the pack.

But Manning, who opted to stay in school rather than turn pro, is college football’s brightest star. Last year, the 6-foot-5, 222-pound son of Archie Manning saw his Heisman chances disappear with four first-half interceptions in a 35-29 loss to Florida, but still threw for 3,287 yards and 20 touchdowns in ‘96.

The Volunteers return 14 starters, including wide receiver Marcus Nash, a veteran offensive line and Leonard Little, who opens at middle linebacker.

The Red Raiders saw Byron Hanspard opt for the NFL and are still looking for an I-back to complement QB Zebbie Lethridge (1,686 yards, 11 TDs).

But Tech coach Spike Dykes’ chief concern is dealing with Manning, especially after it was reported Wednesday that cornerback Tony Darden and linebacker Eric Butler would be suspended for the game because of an ongoing NCAA investigation.

Texas Tech (plus 22) at No. 5 Tennessee … TENNESSEE 42-13.

Southern Mississippi (plus 27-1/2) at No. 2 Florida: Does it really matter who the quarterback is? Doug Johnson will do just fine … FLORIDA 49-13.

Akron (plus 56) at No. 6 Nebraska: Is it worth the $450,000 the Zips receive for getting ziplocked? … NEBRASKA 63-0.

Wyoming (plus 29-1/2) at No. 9 Ohio State (tonight): Buckeyes co-QBs Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine have a field day in spoiling Dana Dimmel’s coaching debut … OHIO STATE 49-10.

N.C. State (plus 25) at No. 13 Syracuse: McNabb keeps pace in Heisman race … SYRACUSE 42-14.

No. 14 Miami (minus 14) at Baylor: ‘Canes hope QB Ryan Clement is the real thing … MIAMI 31-14.

Houston (plus 17) at No. 16 Alabama: Mike DuBose’s coaching debut is a success… . ALABAMA 31-10.

Others: WEST VIRGINIA (minus 16) 31, Marshall 24; KENTUCKY (plus 3) 28, Louisville 24; UCLA (plus 1) 33, WASHINGTON STATE 31.