COLLEGE FOOTBALL / GENE WOJCIECHOWSKI : At the Half, Manning and Barnett Have the Lead

So what if his passing numbers are so-so at best? Did you notice the Cornhuskers lead the nation in rushing offense, are second in total offense and run the option attack (four confusing variations) better than anyone? That Nebraska is undefeated? That Frazier \o7 could\f7 throw if the Cornhusker staff let him?

"It's just like having another Heisman Trophy tailback in the backfield, that's what he is," said Missouri Coach Larry Smith, who watched Frazier score three times in a 57-0 Nebraska romp last Saturday and who has called the Cornhusker senior the best player in America.

--USC wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.

The best receiver in the game . . . just ask him. One of the few players whose actions are as big as his ego.

--Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning.

No one studies offenses and defenses more than Manning. More important, no one makes better use of that information than the son of former Mississippi great Archie Manning. Gifted physically, a precision thrower and only a sophomore.

--Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel.

Humble, unflappable and unforgiving to defensive backs, Wuerffel benefits from one of the most innovative, but also one of the most demanding coaches in the business (Steve Spurrier). Great system, but great quarterback too.

--Iowa State running back Troy Davis.

The leading rusher in Division I-A. Oklahoma Coach Howard Schnellenberger says Davis' numbers would be even more impressive if the Cyclones had a more diversified offense. Are you listening, Iowa State Coach Dan McCarney?

--Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell.

If running back Warrick Dunn were not on the same team, Kanell might be the Heisman favorite.

The winner: Manning.

Coach of the Half Season

The nominees:

--Glen Mason, Kansas.

Retooled his defensive coaching staff during the off-season, won three games in 13 days to start the season, upset Colorado and has his team in the top 10.

--Tyrone Willingham, Stanford.

The Cardinal's 4-1-1 start has made Athletic Director Ted Leland look like a genius for hiring the little-known Willingham.

--Northwestern's Gary Barnett.

Engineered the two biggest upsets of the season: victories at Notre Dame and Michigan. The Wildcats will have their first home sellout since November, 1983 this Saturday against Wisconsin.

--McCarney.

Received high-intensity (and deserved) off-season scrutiny for past domestic problems, but won admirers for addressing the issue honestly and without hesitation. Has won games by instilling a new attitude in crummy program. Also smart enough to give the ball to Davis.

--Hensley Spaenter, Prairie View.

Anybody who can get the losingest team in NCAA history to play hard every week deserves some kind of award.

The winner: Barnett.

Flop of the Half Season

The nominees:

--The Big East Conference.

A combined 19-27 and only one team (Syracuse) with more victories than losses. In serious danger of not being able to fill its four bowl slots.

--The NCAA Committee on Infractions.

Did the Star Trek thing and went where no men had gone before when it shocked everyone--most of all, Alabama--by piling on the penalties.

--California.

Before season started, we said we'd become a Berkeley flower child if Golden Bears went 4-7 again. After Cal's 1-4 start, we're looking for a tie-dyed shirt and Hendrix lyrics.

--Texas A&M.

Coach R.C. Slocum is rumored to be crushed by the 3-2 record. Slocum thought the Aggies would challenge for a national championship. Last Saturday they barely beat SMU, now 1-5.

--Big Ten Conference Commissioner Jim Delany.

Delany meant well, but enough with the correspondence courses to media and coaches on proper poll etiquette. "The polls will continue to sort themselves out, and I hope that the information I share with you is beneficial as you deliberate where to vote the outstanding football teams from different conferences," wrote Delany to voters.

Translation: "The Big Ten is the best! The Big Ten is the best!"

The letters are a borderline insult and borderline campaigning.

The winner (so to speak): The Big East.

Worst Luck of Half Season

The Nominees:

--Colorado quarterback Koy Detmer.

On his way to a possible Heisman Trophy when he tore an anterior cruciate ligament against Texas A&M . . . and nobody hit him. Tried to return two games later and reinjured brace-protected knee.

--Nevada quarterback Mike Maxwell.

The best quarterback you've never heard of. Completed 35 of 43 passes for 405 yards and seven touchdowns last week against Northeast Louisiana. Leads the nation in total offense.

--Army.

Its record is 1-3-1, but three losses (to Duke, Washington and Notre Dame) are by a combined 11 points.

--Notre Dame Coach Lou Holtz.

Neck surgery \o7 and\f7 he has to watch inconsistent Irish.

The winner: Detmer.

THE 12-0 STATE