COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NATION : Colorado’s Detmer Undergoes Surgery, Will Return in ’96

Colorado quarterback Koy Detmer underwent season-ending surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior will begin rehabilitation today and will return to football-related exercises in about four months. He is expected to return in time to start next season.

Nebraska’s athletic department is frustrated by the NCAA’s delay in determining the eligibility of suspended tailback Lawrence Phillips, a junior from West Covina.

Phillips, considered a Heisman Trophy contender after rushing for 359 yards and seven touchdowns in Nebraska’s first two games, was suspended Sept. 10 after being arrested for assaulting a former girlfriend.

He was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and trespassing and faces probable probation. The NCAA also is investigating whether Phillips violated NCAA extra-benefits rules by accepting money and plane tickets from the owners a group home in West Covina, where he lived as a teen-ager.

Coach Tom Osborne has said Phillips could return to the team if he meets a number of criteria, including anger-control counseling that is approved by physicians.