Any Volunteers for Heisman Trophy?

Tonight, after a season filled with Heisman Trophy hype, Peyton Manning finds out whether he’ll become the first Tennessee player to win college football’s most prestigious award.

“I’d be honored to receive it, but if I don’t, it’s not the end of the world,” said Manning, who led the No. 3 Volunteers (11-1) to the Southeastern Conference title and a possible national-championship game against No. 2 Nebraska in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 2.

Although Manning has been atop most Heisman Watch lists, Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson has made a late run. Woodson, who intercepted seven passes and also scored four touchdowns as a receiver and punt returner for the 11-0 Wolverines, could become the first primarily defensive player to win the award.

Manning, Woodson, Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf and Marshall wide receiver Randy Moss were invited to attend the presentation at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York.

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Auburn is giving Coach Terry Bowden a $20,000 raise and performance incentives for success on and off the field in a contract through 2004 that could be extended even more with a championship season.

Athletic Director David Housel said the university was making “a major commitment” to Bowden, who has a 45-12-1 record and guided the Tigers to a 9-3 mark and the Southeastern Conference West Division title this year.

Bowden’s base pay will increase from $135,000 to $155,000 under the new contract. Endorsement deals and other outside income would bring his annual income to an estimated $635,000.

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University of Mississippi fans will be allowed to fly the Confederate flag at the inaugural Motor City Bowl in Pontiac, Mich. Greg Roberts, Silverdome director of marketing and events, said the flag isn’t a restricted item at the stadium, although fans won’t be allowed to attach it to sticks or poles when Mississippi faces Marshall on Dec. 26. The flag, a traditional rallying point for Ole Miss fans, has come under fire this year for being a symbol of racism and segregation. . . . Southern Mississippi Coach Jeff Bower has agreed in principle to a contract extension through the 2001 season. The Golden Eagles, 8-3 and Conference USA champions, play Pitt in the Dec. 31 Liberty Bowl at Memphis, Tenn. . . . Texas Coach Mack Brown has hired seven assistant coaches, six of whom are former offensive and defensive coordinators and have experience recruiting in Texas. Offensive coordinator Greg Davis, 46, held the same position with him at North Carolina and is a former quarterbacks coach at Texas A&M.; Defensive coordinator Carl Reese, 54, coached one of the best defenses in the country this season at Louisiana State.