Texas returns to No. 2; Hokies fall to No. 22

NEW YORK -- Texas is back to No. 2 in the AP college football poll.

The Longhorns jumped Alabama and landed right behind top-ranked Florida on Sunday, the day after winning 41-14 at Oklahoma State.

Florida, No. 1 for all but one week this season, received 38 first-place votes after a 41-17 victory over Georgia.

The Longhorns started the season ranked second, but have been No. 3 behind the Gators and Crimson Tide the last three weeks. Texas received 13 first-place votes from the media panel.

Alabama, which spent a week at No. 1, slipped to No. 3 during an off week. The Crimson Tide received eight first-place votes.

Cincinnati and Boise State round out the top five. Unbeaten TCU is No. 6.

No. 7 Oregon moved up three spots after pounding Southern California 47-20 to take control of the Pac-10 race. USC fell eight spots to No. 12.

Virginia Tech, too, fell far. The Hokies dropped eight spots to No. 22 after losing their third game of the season.

Unbeaten Richmond (8-0) became the first FCS team to receive a vote this season.

In the BCS standings released yesterday, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Iowa and Cincinnati were the top five, followed, by TCU and Boise State.

Ponder improving

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder's bruised ribs are apparently feeling better than expected, sooner than expected.

Florida State spokesman Bob Thomas says Ponder told him yesterday his condition has improved. Ponder was injured early in Saturday's 45-42 win over North Carolina State, but played through the pain.

Ponder's availability for this weekend's date with Clemson is uncertain.

New QB for Dawgs?

ATLANTA -- Georgia coach Mark Richt isn't saying if he plans to bench quarterback Joe Cox.

Cox was yanked from a 41-17 loss to top-ranked Florida after throwing three interceptions, and Richt declined to say last night if the move is permanent. Sophomore Logan Gray also struggled, throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Another possible option is freshman Aaron Murray, who has yet to play and would lose a redshirt season.

Richt says he'll likely announce any lineup changes tomorrow.