There's little doubt about Ohio State after a convincing victory in the 1 vs. 2 showdown with Texas.

The Buckeyes were No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 released yesterday, tightening their hold on the top spot the day after beating the defending champion Longhorns, 24-7.

Ohio State received 59 of a possible 65 first-place votes, up from 39 last week, and 1,614 points in the media poll. Notre Dame is back at No. 2 off its 41-17 victory over Penn State. The Fighting Irish slipped two spots last week when Texas moved up to No. 2.

Notre Dame received three first-place votes. No. 3 Auburn got two first-place votes and Southern California had two first-place votes, and is just one point behind the Tigers.

No. 5 West Virginia also received two first-place votes. No. 6 is LSU, which plays at Auburn on Saturday. No. 7 Florida also has a big Southeastern Conference game as the Gators visit No. 13 Tennessee.

The Longhorns slipped to No. 8 after having their 21-game winning streak stopped by the Buckeyes. The Longhorns' ranking is their lowest since they were No. 8 on the Oct. 24, 2004 poll.

No. 9 Florida State and Georgia rounded out the top 10.

TENNESSEE

JOHNSON, HARRELL OUT FOR SEASON WITH INJURIES

Two Tennessee starters injured in the game against Air Force will not return this season, the team's head athletic trainer said yesterday.

Cornerback Inky Johnson remained in the hospital yesterday after he was carted off the field following a collision with an Air Force player on Saturday.

Trainer Jason McVeigh said Johnson, a junior from Atlanta, underwent surgery to repair blood vessels in his right shoulder. He will need further surgery because of nerve injury.

Tackle Justin Harrell, a senior from Martin, suffered a ruptured tendon in his left bicep and will also require surgery, McVeigh said.

End Turk McBride slid over to replace Harrell during the Air Force game.

Two other players injured during the game, tailback Arian Foster and offensive lineman Ramon Foster, should be able to play against Florida, Fulmer said. They both sprained their left ankles.

The coaches were continuing to evaluate who should start in place of Johnson in this week's game against No. 7 Florida.

GEORGIA

FRESHMAN QB TO START

Quarterback Joe Tereshinski will be sidelined for four to six weeks with what coach Mark Richt said was a high ankle sprain, opening the door for freshman Matthew Stafford to become the starter.

No. 10 Georgia plays UAB on Saturday.