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College Football Rankings 2016: Week 4 AP Poll winners and losers

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Lamar Atkins (46) reacts during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Papa John
Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Lamar Atkins (46) reacts during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Papa John /
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Sep 17, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) reacts after a play during the second half against the North Dakota State Bison at Kinnick Stadium. North Dakota State won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) reacts after a play during the second half against the North Dakota State Bison at Kinnick Stadium. North Dakota State won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Iowa Hawkeyes (No. 13 to unranked)

Iowa had a rough week. Another team that looked to be a serious title contender and a Big Ten favorite was the Hawkeyes, but they lost one of the toughest games of the year. Although the defeat at the hands of North Dakota State might look like an embarrassment, on paper, the Bison are actually a tough opponent.

North Dakota State has won five consecutive FCS championships, so for Iowa to schedule this game in non-conference play, they were basically asking for an upset. That’s just a scheduling gaffe and it was a lose-lose situation for the Hawkeyes.

If Iowa wins a close game, they drop in the polls because they were expected to blow out an FCS foe. If Iowa loses, they are considered a disappointment. Playing a national champion at any level in non-conference play is a no-win situation.

Next: 27 most shocking college football upsets ever

This loss stings for the Hawkeyes, especially after beating in-state rival Iowa State 42-3 and looking like a threat to take down Ohio State, Michigan or Michigan State for the Big Ten title.

Can Kirk Ferentz’s team rebound from this tough loss and make a run at the Big Ten West crown or is this the kind of defeat that can ruin a season? We’re about to find out as the now-unranked Hawkeyes enter Big Ten action in Week 4.

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