College Football Rankings 2016: Week 8 AP Poll winners and losers

Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) celebrates his punt return for a 79yd touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 15, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) scrambles with the ball against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeat the Miami Hurricanes 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Miami Hurricanes (No. 16 to unranked)

For the second straight week, the Miami Hurricanes were big losers after the AP Top 25 has been released. North Carolina was considered a tough foe, but the Tar Heels were down after a 34-3 home loss to Virginia Tech. Miami was hoping to take advantage of that even though it was also reeling after a one-point home defeat by Florida State.

Mark Richt has done an impressive job in his first season as the head coach of Miami, but he is already suffering the same ups and downs he did when he was with Georgia. Beginning the year with an unbeaten record and ranked No. 10 in the country, the Hurricanes have lost two straight and are down near the bottom of the AP Top 25.

Brad Kaaya didn’t have the best game for Miami, completing just 16-of-31 passes for 224 yards as his inability to throw a touchdown pass against the Tar Heels ultimately led to a seven-point loss, 20-13, at home.

Miami needs to right the ship pretty soon because this two-game home skid is not ideal at this time of the season. The ACC title is likely out of the question, but a prominent bowl game is not. Right now, Miami is a big loser this week because of a second straight defeat.

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