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; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Alabama Crimson Tide (Remain No. 1)

How can a team that has been ranked No. 1 all season long be considered a winner after remaining in that top spot? Well, the win over Tennessee this week for the Crimson Tide pushed their record to 7-0 and it was one of two games left on their schedule that posed an upset threat.

Tennessee was one of two tough foes left on the Tide’s schedule, yet Alabama still won 49-10 on the road and will face Texas A&M next week. Alabama is just rolling through opponents and making it look easy.

It’s surprising to see a team win by 39 points over a top-10 opponent on the road when the quarterback, Jalen Hurts, passes for just 143 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. However, the run game was impressive.

Next: 20 Greatest College Running Backs In The Modern Era

In fact, Alabama’s rushing attack accounted for nearly 450 yards. Hurts did lead the way with 132 yards and three touchdowns. Bo Scarbrough finally broke out a bit, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown on just five carries.

This Alabama team is a huge winner this week because with that win over Tennessee, it doesn’t look like the Tide are going to lose in 2016.

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