College Football Recruiting 2012: The Winners and Losers of August

August is just about gone and we're entering September, so that means it's time to reflect on the month that was recruiting.

I've come up with a couple of teams and players that I consider winners and losers during the month. We're going to have a little fun and just put things in a bit of perspective.

Check it out and leave your thoughts.

Here we go.

Loser: Syracuse

Sorry 'Cuse fans, but I have your program chalked as a loser this month. It's pretty much based on the loss of star DT recruit Jarron Jones, rated 5-stars by Scout.com.

Just a few months ago, Jones had told Scout.com that he felt most comfortable with Syracuse coaches and spends a lot of time on campus. He's the best player in the state of New York this year, so landing him was a huge priority for the Orange.

So much for that. Jones committed to Notre Dame yesterday.

Winner: Florida State

Not sure about you, but when a program lands the No.1 QB in the country, that month is a win no matter what else transpires. 

So, Florida State is a winner for August, as on the third of this month, the 'Noles learned that they had won the Jameis Winston sweepstakes over LSU and Alabama.

But it's not over yet, as now FSU must recruit Winston against the prospect of turning pro in baseball.

Loser: Auburn

Flip-flopping by recruits is a main part of the process, but when you lose a battle to your archrival, it stings even more.

Geno Smith, a star CB prospect from Atlanta, went back and forth between Auburn and Alabama and Alabama and Auburn. Auburn thought it was leading, but Smith made his choice to play for the Crimson Tide.

Auburn has received two other pledges from CB prospects since, but neither are on the level of Geno Smith.

Winner: Tennessee

A few months ago, I ran a piece about programs that need to step it up on the trail, and one of the teams I had on my list was Tennessee. Well, it seems like it heard me.

The Vols have snatched up 14 commitments since mid-June and are storming up the recruiting rankings. Derek Dooley likes to take his time and evaluate players, so it appears that phase is over in Knoxville and now his targets have been identified.

And he's landing them.

Winner: Penn State

Penn State enjoyed a great month. Aside from impressing Noah Spence, the 5-star DE prospect and top pass-rusher in the country, the Nittany Lions got three top-notch commitments this month.

First, DB/ATH Armani Reeves made his pledge. Then came the pledges of Top 100 players DT Tommy Schutt and WR Eugene Lewis.

JoePa's may be hurtin' from being ran into by a player in practice, but I'm sure his aches aren't too bad when he reflects on the month that was August for Penn State recruiting.

Loser: Kwon Alexander's 5 Eliminated Schools

If you're USC, Clemson, Miami, Texas and Florida, being eliminated in the Kwon Alexander sweepstakes hurts. Alexander is the top LB prospect in the country and has narrowed his list.

Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, LSU and Oregon are still in the race and will likely receive an official visit.

Alexander says among the five schools he's eliminated, the only one really with any possible chance to get back in the race is USC.