BCS Rankings Week 8: Winners and Losers from AP, Coaches Polls

The AP and USA Today polls have been released for Week 8 of the 2011 college football season.

Just like every week there are winners, and there are losers. Some teams squandered opportunities to climb the leaderboard, some were overlooked and others seized the chance to make their move.

Each week the rankings fluctuate. Their fluctuation doesn't necessarily matter after tonight, with the BCS rankings set to be announced.

Here are the winners and losers from this week's AP and USA Today polls:

Winner: Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a winner this week for one simple reason: the Sooners managed to hold on to their No. 1 ranking in the USA Today poll.

LSU still holds the top spot in the AP rankings. It could be argued the Tigers deserve both No. 1 rankings.

Oklahoma is 6-0 compared to LSU and Alabama's 7-0 record. The Sooners have quality wins over Florida State and Texas, but LSU's resume is top-notch and Alabama's isn't bad either.

Bob Stoops should be very happy to sit on top and wait for November 5th to come and go. Either LSU or Alabama will not leave Tuscaloosa undefeated.

For now, Oklahoma should feel pretty lucky to remain on top.

Loser: Houston

Houston is 6-0 on the season. They are currently No. 20 in the USA Today poll and No. 21 in the AP poll.

Boise State, TCU, Utah and every other college football underdog knows how Houston feels right now. Despite their six wins, the Cougars' strength of schedule will dash any hopes of a fast rise through the polls.

The Cougars sit behind teams with blemishes on their record because of their lack of competition. Case Keenum throws for a ton of yards, but against who?

Houston is fun to watch. However, they are even less proven than the supposedly unproven Boise State.

Winner: Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs snuck into the AP poll at No. 24. The Bulldogs are currently 5-2 after their Week 7 victory over Vanderbilt.

This is, especially, a victory for Georgia coach Mark Richt. His seat is among the hottest in the country.

Georgia still faces Florida, Georgia Tech and Auburn. Richt's job could depend on big wins against their final major opponents.

Heading into Week 8, Georgia must feel good to earn a Top 25 ranking once again.

Loser: Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines are no longer perfect after losing to Michigan State in Week 7. The Wolverines are now No. 17 in the USA Today poll and No. 18 in AP poll.

Michigan got off to a hot 6-0 start this season. The Spartans presented their stiffest competition and the Wolverines faltered.

The Wolverines desperately want to shake their reputation as a bad finishing team.

Their drop in the rankings is nothing to fear for now, but Michigan must find a way to be more consistent against better competition.

Winner: Kansas State

Kansas State jumped from No. 17 to No. 12 in the AP poll this week. The Wilcats' 6-0 record has Bill Snyder's team primed to make a run in the Big 12.

The Wildcats face Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M in three of their next four games. This daunting stretch will make or break their season.

In-state rival Kansas must not be overlooked in Week 8. The Jayhawks hung with Oklahoma longer than expected in Week 7.

Kansas State can enjoy the biggest AP climb this week.

Loser: Illinois

Illinois fell seven spots in the AP poll from No. 16 to No. 23 as a Week 7 loss to Ohio State handed the Fighting Illini their first setback of the season.

The Fighting Illini's loss to the Buckeyes was not only a major setback in the rankings, but also a major setback in Illinois' battle with Penn State in the Leaders division of the Big Ten.

Illinois had one big win against Arizona State before their Week 7 matchup. A weak schedule didn't have Illinois prepared for a focused Ohio State team.

They were a surprise to start the season. They will need to surprise again to rise back through the rankings.

Winner: Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State jumped Boise State to move to No. 6 in the USA Today poll. Oklahoma State defeated Texas in Week 7 behind their prolific offensive attack.

Their 6-0 record and their Big 12 reputation will give the Cowboys the edge over the Broncos every time. It may not be right, but that is how polls work.

Oklahoma State still faces a big challenge against Oklahoma at the end of the season.

If they win from Week 8 on, Boise State may not climb back into the picture regardless of the Cowboys' matchup with the Sooners.

Loser: Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech rode their top-ranked rushing attack to a 6-0 record through Week 6 of the season. After a Week 7 loss to Virginia, Georgia Tech fell from No. 12 to No. 20 in the AP poll.

A 6-1 record is very good through seven weeks, but a surprising loss to an inferior opponent will always lead to a major drop in the rankings.

The Yellow Jackets will have a chance to climb again.

However, they must get by Clemson, Virginia Tech and Georgia in order to do so.

Winner: Washington

The Washington Huskies are 5-1 after defeating Colorado in Week 7. This victory allowed them to enter the AP poll for the first time at No. 22.

The Huskies' next four opponents include Stanford, Oregon and USC. Their mettle will be tested against all three. If they can win all, or two, of these games, they could prove their worth to the pollsters.

Washington will need to ride the momentum of joining the AP poll if they want to continue their success. Stanford and Oregon are a lot tougher than Eastern Washington and California.

Loser: Boise State

If you wait long enough, Boise State will become a loser in every poll before every season is over. Despite the Broncos' perfect 6-0 record, Oklahoma State jumped Boise State for the No. 6 spot in the USA Today poll.

Boise State's lone quality victory is against a borderline Georgia team. Other than that, Boise State has beaten up on the likes of Tulsa, Toledo and Colorado State.

The Broncos' success remains the same. Sadly, so does their schedule.

Until that changes, it is always just a matter of time before Boise is left on the outside, looking in.