College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 7
By Zach Bigalke
North Carolina followed up a ghastly performance in inclement weather against Virginia Tech with a decisive blowout of Miami on the road. Mitch Trubisky was at the heart of the upset effort, throwing for 299 yards and two scores and adding 47 more rushing yards. Despite committing 11 penalties for 70 yards, UNC pulled away with a 20-3 halftime lead. The defense began to flag, allowing the Hurricanes to pull within a touchdown with seven minutes remaining, but a fumble on the subsequent Miami drive ended any hopes of a comeback.
After dropping out last week, North Carolina’s win on the road ought to vault them right back into the AP Top 25 this week. The Tar Heels still have a path toward a second straight ACC championship game, if the Hokies manage to lose a second time in conference play. UNC finishes its October schedule at Virginia next week before they take a bye. Coming out of the break, the Tar Heels open November at home against Georgia Tech before it quickly turns around to play rival Duke in Durham on a Thursday night. The season finale against NC State could decide UNC’s fate in conference.