The New Heisman Front-Runner

10/16/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) Now Leads the Heisman Race Thanks to Notre Dame’s Dismantling of Caleb Williams (USC)

Another thrilling weekend of college football had plenty of notable games and moments, but the top four teams remain unbeaten and unchallenged. Elsewhere, Colorado blew a 29-point halftime lead to Stanford on Friday night to set the table for an exciting Saturday where #21 Notre Dame throttled #10 USC (48-20) and picked off reigning Heisman-winner QB Caleb Williams three times (199 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs). That blunder paved the way for QB Michael Penix Jr. to make a statement, and he did. Penix Jr. (22/37, 302 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT) led #7 Washington over #8 Oregon (36-33) in a Pac-12 showcase with a lot on the line. The Huskies soared into the top 5 for the first time in six years, and Penix Jr. is the new leader in Heisman odds. Seven unbeaten teams make up spots 1-7 in the playoff mix as we look to the first CFB Playoff Rankings reveal (Tuesday, Oct. 31).

CFB Week 7 Highlights

#1 Georgia def. Vanderbilt (37-20)

#2 Michigan def. Indiana (52-7)

#3 Ohio State def. Purdue (41-7)

#4 Florida State def. Syracuse (41-3)

#6 Penn State def. UMass (63-0)

#7 Washington def. #8 Oregon (36-33)

#21 Notre Dame def. #10 USC (48-20)

#11 Alabama def. Arkansas (24-21)

AP Poll (Top-10)

1. Georgia (7-0) | —

2. Michigan (7-0) | —