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Michael Penix Jr., Washington on the rise; Notre Dame sinks USC: Biggest winners and losers from College Football Week 7

By Chris Peterson

Oct 14, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (2) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (2) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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College football Week 7
USC QB Caleb Williams couldn’t shake Notre Dame football’s defensive schemes (Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports) /

Loser: USC’s playoff hopes, Caleb Williams Heisman chances

There have been signs that USC wasn’t for real. Their ranking has dropped in the past few weeks after struggling to beat Colorado and Arizona.

But on Saturday night, Notre Dame football exposed the Trojans. Not only did Caleb Williams throw three first-half interceptions, which will probably doom his Heisman campaign, but the offensive line was overwhelmed by the Irish.

We knew that USC’s defense was bad. Yet, that wasn’t really the issue. Notre Dame football only gained 251 yards. The problem was that the Trojans surrendered six sacks and turned the ball over three times.

USC also allowed a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown when the Trojans had just gotten within 11 points. It was a brutal beat down and USC will have to improve dramatically if it wants to reach the Pac-12 title game, let alone the playoff.

As far as Caleb Williams, his Heisman Trophy hopes took a major hit, no matter how you slice it.

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