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

Winner: Drake Maye and UNC

Despite impressive wins over Minnesota and South Carolina, North Carolina really wasn’t getting much respect. Yet, the win over Miami should get this team into the Top 10. It’s a legit threat to knock off Florida State in the ACC and Drake Maye, with a four-touchdown game, is back on the Heisman radar. A home game against Duke and a road game against Clemson are the biggest hurdles to an undefeated regular season.

Loser: Jimbo Fisher

Texas A&M had another winnable game and couldn’t get it done at Tennessee. The Aggies could have also beaten Alabama and Miami. All three games were winnable — the Aggies just seem to find ways to lose. You could point to backup quarterback Max Johnson’s two interceptions but Tennessee out-gained the Aggies 232-54 on the ground. Despite all the five-star talent, A&M still can’t win in the trenches.

Winner: Greg Schiano and Rutgers

Rutgers has been improving in the second stint of Greg Schiano as the head coach. Saturday was a key milestone as the Scarlet Knights rallied from 18 points down with a 21-point fourth quarter to beat Michigan State 27-24. It all started with a blocked punt. Then, it was like a landslide. The win improved Rutgers to 5-2, putting a bowl game well within reach.

Loser: Louisville

The Cardinals were the toast of college football following their win over Notre Dame last week, but after taking a 21-14 lead at the half against Pittsburgh, they didn’t show up in the second half as the Panthers outscored the No. 14 team in college football 24-0 to win 38-21. Let-downs are expected, still, it was a reminder that the Cardinals are more pretender than contender.