Around CFB: Washington's Michael Penix paces Heisman Trophy race

A spectacular showing that featured a game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute established Washington’s quarterback, Michael Penix, as the front-runner in the Heisman Trophy race.

After the Huskies’ 36-33 victory over Oregon where Penix passed for 302 yards and four touchdowns — including an eventual 18-yard game-winner to Rome Odunze with 1:38 to play — Penix became the leading candidate.

“You’re looking at the Heisman Trophy winner right there,” Odunze said while pointing at Penix in a news conference.

Odunze is probably right. And it’s probably because Penix understands how to capitalize on his advantages.

“My guy versus their guy. I’m going to take my guy every time,” Penix said.

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Penix finished eighth in Heisman voting a season ago. No player from Washington has ever won the Heisman Trophy.

Pac-12 statistics seem to indicate Penix’s guys typically will make plays against porous pass defenses.

Could it be Pac-12’s glut of Heisman-caliber passers is due to a dearth of competent pass defenses in the league?

Seven Pac-12 teams rank between 85th and 132nd in the nation in pass defense. Only two — No. 37 UCLA and No. 17 Oregon — are ranked within the top 40.

Nobody should doubt Penix. For crying out loud, he led Indiana — yes, Indiana — to a bowl game in 2020.

He’s part of the great quarterback western migration. He left Indiana for Washington last year. Also, Bo Nix left Auburn for Oregon, Caleb Williams left Oklahoma for USC and Shedeur Sanders left Jackson State for Colorado.

All have been deemed Heisman contenders. All seem worthy. All creamed Pac-12 defenses and have often run out of steam against good defenses.

Sanders has torched soft pass defenses from TCU (76th), Nebraska (95th), Colorado State (125th), USC (91st) and Stanford (132nd). But he only passed for 159 yards against Oregon and 239 against Arizona State (51st).

Williams had more than 300 passing yards vs. Nevada (130th), Colorado (131st) and Stanford (132nd). But last week he had 199 yards and three interceptions against Notre Dame’s pass defense (3rd). He also was limited to 219 passing yards vs. Arizona (85th).

Nix has yet to be challenged. The best statistical pass defense he’s faced thus far was Hawaii’s (43rd). Oregon’s Power 5 opponents are Texas Tech (81st), Washington (108th), Colorado and Stanford.

Penix has burned Boise State (127th), Tulsa (119th), Michigan State (57th), Cal (94th) and Arizona. However, Penix’s passing performance against Oregon adds legitimacy to his candidacy.

Among Washington’s remaining opponents are Arizona State, Utah (46th) and Oregon State (59th).

If Penix posts gaudy numbers in those games, then you’re looking at the Heisman Trophy winner right there.

If not. Start looking at LSU’s Jayden Daniels.

Heisman watch (If my ballot was due today)

1. Michael Penix, Washington, QB: He became the undisputed front-runner by throwing four touchdown passes in the most high-profile game of last week. Penix passed for more than 300 yards for a sixth time in a 36-33 victory over Oregon. He averages 383.5 passing yards and leads the nation. Overall, he’s thrown for 2,301 yards in six games, which includes 20 touchdown passes. He’s thrown just three interceptions.

2. Jayden Daniels, LSU, QB: The dual-threat senior leads the nation in total offense with an average of 401.3 yards per game. He’s also third in the nation in passing. Daniels starred in a 48-18 victory over Auburn in which he passed for 325 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 93 yards. Overall, Daniels has completed 73.1 percent of his attempts for 2,294 yards and 22 touchdowns with three interceptions. He’s rushed for 515 yards and four touchdowns.

Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Maye is looking to lead the Heels to their first CFB Playoff while also potentially being UNC’s first Heisman Trophy winner.

3. Drake Maye, North Carolina, QB: Maye threw for 273 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-31 victory over Miami last week. He’s now ranks fifth in the nation in passing with an average of 317 yards per game. Thus far, Maye has passed for 1,902 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s rushed for 184 yards and four touchdowns.

4. Jordan Travis, Florida State, QB: The statistics aren’t gaudy, but the undefeated record that includes wins over LSU and Clemson certainly is. Travis passed for 284 yards and a touchdown last week in a 41-3 victory over Syracuse. On the year, Travis has passed for 1,482 yards and 13 touchdowns with just one interception. He’s rushed for 114 yards and four touchdowns.

5. Caleb Williams, USC, QB: His bid to join Archie Griffin as the only two-time Heisman recipient took a huge hit last week in a nationally showcased 48-20 loss to Notre Dame. Williams passed for just 199 yards and one touchdown while throwing three interceptions. Overall, Williams has thrown for 2,021 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s rushed for 116 yards and six touchdowns.

Predicted Playoff Participants

1. Georgia: The Bulldogs have won 34 consecutive regular season games. But they may have to finish this season without tight end Brock Bowers, their best player.

2. Michigan: The Wolverines' defense has allowed just 47 points all season. They’ve scored at least 30 points in every game.

3. Florida State: Wins over LSU and Clemson give the Seminoles perhaps the best playoff resume. It will get even better if they can get past Duke on Saturday.

4. Washington: A strong November will almost guarantee the Huskies are in. They already have a victory over No. 9 Oregon. No. 18 USC, No. 14 Utah and No. 12 Oregon State await.

Games to Watch

No. 7 Penn State at No. 3 Ohio State: The winner becomes the chief threat to Michigan in the Big Ten East.

No. 17 Tennessee at No. 11 Alabama: Longtime rivals vying to stay in the championship race and playoff picture.

No. 16 Duke at No. 4 Florida State: Both are in the thick of the ACC championship race. Either team could reach the playoffs with a strong finish.

No. 14 Utah at No. 18 USC: Though it is a matchup of ranked opponents, the loser of this clash of one-loss teams is likely eliminated from the Pac-12 championship picture.

Washington State at No. 9 Oregon: Washington State can be dangerous, while Oregon can be ripe for a trap between trips to Washington last week and Utah next week.