Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard Getting Crushed For His Showing Tonight
Notre Dame finds itself in a 10-0 hole to Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl.
The Fighting Irish have been led all season by their defense and running game, but in order to come back in this one, they're probably going to need to get quarterback Riley Leonard going throwing the football. Leonard has been efficient enough as a passer and major threat with his legs all year long, but hasn't been asked to make too many plays down the field with his arm.
Tonight, Leonard is off to a shaky start. He's connected on only 6-of-11 passes to start for 63 yards and an interception.
Leonard's offensive line has gotten banged up as well in the first half, with left tackle Anthonie Knapp exiting the game with an injury.
Leonard himself has to come out after taking a bit hit late in the second quarter, but not before he came under fire on social media.
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - DECEMBER 20: Riley Leonard #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers in the Playoff First Round game at Notre Dame Stadium on December 20, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Indiana 27-17. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
"Riley leonard can ya do something for me?" one person asked.
"Because we have Riley Leonard and he can’t throw lol and we only have one good receiver lol," a second person added.
"Riley Leonard couldn’t throw at Duke, idk why people thought that would change at Notre Dame. Sure he’s gotten a little better this year but here we are in a big game and he looks like s--t," a third person chimed in.
"Riley Leonard just isn’t good enough," a fourth person added.
"Riley Leonard is going to have to throw the ball further than 7 yards for Notre Dame to win this game," said a fifth commenter.
We'll have to see if Leonard can return to the game in the second half. If not, backup Steve Angeli will have to lead the comeback effort.
You can watch Penn State-Notre Dame on ESPN.
