When Notre Dame's offense began to struggle Thursday night in a playoff game against Penn State, quarterback Riley Leonard said he started praying to Jesus. In the College Football Playoff semifinals, Leonard overcame a fourth-quarter interception and the Fighting Irish scored the final 10 points of the game to defeat the Nittany Lions 27-24 and advance to the national finals against the winners of Ohio University on January 20. We advanced to the championship match. State vs. Texas game.
Leonard completed 15 of 23 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown, but was picked off twice as the offense struggled to find its rhythm.
Notre Dame led 10-3 at halftime and 24-17 with five minutes left in the game.
Leonard accomplishes the feat of 54-yard touchdown!
We are all connected again.#CFBplayoffs pic.twitter.com/eUmKvp78EJ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 10, 2025
In his postgame interview with ESPN, Leonard mentioned his beliefs when asked what he did to get the offense back on track.
“You know, I just started trusting the Lord,” said a smiling Leonard. “I looked up and said, 'Jesus, whatever Your will is for my life, I trust it 100 percent.' And I knew that this offense and this team wanted to believe in Jesus and His will. I know I have faith in the plan for the season.”
Notre Dame last played in a national championship in 2013 and last won a national title in 1988.
Leonard's second interception appeared to be detrimental, giving Penn State a 24-17 lead with 7:55 left in regulation. But the Irish quarterback responded by throwing a 54-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Greathouse with 4:38 left, taking advantage of a late Penn State turnover and inching into field goal range. , Mitch Jeter took a 41-yard kick. Seven seconds left to give Notre Dame the lead.
“I'm not supposed to be the one on the microphone right now,” Leonard said. “Tonight, I didn't do my part. But they did, and they pulled me through the whole game. Every time there was even a moment of doubt in my mind, someone came up and they He said he believed in me.''So I have one more step left to get on this stage and I'm going to enjoy it.'' ”
Leonard said Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman encouraged his team at halftime to keep fighting.
“He said history is written by the conquerors, and it's up to us to hold the pen and decide how we want to write history,” Leonard said. “And I'm a big believer, whether you think you can do something or you think you can't do something. You're right. We believe we can do it, and we actually go out there and say, We did that.”
Leonard ended the interview as usual with a twist on the traditional “God bless you.”
“Jesus bless you,” he said.
This is amazing!
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard pointed to Christ on ESPN after the Orange Bowl win.
“I just trusted the Lord. I looked up and said, Jesus, whatever Your will is for my life, I trust it 100 percent.”
pic.twitter.com/L1bfbyXkRK— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) January 10, 2025
Photo provided by: ©Instagram/Riley Gelenard
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
First publication date is January 10, 2025.
