Riley Leonard has played in big games, but after the biggest game of his career, the veteran quarterback was still smiling. In fact, Leonard was in a good mood after the 27-17 College Football Playoff win over Indiana when he certainly threw a few punches at Jordan Faison, who was also in the room, for failing to score points on their 44-yard connection. This throw was one of the best of the year as Leonard showed patience all night waiting for this moment. The Alabama native completed 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards, one touchdown, one interception and 30 rushing yards and another score. Leonard’s quick score put the Irish up 27-3 with 4:50 to go and allowed Notre Dame Stadium to begin celebrating – albeit with an exciting ending taste.

Riley Leonard Jeremiyah Love Hoodie

The win was also a moment of completeness for Leonard, who will be the first to tell you that the job is not done yet. However, Friday night was the reason Leonard transferred to Notre Dame because he wanted to compete on this stage. Leonard’s only blemish was an interception on Notre Dame’s first offensive play when Indiana knocked the ball at the line of scrimmage and into the hands of D’Angelo Ponds. Notre Dame’s future depends on more than just Leonard, which is a comforting feeling for a quarterback. Leonard walked into the post-game press conference wearing a Jeremiyah Love T-shirt and was possibly the leader of the Love fan club.