The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will have to dig deep to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes and win their first national championship since 1988.
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is determined to do just that.
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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard celebrates after a touchdown against Ohio State during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Leonard led the Fighting Irish on an 18-play, 75-yard drive that ate up the first 9:45 of the game. It ended with a Leonard rushing touchdown from 1 yard out.
After Leonard scored, he pointed to his bracelet that read “Matthew 23:12,” a Bible verse that says, “He who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be elevated.”
Leonard has previously expressed that Matthew 23:12 was one of his favorite quotes in the Bible.
STATE MEET IN NOTRE DAME, OHIO IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL WITH FAITH AHEAD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates with tight end Kevin Bauman after scoring a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
“I feel like so many people want to put me on this pedestal and like my faith really brings me back to it every time,” he said earlier this season, via Sports Spectrum . “So, just like through ups and downs, I’m able to offer you perspective.
“I’ve seen what it’s like to be praised and to be at the top of the peak. People got me drafted … and I’ve been at the lowest of lows where I get injured and I don’t know what I I going to do with my career But my faith has always brought me back to that humble position. God will treat you the same way.”
Notre Dame was 2-for-2 on fourth down during the drive.
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard passes against Ohio State in the first half. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
The Fighting Irish led the game early, 7-0.
