Riley Leonard’s Injury Update and Notre Dame’s Journey in the Orange Bowl
This story was updated with new information.
Notre Dame football found itself in an early deficit during the College Football Playoff Orange Bowl semifinal against No. 6 Penn State. The fighting Irish saw starting quarterback Riley Leonard exit the game towards the end of the first half due to a hit by Penn State defenders Dvon J-Thomas and Zane Durant.
Initially, Leonard was evaluated for a concussion and walked off the field to the medical tent after the incident. He was, however, able to enter the second half as an “asymptomatic” player.
During the first half, Leonard completed 6 of 11 passes for 63 yards, along with an interception and seven rushing yards on five carries. In place of Leonard, backup quarterback Steve Angeli successfully led the Irish to a 41-yard field goal, narrowing the deficit to 10-3 before halftime.
What Happened Next?
In the second half, Leonard returned to the field following a thorough evaluation. He showcased his resilience by leading his team down the field, creating an impressive touchdown drive that led to a tie with Penn State at 10-10.
Head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed during halftime that Leonard was asymptomatic after being administered a concussion test. He expressed his confidence in both Leonard and Angeli’s abilities to step up in challenging situations.
Amidst this, Notre Dame also faced the loss of key offensive linemen Anthonie Knapp and Rocco Spindler due to injuries. The team’s adaptability would be crucial moving forward in their championship chase.
Looking Ahead
With Leonard leading the charge, Notre Dame managed to clinch a 27-24 victory against Penn State, securing a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. As the team gears up for the next stage, fans eagerly await further updates on Leonard’s health and the team’s prospects.
This story will continue to evolve as further updates are released.
