Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard credited his religion in Jesus for serving to him overcome challenges throughout an exhilarating 27-24 comeback win over…
When Notre Dame’s offense started struggling Thursday night time in its playoff recreation in opposition to Penn State, quarterback Riley Leonard says he began praying to Jesus. Leonard overcame a fourth-quarter interception because the Combating Irish scored the sport’s ultimate 10 factors in a 27-24 victory over the Nittany Lions within the Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinals, advancing them to the Jan. 20 nationwide championship recreation in opposition to the winner of the Ohio State-Texas recreation.
Leonard accomplished 15 of 23 passes for 223 yards and one landing however was picked off twice because the offense struggled to search out rhythm.
Notre Dame trailed 10-3 at halftime and 24-17 with 5 minutes left within the recreation.
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 10, 2025
Requested throughout a post-game interview on ESPN what the offense did to get on monitor, Leonard referenced his religion.
“Shoot, I simply began trusting the Lord,” a smiling Leonard stated. “I appeared up and stated, ‘Jesus, no matter your will is for my life, I belief it one hundred pc.’ And I do know that this offense and this staff belief in Jesus and His plan for the season.”
The final time Notre Dame performed for a nationwide championship was 2013. It final received a nationwide title in 1988.
Leonard’s second interception seemed to be detrimental and allowed Penn State to take a 24-17 lead with 7:55 left in regulation. However the Irish quarterback responded by throwing a 54-yard landing cross to Jaden Greathouse with 4:38 left — after which took benefit of a late Penn State turnover to inch into subject aim vary, the place Mitch Jeter booted a 41-yard kick with seven seconds left to offer Notre Dame the lead.
“I should not be the one on the microphone proper now,” Leonard stated. “I did not do my half tonight. However heck, these guys did, they usually carried me all through all the recreation. Each time there was a second of doubt in my thoughts, I had any individual developing and telling me that they believed in me. So to be right here on this stage, we will take pleasure in it. We have yet one more left.”
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman inspired the staff at halftime to maintain battling, Leonard stated.
“He stated historical past is written by conquerors, and we’re holding the pen — we determine how we need to write our historical past,” Leonard stated. “And I am a agency believer in whether or not you suppose you possibly can or you possibly can’t do one thing — you are proper. We consider that we are able to do it, and we went on the market and did it.”
Leonard ended the interview the way in which he at all times does, providing a spin on the standard “God bless.”
“Jesus bless,” he stated.
That is nice!
Notre Dame Quarterback, Riley Leonard factors to Christ on ESPN after his Orange Bowl win.
“I simply trusted within the Lord. I appeared up and stated, Jesus, no matter your will is for my life I belief it one hundred pc.”
pic.twitter.com/L1bfbyXkRK— Sports activities Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) January 10, 2025
Picture Credit score: ©Instagram/riley.jleonard
Michael Foust has lined the intersection of religion and information for 20 years. His tales have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Immediately, The Christian Submit, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville Information-Sentinel.
Take heed to Michael’s Podcast! He’s the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast the place he talks with Christian film stars, musicians, administrators, and extra. Hear how well-known Christian figures maintain their religion a precedence in Hollywood and uncover the perfect Christian motion pictures, books, tv, and different leisure. You’ll find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so that you by no means miss an interview that can make sure to encourage your religion.
Initially printed January 10, 2025.
