By Dorrington Myers
Game Recap: Notre Dame vs. Georgia
Date: January 2, 2025
Final Score: Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10
The Georgia Bulldogs, under coach Kirby Smart, have been the standard in this new era of college football. However, Riley Leonard and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish had something to say about that. The Irish came ready to play and delivered a statement win.
Stat Line:
Riley Leonard: 14/24, 90 passing yards, 1 touchdown, QBR 70.9, 14 carries, 80 rushing yards (5.7 yards per carry)
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Key Moments in the Sugar Bowl:
Touchdown Pass to Beaux Collins:
With the defense coming up big on a key turnover, Riley Leonard and the offense capitalized. Off play-action, Leonard delivered a perfectly timed pass to Collins, who ran a crisp slant across the middle. The throw hit Collins in stride, resulting in a crucial touchdown right before halftime. This momentum-shifting play highlighted Leonard’s poise and execution under pressure.
OBEN 🤝 TUIHALAMAKA
THEN
1️⃣3️⃣ ➡️ 5️⃣#GoIrish
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) January 2, 2025
First Down Run by Leonard in the 4th Quarter:
Facing a critical 3rd-and-7, Riley Leonard showcased his toughness and athleticism on a designed quarterback run. He powered through defenders and even went airborne to secure the first down. This gritty play epitomized Leonard’s determination and was instrumental in keeping the drive alive during a pivotal moment in the game.
RILEY. LEONARD.
📺 ESPN #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/NfDHP6vqpf
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) January 3, 2025
Performance Analysis
Strengths:
Mobility: Leonard excelled on the ground against Georgia’s tough defense, averaging 5.7 yards per carry—a strong showing for a quarterback. His ability to make plays with his legs is his bread and butter, though he has the arm talent to complement his running game.
Toughness: Leonard remains unfazed regardless of the opponent. He’s a versatile player who can beat defenses by running through or around them. His physicality and determination make him a “pick-your-poison” type of player.
Leadership: After a shocking early-season loss to Northern Illinois, Leonard led Notre Dame on a remarkable turnaround, exemplifying determination and resilience. His leadership inspires confidence in his teammates, who are willing to follow him wherever he leads.
Room for Improvement:
Confidence as a Passer: Developing more confidence in his passing game will elevate Leonard’s overall effectiveness. While he has the tools to be a clutch passer, he hasn’t consistently showcased this aspect of his game.
Lower Body Mechanics: Improving his lower body mechanics will help enhance his accuracy, which is currently inconsistent. By fine-tuning his fundamentals, Leonard can better complement his rushing abilities with precision in the passing game.
Balanced Production: Leonard’s ground game is impressive, but for long-term success, he’ll need to display a more balanced performance through the air, especially in high-stakes matchups.
Final Thoughts:
Riley Leonard is a talented quarterback whose mobility, toughness, and leadership set him apart. However, refining his passing skills and mechanics will be key to unlocking his full potential and taking his game to the next level.
What’s Next?
Notre Dame now faces Penn State on January 9, 2025, in the national championship semifinal. With a spot in the title game on January 20, 2025, on the line, this matchup is poised to test every facet of the Fighting Irish offense.
Penn State’s defense features a top-tier interior front that excels at plugging gaps and disrupting the run game. This presents a unique challenge for Riley Leonard and Notre Dame, whose success has often been driven by their ground attack.
In this game, the passing attack will likely be the deciding factor. Can Leonard rise to the occasion and deliver a clutch performance through the air? The answer to that question may determine whether Notre Dame punches its ticket to the championship game.
