I will fight you
It’s been a little bit of a roller coaster ride this season for Notre Dame starting quarterback, Riley Leonard. You can count me as one of the many observers that publicly wondered if the Irish made a mistake by bringing in the transfer signal-caller from the Duke Blue Devils. The loss to NIU in the home opener along with a slow start to the passing game had a huge effect on me and many others out there.
I’m not sure of the historical accuracy, but in the Showtime series The Tudors, a Cardinal stated to Pope Paul III that he [the Cardinal] thought the the Pope hated Michelangelo’s painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Pope Paul III sternly replied, “I know — but now I like it.”
Well… if a Pope can change his mind in a very loosely based historical television drama — I can too. Leonard has been getting better and better, and Mike Denbrock is bringing him along just fine. I rather have Leonard peaking in the playoff than in the home opener, and that trajectory is certainly in place.
Do you think you know better than the Pope?
Anyways…
Riley Leonard was selected to the Davey O’Brian Quarterback class — as one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
From the ND press release:
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Senior quarterback Riley Leonard has been selected to the Davey O’Brien Award Quarterback Class of 2024 for his performance thus far in the season.
He has been named to the award’s weekly Great 8 list on three occasions this season, for his performances at Navy, vs. Louisville and at Purdue.
Fans can vote for Leonard by “liking” the Davey O’Brien Award’s social media post:
Get in the game and VOTE for @rileyleonard13_! Like this photo on @daveyobrien official accounts on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook. The top fan vote getters receive bonus Selection Committee votes as we get closer to deciding our National Quarterback of the Year! #DaveyQBs… pic.twitter.com/o44XZEZ7KE
— Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award (@daveyobrien) October 29, 2024
Leonard has racked up 131 completions for 1,360 yards and eight touchdowns this season, in addition to 85 carries for 539 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. His 539 rushing yards lead all Power 4 quarterbacks and rank sixth among all FBS quarterbacks.
Leonard’s 30-career rushing touchdowns ranks him second among all active FBS quarterbacks. With 11 rushing touchdowns this season, he is tied for third in most rushing touchdowns by an FBS quarterback in 2024, and second among all Power 4 quarterbacks. He ranks 10th nationally in rushing touchdowns among all FBS players, and 12th in total touchdowns.
Nationally, Notre Dame has the 13th-ranked rushing offense, with 216.5 yards per game, and the 20th-ranked scoring offense in FBS, averaging 36.6 points per game. Notre Dame is 3-0 in ranked matchups this season, tied with Tennessee (3-0) for best record against ranked teams in college football.
From the Class of 2024, the award will select 16 semifinalists chosen by the committee and with bonus ballots from the fan vote.