Notre Dame wins CFP game against Penn State, with Riley Leonard leading the team after returning from injury.

In a postgame interview, Leonard stated that he had placed his trust in Jesus.

Notre Dame wins CFP game against Penn State, with Riley Leonard leading the team after returning from injury.
Notre Dame wins CFP game against Penn State, with Riley Leonard leading the team after returning from injury.

After defeating Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl, Notre Dame will participate in the first College Football Playoff National Championship game of the expanded format era.

The game-winning 41-yard field goal was kicked by Mitch Jeter, the Fighting Irish kicker, in a hard-fought battle between the two renowned teams.

Had quarterback Riley Leonard not returned to the game after an injury, Notre Dame's comeback victory may not have occurred.

"Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame's head coach, stated in a postgame interview on ESPN that he is a competitor and competitors always find a way to win. He added, "It's an honor to be a part of this with him.""

Notre Dame and Penn State lines
Penn State Nittany Lions face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the Penn State Nittany Lions versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 9, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.  (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In the second quarter, Leonard was forced to exit the game, and backup Steve Angeli took his place. At that time, Notre Dame was trailing 10-0. However, Angeli helped the Irish regain some ground with a field goal drive, bringing the score to 10-3 at halftime.

In the second half, Leonard led a touchdown drive to tie the game, and the two teams engaged in a competitive battle for points.

Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates a tackle on Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium.
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates a tackle on Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

With two minutes left, Leonard had the opportunity to lead a successful drive, but the Penn State defense stopped him with a big third-down sack, resulting in a Notre Dame punt.

In the biggest moment of his career, Allar threw an interception to give the ball back to Leonard and the Irish, potentially putting himself out of the conversation for the top quarterback taken in the NFL Draft.

Riley Leonard celebrates touchdown
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates a touch down with teammates in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Hard Rock Stadium.  (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Jeter was put in position to seal the deal by Leonard leading the final drive on the field.

In a postgame ESPN interview, Leonard stated, "I just placed my faith in Jesus."

After winning the Sugar Bowl against Georgia in New Orleans, Notre Dame's storybook run continued despite a deadly terrorist attack that killed 14 innocent people just one day prior.

On Friday, the winner of the Cotton Bowl will be met by the Irish.

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by Jackson Thompson

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