Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard Evaluated for Concussion in Orange Bowl

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard briefly left the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State on Thursday night to undergo a concussion evaluation before returning to the field. Leonard, who appeared to hit the back of his helmet on the turf during a play, was evaluated in the medical tent with about two minutes remaining in the first half.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman told ESPN that Leonard was “asymptomatic” and cleared to return. The quarterback started the second half and led an eight-play, 75-yard drive, capping it with a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 10-10. Leonard had missed much of Notre Dame’s final drive of the first half, during which backup Steve Angeli stepped in and helped set up a 41-yard field goal to cut Penn State’s lead to 10-3 at halftime.

“We’re confident in Steve if Steve has to go,” Freeman said in an on-field interview with ESPN at halftime. “If Riley can go, we’re confident in Riley.” Leonard completed six of 11 passes for 63 yards and an interception in the first half, while Angeli went 6-for-7 for 44 yards on the final drive before halftime.

Leonard, a transfer from Duke, has been a key player for Notre Dame this season, leading the team to 12 straight wins and a spot in the College Football Playoff. He entered the game with 2,383 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, along with 831 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. His decision to transfer to Notre Dame has paid dividends for both the quarterback and the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame also faced injuries on the offensive line, losing left tackle Anthonie Knapp and right guard Rocco Spindler in the first half. Their status for the remainder of the game was not immediately announced.