Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard names favorite Bible verse after scoring opening touchdown in national championship game

this Notre Dame Fighting Irish Have to dig deep to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes and win their first national championship since 1988.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard Determined to do so.

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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Ohio State during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brene Anderson)

Leonard led the Fighting Irish on an 18-play, 75-yard drive that consumed the game’s first 9 minutes and 45 seconds. In the end, Leonard rushed for a touchdown from 1 yard out.

After Leonard scored, he pointed to his armband, Read Matthew 23:12 There is a saying in the Bible: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Leonard has previously stated that Matthew 23:12 is one of his favorite Bible quotes.

Notre Dame Ohio State enters College Football National Championship with confidence on the front lines

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates with tight end Kevin Bowman after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes. (Mark J. Rebilas – Image)

“I feel like a lot of people are trying to put me on this pedestal, and my faith is what brings me back to that position every time,” he said earlier in the season. Sports series. “So, just like going through the ups and downs, I’m able to give you perspective.

“I’ve seen what it feels like to be praised and to be at the top. People have put me on draft boards…and I’ve been at rock bottom, injured, and I don’t know what I’m going to do with my career. , but my faith always brings me back to that humble position, whether you are at the top or at the bottom, God will treat you the same way.”

Notre Dame went 2-for-2 on fourth down.