Notre Dame forced to play backup quarterback in Orange Bowl after starter Riley Leonard left with injury
It’s time for the next man Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish threw in a backup quarterback while falling short in Thursday’s Orange Bowl.
Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard left the College Football Playoff semifinal late in the first half and was being evaluated by the Fighting Irish’s medical staff.
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Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates a tackle on Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Riley Leonard (13) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Leonard went to the medical tent on the Notre Dame sideline with about two minutes left in the half after a play in which he was hit by Penn State’s Zane Durant and Dvon J-Thomas.
Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s Kevin Bauman (84) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)
It was not immediately clear what Leonard’s injury status was. He was replaced by Steve Angeli, and Notre Dame kicked a field goal on the last play of the half to cut Penn State’s lead to 10-3.
Leonard completed six of 11 passes for 63 yards and an interception before getting hurt.
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Penn State Nittany Lions guard Zakee Wheatley (6) sacks Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Riley Leonard (13) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
Born in Westfield, New Jersey, Angeli played soccer at Bergen Central Catholic High School. He made his first collegiate start in the 2023 Sun Bowl, throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a 40–8 win against Oregon State.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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