Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard points to a favorite Bible verse after scoring the opening TD in the national title game

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish they will have to dig deep to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes and win their first national championship since 1988.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard he is determined to do so.

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

Leonard led the Fighting Irish on an 18-play, 75-yard drive that ate up the first 9:45 of the game. It ended with Leonard’s 1-yard rushing touchdown.

After Leonard scored, he pointed to his lane, which was read “Matthew 23:12,” the bible verse that says: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

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

NOTRE DAME, OHIO STATE FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING WITH FAITH AHEAD

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Riley Leonard (13) celebrates with tight end Kevin Bauman after scoring a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

“I feel like so many people want to put me on this pedestal and it’s like my faith really brings me back to it every time,” he said earlier in the season, via Sports spectrum. “So through the ups and downs, I can offer you perspective.

“I’ve seen what it’s like to be praised and to be on top of the top. People brought me to election commissions … and I was at the lowest of the lowest levels where I got injured and I don’t know what I’m going to do with my career, but my faith got me always return to that humble position. God will deal with you that way.”

Notre Dame went 2-for-2 in the fourth during the drive.