Notre Dame's Riley Leonard Must Be Smart Against NIU

Not all games require the same things to get a win, but Riley Leonard needs to keep improving.

Aug 31, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) attempts to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Notre Dame must be smart with QB Riley Leonard

Notre Dame loves the way that Riley Leonard can run with the football.

Standing at 6-4 and over 220 pounds, he can both absorb and deliver hits. He's tough as nails, and is never afraid to lower his head and power forward. Against Texas A&M, that approach was needed to secure a victory.

Notre Dame knew due to the nature of the kind of game Texas A&M was going to play that Leonard carrying the ball would need to be a key part of the gameplan if the Irish were going to earn a Week 1 win. There was no time to "ease into" the season or to take it easy on Leonard's rehabilitated lower leg.

He needed to sacrifice his body 100% to earn victory, and he did just that.

Riley Leonard goes out of his way in his postgame interview with ESPN to show off his favorite Bible verse, Matthew 23:12.

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” pic.twitter.com/JoX86Ucman

— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlo) September 1, 2024

Week 2 presents a very different challenge, one of maturity

For Notre Dame to have a deep playoff run this season, Riley Leonard needs to be both good and healthy. To remain healthy, Leonard must be continue to play his mature and smart style. He's got the right approach to each and every game which all have their own feel and necessities regarding how he plays.

Riley Leonard should not have to risk his body to beat NIU the way he needed to lay it on the line to beat Texas A&M.

That isn't an insult to the Huskies, but rather just an honest assessment of the matchup.

Can Riley resist the urge to risk his body for more yardage when given the chance and live to fight another week? Irish fans hope so.

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