Senior quarterback Riley Leonard has been named to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 list for his performance in the 31-24 win over No. 15 Louisville. Leonard was responsible for three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) on the day, completing 17 passes for 163 yards and rushing for 52 yards.
This marks Leonard’s second time being named to the award’s Great 8 list this season (also in Week Three for his performance at Purdue), and he was named to the Davey O’Brien Award preseason watch list. He was also named the Senior Bowl Offensive Player of the Week for his Louisville performance.
Leonard started the Louisville game in command, directing a 12-play, 75-yard drive over 6:08 minutes of game time, for a touchdown to even the score. From there, the Irish took off, scoring 21 total points in the first quarter alone, including a 34-yard pass from Leonard to score.
Leonard ranks fourth among all FBS quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns this season with seven, and third among all FBS QBs in yards per carry (6.34). Four of Leonard’s rushes Saturday were for first downs. He owns 26 rushing touchdowns on his career, tied for second among all active FBS quarterbacks.
Notre Dame took part in one of four matchups this past weekend in which both teams were ranked in the Top 25. Across the FBS, Notre Dame is one of four teams with two Top 25 wins this season. Among those teams, Notre Dame is the only team with two wins over teams that are currently ranked in the Top 25 this past weekend.