The one common denominator between the Irish teams that lost to Ohio State in the past two seasons was quarterback play. It wasn't Leonard then. but it's Leonard now.

He’s been somebody who’s led by example,” the Irish QB said of his grandfather. “A lot of the lessons I’ve learned have come from him."

Leonard has helped the Fighting Irish ride a 13-game win streak heading into the national title game. En route to the matchup against Ohio State, Notre Dame has defeated Indiana, Georgia and Penn State in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

Ohio State coaches and players view Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard as “a driving force” of the Fighting Irish with his running ability, leadership and competitiveness.

There are several parallels in the Notre Dame and Ohio State matchup in the National Championship. Both teams have a third year defensive coordinator, both teams have proven first year offensive coordinators,

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard’s girlfriend, Molly Walding was on cloud nine after the Fighting Irish beat Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl Thursday to punch their ticket to the