Having transferred from Duke last year, Riley Leonard has led Notre Dame to an appearance in the National Championship with the Fighting Irish yearning for a first title since 1988

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws oranges to his teammates after winning the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Penn State, Thursday in Miami Gardens, Fla. Leonard grew up in Fairhope. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) AP

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard fought through an injury scare and a very forgettable first half to lead the Fighting Irish past Penn State in the Orange Bowl. It was a champion effort from a veteran who has had his hands on the wheel during a remarkable run to the national championship game.