Notre Dame's Passing Attack Is Failing Miserably: A Data-Driven Review

You already know the Notre Dame passing game is struggling. But it's even worse when deep-diving into the numbers through two games.

Sep 7, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images / Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

Sometimes numbers lie. At other times they paint a very clear and disturbing picture. Such is the case with the Notre Dame passing game, which has emerged through two games as the team's biggest hurdle to meeting goals and making the College Football Playoff.

Heading into this week's trip to Purdue, here's where Riley Leonard and the Irish passing attack rank nationally.

Touchdown Passes: 0

The Fighting Irish are one of just five FBS teams that have yet to throw a TD pass. The other four are Air Force, Northwestern, Western Michigan, and Miami (OH).

Passer Rating: 96.77

Of the 134 FBS programs, Notre Dame ranks 130th in passer rating, just ahead of Akron, New Mexico State, Wyoming, and Air Force.

Riley Leonard did not look like a quarterback comfortable in Notre Dame's offense against NIU. Injury or no injury, the clock is ticking to figure it out.

Emptied the film notebook here, via @BGInews: https://t.co/jL4iPeAXik pic.twitter.com/9HPKMGOwyk

— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) September 11, 2024

Yards Per Attempt: 5.1

Leonard's inability to complete passes beyond 10 yards downfield has been well-documented. The Irish are tied with Northwestern and Colorado State for 126th nationally in YPA.

20-Yard Completions: 1

See above regarding Leonard on intermediate and deep throw accuracy. ND is tied with South Florida for least 20-yard completions in the country.

Passing Yards Per Game: 160.5

The Irish rank 114th nationally in passing yards per game, tied with San Diego State.

We should've known Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard was in for a rough day when he missed this throw to wide-open Jaden Greathouse in the opening minutes.

NBC's Dan Hicks: "Looking, surveys, has time..."

Leonard did have time. More than enough. Seemed scared to step into the throw. pic.twitter.com/PWtyX55B1f

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 10, 2024

PFF Passing Grade: 55.2

Pro Football Focus gives the Fighting Irish a grade of 55.2, which is 116th best in the FBS, just ahead of Louisiana-Monroe. Leonard also has just two Big Time Throws in the first two games.

Completion Percentage: 60.3%

Relatively speaking, not horrible. Leonard is completing just over 60% of his throws, good for a tie with Wisconsin in 83rd place.

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