Evidence Of Riley Leonard's Growth Within The Notre Dame Offense

Riley Leonard continues to evolve within Notre Dame's offense. Here's a breakdown of his development and the key improvements driving his success.

Oct 12, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws a pass for a touchdown as Stanford Cardinal safety Mitch Leigber (32) defends in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images / Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

The Irish have best passing numbers of the season vs Stanford

Notre Dame's passing attack hasn't been a thing of beauty for most of the first half of 2024. Whether it be due to a litany of injuries to the offensive line or to the QB back in Spring, or the brand new OC and batch of receivers trying to settle in, or a combination of all of the above, it's been a rough go at times statistically for Notre Dame through the air.

Then Stanford visited South Bend. And Notre Dame took advantage of the Cardinal's defense on the ground for 229 yards and through the air with Riley Leonard for another 229 with 3 passing TDs to go match the ground yardage.

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard vs the blitz in Week 7:

☘️ 12/13
☘️ 184 Pass Yards
☘️ 2 TDs | 0 INTs
☘️ 158.3 Passer Rating@NDFootball pic.twitter.com/W1eHHdL7on

— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 15, 2024

Riley Leonard is heating up the advanced stat sheet

Riley Leonard's numbers against Stanford in the face of pressure were fantastic. He was 12/13 for 184 yards and 2 TDs under these conditions. These are elite numbers with a 158.3 passer rating against the blitz.

This is the kind of Riley Leonard Notre Dame fans had hoped to see all year long. A true dual threat that could and would beat you with his legs or through the air. This version of Riley Leonard forces defenses to play the Irish straight-up or pay dire consequences.

If Notre Dame can continue this offensive momentum into the remaining 6 games, it can become a truly dangerous, well-rounded team to beat at just the right time. The Irish offense heating up and so is Riley Leonard. Just in time for a playoff push.

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