WATCH: Riley Leonard Score First Touchdown For Notre Dame Against Northern Illinois

Riley Leonard started the scoring with his first touchdown in a Notre Dame uniform

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) who is hurt, dresses and throws some pre-game passes with fellow quarterbacks Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the annual Notre Dame Blue-Gold spring football game at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. / MANDATORY CREDIT GREG SWIERCZ / USA TODAY NETWORK

Notre Dame got the ball to start Saturday's home opener against Northern Illinois and despite facing a couple of third downs, wasted no time getting on the board.

Riley Leonard completed 4/5 passes for 40 yards but it was his 33 yards on the ground that was the story of the opening drive. One week after after Leonard having to use his feet out of necessity, Mike Denbrock clearly made it a point of emphasis in his scripted plays early.

Leonard ran the ball five times on the opening possession, taking that fifth carry 11 yards for the first touchdown of the game. Check out the highlight below:

Riley Leonard takes it himself for the Irish TOUCHDOWN! 🔥 #GoIrish

📺 NBC & Peacock | @NDfootball pic.twitter.com/H80SVH5WvP

— Notre Dame on NBC (@NDonNBC) September 7, 2024

Stay tuned for more on the Notre Dame-Northern Illinois game at Notre Dame on Sports Illustrated throughout the day.

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