It’s time for the next available man for Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish inserted a backup quarterback while trailing in the Orange Bowl on Thursday.
Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard left the College Football Playoff semifinal late in the first half and was being evaluated by the Fighting Irish medical staff.
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Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates a play against Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Leonard entered the medical tent on Notre Dame’s sideline with about two minutes left in the half after a play in which he was hit by Penn State’s Zane Durant and Dvon J-Thomas.
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Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) heads the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s Kevin Bauman (84) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)
Leonard’s injury status was not immediately clear. He was replaced by Steve Angeli and Notre Dame scored a field goal on the final play of the half to cut Penn State’s lead to 10-3.
Leonard completed six of 11 passes for 63 yards and an interception before being injured.
Penn State Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley (6) sacks Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
Angeli, a native of Westfield, New Jersey, played football at Bergen Catholic High School. He made his first collegiate start in the 2023 Sun Bowl, throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-8 victory over Oregon State.
UPDATE: Riley Leonard returned to the game in the second half.
