Penn State jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first half of the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal, and the Nittany Lion’s chances of advancing to the national championship looked even better once Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard was knocked out of the game with an injury in the final two minutes of the first half. However, backup QB Steve Angeli entered and marched the Fighting Irish down the field for a field goal as time expired in the half to cut the lead to seven.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Leonard was being evaluated in the medical tent on the Notre Dame sideline, likely for a head injury. Going into the break, head coach Marcus Freeman told ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath that he did not yet have news about Leonard’s status for the second half of the game.
Leonard started 6/11 for 63 yards and an interception and failed to lead the Irish to any points. In one drive, Angeli completed six of his seven throws for 44 yards. On the season, Leonard, the senior transfer from Duke, threw for 2,383 yards and 18 touchdowns to six interceptions but ran for another 831 yards and 15 scores. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock built an offense around his athleticism and in his halftime interview with McGrath, Freeman admitted that his offense would have to go away from the quarterback run if Leonard is unable to return.
Angeli attempted just 28 passes this season, completing 18 for 224 yards and three touchdowns. The junior best career performance came in last season’s 40-8 Sun Bowl win over Oregon State when he went 15/19 for 232 yards and three touchdowns.
Penn State’s secondary is the most vulnerable part of its defense, so the change to Angeli, aside from the injury to Leonard, could provide a spark for the Irish in the second half.
UPDATE: Riley Leonard to return
ESPN's Molly McGrath reported that Leonard was evaluated for a concussion but was asymptomatic. Leonard will return in the second half.