If its first two College Football Playoff games are any indication, Notre Dame will go as far as quarterback Riley Leonard can carry them.

Here's why Notre Dame football QB Riley Leonard decided to leave Duke and transfer to the Fighting Irish this offseason:

Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard has proven to be a difficult quarterback to prepare for as the Irish sit one game away from a national championship appearance. While Leonard doesn't always jump off the page with his arm talent,

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard, 22, majored in public policy at Duke with a minor in markets and management studies.

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard has a chance to continue building upon his success as he faces Penn State in the Orange Bowl this week.

Notre Dame is riding a 12-game win streak, having defeated Indiana and Georgia in the first two rounds of the postseason. They're now set to face the Penn State Nittany Lions at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The Fighting Irish star ranks among the top 10 nationally in rushing yards and touchdowns by a quarterback this season.

With just under six minutes left to play in Thursday's Sugar Bowl, Notre Dame held a 23-10 lead against Georgia and faced a third-and-seven. The Fighting Irish

Notre Dame football offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock on the value of 1-on-1 meetings with Riley Leonard this season.

When Notre Dame went into a transfer portal at the end of last season for another quarterback, there were mixed reactions from Irish fans. While many were thrilled that Marcus Freeman was doing everything he can to put the best team he can assemble out on the field by bringing in Riley Leonard,