During his press conference before the College Football Playoff semifinal, Penn State head coach James Franklin stated all teams, including Notre Dame, should be in the conference. Many fans were in agreement when news surfaced that the Irish gained $20 million by reaching the CFP national championship.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard briefly went out of the game, then returned to find the end zone in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State on Thursday night at the Orange Bowl

Notre Dame wide receiver Jaden Greathouse (1) reaches out to quarterback Riley Leonard (13) after he was sacked during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA College Football Play

Riley Leonard has Notre Dame on the cusp of its first national championship in 36 years. A former star at Fairhope High School near Mobile, Leonard quarterbacked the Fighting Irish to a 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game on Thursday night.

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard was forced to briefly leave the Orange Bowl late in the second quarter after he was driven to the ground. Leonard got hit as he threw the ball and the back of his head hit the turf.