The one common denominator between the Irish teams that lost to Ohio State in the past two seasons was quarterback play. It wasn't Leonard then. but it's Leonard now.

He’s been somebody who’s led by example,” the Irish QB said of his grandfather. “A lot of the lessons I’ve learned have come from him."

Leonard has helped the Fighting Irish ride a 13-game win streak heading into the national title game. En route to the matchup against Ohio State, Notre Dame has defeated Indiana, Georgia and Penn State in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard’s girlfriend, Molly Walding was on cloud nine after the Fighting Irish beat Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl Thursday to punch their ticket to the

Ohio State coaches and players view Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard as “a driving force” of the Fighting Irish with his running ability, leadership and competitiveness.

Riley Leonard and Will Howard are just two of the transfers poised to impact the CFP National Championship Game.

Megan Briggs/Getty Images Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard argued this year's national championship game is the work of some divine intervention. Leonard, 22, and the Fighting Irish will face The Ohio State University in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday,