Coach Marcus Freeman’s Thoughts on Riley Leonard Ahead of Notre Dame’s Showdown with Florida State**

Riley Leonard’s first season as the starting quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has been impressive, to say the least. The junior signal-caller, who transferred from Duke, has quickly made his mark with his strong arm, mobility, and ability to perform under pressure. His leadership both on and off the field has been crucial for the Irish as they continue to chase College Football Playoff aspirations.

Coach Marcus Freeman, who has been instrumental in overseeing Leonard’s development, recently commented on what makes the quarterback stand out. “Riley has been everything we expected and more,” Freeman said. “He’s calm under pressure, he has the ability to make every throw, and he’s become a leader in that locker room. As a coach, it’s rare to find a player who has that level of maturity and poise, especially in his first season here.”

Freeman’s praise highlights not just Leonard’s physical tools but his mental approach to the game. The quarterback’s ability to stay poised even when the stakes are high has been a hallmark of his performances thus far, and it’s something Freeman believes will be crucial in the upcoming showdown with Florida State.

Florida State: A Tough Test for Notre Dame’s Offense

The Seminoles come into this game as one of the top teams in the country, and their defense will undoubtedly be one of the biggest tests for Leonard and the Irish offense. With star defensive players like **Jared Verse** on the edge, Florida State will look to disrupt the timing of Notre Dame’s passing game and force mistakes.

But Freeman is confident that Leonard will be able to handle the challenge. “Riley’s been through tough situations before, and he’s the kind of guy who thrives when the lights are brightest,” Freeman continued. “This is a huge test for him, but he’s shown in practices and in games that he can make the adjustments and lead us when we need him the most.”

With Florida State’s high-powered offense and potent defense, the Irish will need to execute on all fronts—especially at quarterback. Freeman believes Leonard’s ability to keep his composure and read the game will be pivotal. “Riley’s IQ and his ability to read defenses will be key. He’s not going to get rattled, and that’s what we need in a game like this.”

### **A Balanced Approach: Leonard’s Role in Notre Dame’s Offense**

While Leonard’s individual skills will be tested in this matchup, Coach Freeman has also emphasized the importance of a balanced offense. It won’t just be on Leonard’s shoulders to carry the team to victory. The running game, led by **Audric Estimé**, will be crucial in keeping Florida State’s defense on its heels.

“Riley is at his best when the run game is clicking,” Freeman said. “When we can establish the run, it opens up the play-action, and Riley’s ability to extend plays with his legs makes him even more dangerous. But he knows it’s not just about him; it’s about the team working together to control the clock and put points on the board.”

As Notre Dame looks to build momentum heading into this high-stakes matchup, Freeman has made it clear that Leonard’s role as a leader will be key. His ability to stay calm, manage the game, and make key plays under pressure will help determine the outcome of this highly anticipated clash with Florida State.

### **Looking Ahead: The Stakes of the Florida State Matchup**

For both Notre Dame and Florida State, this game could have major implications on the College Football Playoff race. A victory for the Irish would not only help them secure a spot near the top of the rankings but also send a strong message that they are a legitimate contender this season. Leonard’s performance, as Freeman notes, will be one of the biggest factors in determining the outcome.

“This is the type of game Riley has been waiting for,” Freeman said. “And we believe he’s ready for it.”

With Coach Freeman’s confidence in his quarterback and the team’s focus on executing the game plan, Notre Dame fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an intense, high-energy game against the Seminoles. If Riley Leonard plays up to his potential, Notre Dame could be in prime position to make a statement and keep their playoff hopes alive.

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This draft captures the key themes of Coach Freeman’s thoughts on Riley Leonard while previewing the importance of the upcoming matchup against Florida State. Let me know if you’d like to tweak anything or add more details!