Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard fought through an injury scare and a very forgettable first half to lead the Fighting Irish past Penn State in the Orange Bowl. It was a champion effort from a veteran who has had his hands on the wheel during a remarkable run to the national championship game.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws oranges to his teammates after winning the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Penn State, Thursday in Miami Gardens, Fla. Leonard grew up in Fairhope. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) AP

Leonard would be learning behind Josh Allen, but the quarterback may face an uphill battle to win the backup gig. The Bills current QB2 Mitch Trubisky's two-year, $5.2 million contract runs through the 2025 season and would likely be the favorite to retain the backup job over Leonard.