Riley Leonard opened the national championship game with a do-it-all drive that made it appear the Notre Dame quarterback could win the title by himself. As it turned out, Leonard needed more help.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard struck first Monday night to lead the Irish to a 7-0 lead against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship game. Leonard, the Fairhope, Ala., native, carried the ball nine times for for 34 yards, ending with a 1-yard run with 9:45 left in the half.

Riley Leonard had a message after Notre Dame jumped out to an early lead over Ohio State in the national championship game.

While Notre Dame fell short of the main goal of winning a natty, Leonard and the Fighting Irish can still be proud of what they have accomplished, having made it to the CFP title game after beating the likes of No. 10 seed Indiana Hoosiers, No. 2 seed Georgia Bulldogs and No. 6 seed Penn State Nittany Lions.

Notre Dame suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Ohio State on Monday night, with quarterback Riley Leonard's inspired second-half fightback coming to nothing as Ohio State won the National Championship

Following Notre Dame’s 18-play opening drive to kickoff the College Football Playoff National Championship against Ohio State, quarterback Riley Leonard had a strong message to those watching at home.