Former Bucs DT takes a shot at Greg McElroy with a "backhanded compliment" while comparing him to Riley Leonard

Riley Leonard and Notre Dame knocked off Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, earning a ticket to the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Orange Bowl. The Fighting Irish will face Penn State in Miami Gardens, but Booger McFarland isn't sold on Leonard's ability to lead Notre Dame to the national title game.

On "Always College Football" with Greg McElroy, McFarland compared Riley Leonard to Greg McElroy.

"I'm gonna lean Notre Dame in this one," McFarland said. "With a small caveat on Riley Leonard. I like Riley Leonard. He's like a 'McElroy light.' Super smart kid, he's way more athletic than you. But, if I had to put the game on your shoulders, I would feel more comfortable than if I had to put the game on Riley Leonard's shoulders. But by no means do I wanna put it on either one of your shoulders."

McElroy batted his eyes and shook his head as McFarland, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle, shared his opinion, then smiled as he responded to McFarland's comment.

"That's a really nice backhanded compliment. I appreciate that. It works. Makes sense," McElroy said.

McElroy was a solid collegiate player in his own right. He quarterbacked Alabama to a 14-0 season, an SEC crown, and a BCS National Championship in 2009. He continued to spend time with the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals on the professional level.

How Riley Leonard has helped Notre Dame this season

McFarland has also gone on record saying Nittany Lions passer Drew Allar is the more talented of the two signal-callers that will face off Thursday. Leonard's side has won a dozen games in a row since an embarrassing 16-14 home upset to Northern Illinois in September.

At that point, the Fighting Irish's postseason chances were in serious doubt. Some, such as ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, thought they'd have no shot at running the table and ensuring their entry into the bracket. Notre Dame is one of few independent programs in the sport and had no way to make the playoff as a conference champion because of that.

Eleven of those victories have come in double digits, including both playoff triumphs. However, Leonard, a Duke transfer, only had 90 passing yards in the win over the SEC-champion Bulldogs. He also led the Fighting Irish with 80 yards on the ground.

Leonard's single-game season-high passing yards came against Georgia Tech on Oct. 19. He went 20 for 29 for 203 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception in the 31-13 win over the Yellow Jackets.

With the stage set, Leonard will have to play well to give Notre Dame a chance to get past James Franklin and Penn State.