"There's no consideration": Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman addresses talks of benching quarterback Riley Leonard ahead of Week 3

Riley Leonard’s performance in Notre Dame's loss to NIU was largely criticized by fans. The Fighting Irish suffered an upset against the Football Championship Subdivision team, leading many to doubt the ability of the quarterback to lead the team to success.

There has been a lot of talk in several quarters about benching Riley Leonard for the Irish’s next game against Purdue as the team seeks to bounce back from the disappointment of Week 2. However, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman ruled out the possibility.

“There is no consideration (of benching Leonard),” Freeman said. "There are times that he has to throw the ball better. He knows that, and his fundamentals have to be better. His decision-making has to be better, but we also have to be better around him.

“That's what we're asking him to do and what we're asking him to read. We've got to catch the ball when he throws it. We've got to be better on contested catches. There're fingers at everybody. We're pointing our fingers at everybody.”

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Riley Leonard acknowledges his mistakes in NIU loss

Riley Leonard's performance against NIU wasn't much to write home about. The quarterback completed 20-of-33 passes for 163 yards without a passing touchdown. However, he threw two interceptions in the contest, one of which led to the Huskies' game-winning field goal.

The Duke transfer’s role in the shock loss is disappointing and hurtful for fans. However, the quarterback admits his mistakes in the run of play, assuring that he will make the necessary corrections in his game.

“Totally bad read," Leonard said. "That single-high safety was attacking to the inside post. Bad eyes, bad feet, bad ball. It resulted in a pick. It can't happen.

“Clearly, that was my fault. I've got to fix it. It starts in practice. I've got to have better practices all week and be more disciplined with my eyes. I've got to clean up my game all around to win the football game.”

It's worth noting that Riley Leonard suffered an injury in the Saturday game against NIU. The signal caller injured his posterior labrum on his non-throwing shoulder during the game. However, he's not expected to miss the Week 3 game against Purdue.

It isn't Leonard's first encounter with injury in recent seasons. The quarterback missed five games at Duke last season after injuring his right ankle against Notre Dame. He also underwent tightrope ankle surgery following his transfer to South Bend in January.