The one common denominator between the Irish teams that lost to Ohio State in the past two seasons was quarterback play. It wasn't Leonard then. but it's Leonard now.

But Howard has the benefit of someone like true freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith, who had 12 catches for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns in those spots (he’s also No. 4 in FBS with 349 receiving yards on all 3rd-down situations). Compare that to Notre Dame’s leader in those situations, Mitchell Evans, who had 6 catches for 86 yards.