Notre Dame defeated the Georgia Bulldogs and advanced to the "Final Four" of the new College Football Playoffs. Notre Dame will play Penn State for a chance at the National Championship game. So why does this matter so much to locals at the beach and in Baldwin County?

The young phenom leading the 'Fighting Irish' is from Fairhope, Alabama, and his father Chad was on the Gulf Shores Chamber's Board while he managed several golf courses in the area.

Riley Leonard is having a dream season as quarterback at Notre Dame. He has a 66.5% completion percentage, has thrown for 2,383 yards and had a 137.4 passer rating this season. His team has beaten FIVE top ranked opponents this season.

The senior has also accepted an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl , giving him an opportunity to to impress NFL teams.

Riley played his high school football for the Fairhope Pirates where he amassed 25 touchdowns and 1,900 yards passing in his last season. He also played at Duke previously before his transfer to Notre Dame.

Sports broadcasters from ESPN and other outlets are singing his praise this year as he leads the golden domers of Notre Dame in a charge to the National Playoffs. Riley's 6'4", 216lb. frame is helping him along the way

Also there is this statement from Riley Leonard during an interview: "Every single person in that city that I came into contact with helped me with my faith. I'm able to bring that here. Obviously that's the most important thing in my life," he told The Irish Tribune at the time. "When I go to bed at night, I’m not thinking, ‘How many touchdown passes did I throw? Did we win or lose?’ I'm thinking, 'Did I better my relationship with Jesus Christ? Did I treat my girlfriend with respect? Did I call my parents?"

There will be plenty of local fans cheering for Riley on January 9, at 6:30 central time. The game will be televised on ESPN from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.