MIAMI — In a stunning 38-3 victory over Alabama at the Rose Bowl, Indiana’s triumphant moment didn’t belong to Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza or star receiver Elijah Sarratt. Instead, it was center Pat Coogan who earned the coveted MVP title.
Coogan, a crucial part of what Mendoza affectionately dubs his “Hoggies,” plays a pivotal role on the offensive line, a unit responsible for safeguarding the quarterback and opening up plays for Indiana’s offensive talents.
This recognition marks a historic moment, as it’s the first time since 1944 that an offensive lineman has claimed the MVP honor at the storied Rose Bowl. Mendoza was elated upon learning of Coogan’s well-deserved accolade.
As Indiana eyes further glory in the upcoming College Football Playoff title game against Miami, Mendoza and his squad emphasize that their success hinges on the formidable prowess of their offensive line. Remarkably, only one lineman, left tackle Carter Smith, is currently drawing attention from NFL scouts.
“I would lay it all on the line for those guys,” Mendoza expressed on Saturday. “They sacrifice their bodies every play to protect me and the running backs. It’s not just about their skill and talent; it’s about the incredible character they possess. The bond we share is truly special.”
With an impressive season tally of 3,349 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, and a completion rate of 73%, Mendoza’s precision and decision-making have been widely praised. However, he attributes much of his success to the steadfast protection provided by his offensive line.
“Without those guys, I wouldn’t be able to do it. With them, I’m able to get through my entire progression,” Mendoza said. “I think that’s why my completion percentage has been so high, because I haven’t really had to throw the ball away much, just because they’ve been efficient up front. Also, I have such great teammates, such great receivers, tight ends, running backs … the offensive line, I just get to be a point guard.”
Roman Hemby, who leads the Hoosiers with 1,060 rushing yards, came to a similar conclusion.
“The offensive line is really great,” Hemby said. “I feel like we wouldn’t be in this position without them, without them protecting Fernando, without them opening up holes to kind of make it easy for myself and Kaelon Black to run. Without them, I don’t think I would have the success that I’m having.”
Indiana (15-0) is seeking the program’s first national title, having dominated its two CFP opponents by a combined score of 94-25. Meanwhile, Miami (13-2) squeaked into the playoff and knocked off Texas A&M, defending champ Ohio State and Mississippi en route to the championship game – and the Hurricanes can thank a standout defense for their improbable run.
Miami has an FBS-high 47 sacks, two more than Indiana. Ahkeem Mesidor leads the team with 15 1/2 tackles for loss, 10 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles. Rueben Bain Jr. has 13 tackles for loss, 8 1/2 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.
Coogan acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“It’s an elite front. Across the board, their front four is just extremely explosive,” Coogan said. “Certainly, you know, just the caliber of players on the outside and the inside – just across the board, just extremely violent, twitchy, explosive, long, great with their hands, great at working an edge.”
For Indiana, finishing its season with a championship will mean doing what it’s done all year, even against traditional powers like Alabama: winning the battle in the trenches.
“It all starts up front with those guys,” offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan said, “and we’re going to need them to have a big game for us on Monday night.”
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