MIAMI — In an impressive 38-3 victory over Alabama at the Rose Bowl, Indiana’s spotlight didn’t land on Heisman Trophy recipient Fernando Mendoza or the electrifying receiver Elijah Sarratt. Surprisingly, the MVP honor was awarded to center Pat Coogan, a key member of the offensive line Mendoza fondly refers to as his “Hoggies.”

This group of unsung heroes plays a crucial role in ensuring Mendoza’s protection and enhancing the playmaking abilities of Indiana’s standout players. In a sport where offensive linemen often toil in obscurity, Coogan’s recognition marks a rare feat. It is the first instance since 1944 that an offensive lineman has been named MVP at the storied Rose Bowl, a fact that brought immense joy to Mendoza.

As Indiana gears up for Monday night’s College Football Playoff title showdown against Miami, Mendoza and his teammates attribute much of their success to their formidable presence on the front line. Despite the lack of widespread attention — with only left tackle Carter Smith drawing significant NFL interest — the team knows its strength lies in this unit.

“I would die for those guys,” Mendoza expressed on Saturday, highlighting the deep bond within the team. “They put their bodies on the line to protect me and the running backs every single play. Having not only great skill and talent but also remarkable character means the world. The connection we share is truly special.”

“I would die for those guys,” Mendoza said Saturday. “Those guys put their bodies on the line to protect myself or the running backs every single play, and it means so much to not only have great skill and talent but also great character. … It’s just such a special connection that we have with each other.”

Mendoza has thrown for 3,349 yards, 41 touchdowns and only six interceptions while completing 73% of his passes. He’s been praised for his accuracy and decision-making, but he says it’s the protection that makes his success possible.

“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.”