From Notre Dame to Rose Bowl MVP: Former Irish star continues dominating

Of all the Notre Dame players to enter the transfer portal last winter, Pat Coogan's exit was among the departures that stung the most. It wasn't that the Irish were unable to replace his talent, but he was a vocal leader who routinely delivered speeches to his teammates that spurred them onto a path that didn't end until the National Championship Game.

Unfortunately, Coogan was a casualty of the incredible depth the Fighting Irish have built on the offensive front. That he was plenty good was obvious when he signed with Indiana, fresh off the program's first College Football Playoff appearance. This year, they've gone further, and Coogan is once again credited with having a massive part in that.

The Hoosiers absolutely blew the doors off Alabama on Saturday afternoon in the Rose Bowl. While there were plenty of people who could have been credited in the 38-3 victory, when it was time to hand out of the offensive MVP, it was the former Notre Dame standout who was tapped.

From Notre Dame football leadership to postseason dominance for Pat Coogan

Coogan shared the award with the rest of the Indiana offensive line, but he was chosen to be the man who represented the group on the dais to receive the award.

In what was peak Pat Coogan, when he was asked about what he was feeling in the moment, the offensive lineman thanked everyone for getting him to Bloomington. He then made it clear that Indiana are fighters and they still have work to do.

While the Notre Dame football team continues to sit on the sidelines and watch the College Football Playoff, Pat Coogan might make it necessary for Irish players and fans to root for the in-state rival that's never really been a rival. The Hoosiers look like a team of destiny, and the Irish could do worse than having a former leader of their squad winning it all.