This treasure shouldn't be buried

Center Coogan, offensive line get MVP as Indiana polishes a gem

- BY ANTHONY SOLORZANO

HOOSIERS center Pat Coogan (78) was offensive MVP of the only bowl that still carries weight.

The Offensive Most Valuable Player of the Rose Bowl easily could have gone to Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

The Indiana quarterback finished the game with more touchdown passes than incompletions, threw for 192 yards and spread the ball to three teammates on scoring plays during their 38-3 rout of Alabama on New Year's Day.

Instead, the sports writers and broadcasters rewarded center Pat Coogan and the rest of the offensive line. After it was announced, the biggest celebration came from Mendoza, who jumped with excitement, smiled from ear to ear and pumped his fist as he swarmed his center with the rest of his teammates.

Just another assist from a leader.

"We work really hard every single day because not only do we enjoy football, we also enjoy winning," said Mendoza, who completed 14 of 16 passes.

“And we know what that takes. So every single day we're always going to put our best foot forward.”Coogan was the first offensive lineman to win the award since Norm Verry won it for USC in 1944.