With a 9-0 record, Indiana is in the perfect position to qualify for the playoffs. This marks a stark contrast from the 2023 season, when they finished the season with a 3-9 record. HC Curt Cignetti has led the team to the top with the key signings he made earlier this season. One of those signings has clearly felt the similarities since leaving his previous team, taking it to the press to talk about what it feels like being a part of Indiana.

After making a tough career decision, OL Pat Coogan chose to join the Hoosiers after leaving Notre Dame. He played for the Fighting Irish for three years from 2021-2024. He was a part of Notre Dame’s team that reached the CFP National Championship Game last season. That caught the eye of Curt Cignetti, who made sure the OL joined their side. It seems like he made the right decision, as Indiana currently sits at the top of the B1G conference. On Tuesday, Coogan spoke to the media to discuss the similarities between the 2024 Notre Dame team and Indiana this season.

“I think the ability to take each day as its own, the ability to build on each day, each week. Even though you may have won on Saturday, building and getting better every week, no matter what the score said, knowing there’s always room to improve. Just the guys in the locker room playing for each other. The offense 11 as one really playing for a bigger purpose, bigger than themselves, and really just going out there and fighting for each other.” Pat Coogan said on the 4th November episode of The Daily Hoosiers. His praise didn’t just stop at his teammates.

The 6’5″, 311 lbs OL also gave his flowers to OL coach Bob Bostad. “He’s a good guy, and we have a great relationship, and he loves ball, man. I tell you that much. Like he’s all about ball all the time. Very serious guy for sure, but he’s all about business, and I think that’s translated to us and worked really well,” expressed Coogan.

Since transferring to Indiana, Pat Coogan has been the center of Cignetti’s offensive line. He has 1 solo tackle this season, which, funnily enough, is the same stat record he had with Notre Dame in three years. Minimal stats, yes, but that is due to what his position demands. His influence in blocking rushes, passes, and guarding has helped QB Fernando Mendoza make plays freely this season. Now that Indiana is on the cusp of reaching the playoffs, it may be an all too familiar feeling for Coogan.

Can Curt Cignetti’s Indiana make it deep in the playoffs?

Being part of the magical 2024 Notre Dame, Pat Coogan knows what it feels like to play in the playoffs. While the Fighting Irish fell short in the final, Coogan has the chance to make it right this time. The Hoosiers have looked very impressive this season. They have scored 46.4 points per game, which ranks them No.1 nationally. In defense, they have allowed only 10.8 points per game, ranking them third nationally. These stats make them one of the most dangerous teams in college football right now.

However, the playoffs are much different from the regular season. The opening stage of the playoffs often challenges even the top teams. Sometimes, the team you least expect to win pulls off an upset, adding to the beauty of the sport we all love. This is where Coogan’s experience will come into play, helping Curt Cignetti’s side to be ready mentally and physically.

If the Hoosiers advance past the first stage, they’ll eventually have to lock horns with the top contenders. With seasoned opponents like Ohio State and the new and dominant Texas A&M in the mix, the road ahead looks rough for Indiana.