Notre Dame’s season-end awards went largely as expected Friday night. Of the 13 honors on which this space offered predictions, nine were correct in some variety. Two of the remaining four were behind-the-scenes recognitions, ones a bit tougher to prognosticate.
As was deserved, senior receiver Chase Claypool headlined the evening, winning the Monogram MVP award.
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By the end of the night, the focus was already on what lies ahead, even beyond the Irish bowl date with Iowa State on Dec. 28. Most notably, fifth-year cornerback Shaun Crawford opened the figurative door to returning for a sixth season.