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Sunday, February 05, 2006

Super Bowl XL Sunday February 5, 2006

Here we are, finally at the conclusion of another epic football season. This is the game that everyone comes to watch, some for the game, some for the commercials. As we sit back and enjoy the company around us and the game, us football fanatics also have this sick sort of disgust that we will not see another game for 7 months. This is the time where everyone feels like a gambler too. From office pools to straight bets, the Super Bowl is the most wagered on single event in the world, recording somewhere in the billions of dollars.

Well, as for the game, I really see this game going either way. There is no clear cut favorite, although Vegas is bluffing a Wildcard team as a four point favorite. What is ironic is the actual Super Bowl games themselves I can never seem to remember. I can recall the regular season and playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl much better. The collective gathering of a bunch of hooligans to watch a game distorts the memory of what actually happens and the focus is more on the party at the house and the commercials that stuck out.

Pittsburgh is coming into this game cocky and with high emotions. From Bettis playing his last game in Detriot to the terrible towel fans who follow them everywhere, they speak with a sense of assurance that there is no other ending aside from the one with them holding the Vince Lombardi trophy at the end of the day. Added to that, the backing of the oddsmakers with a four point favorite to really screw with peoples minds to make them think, will they win by four? The whole thought of Seattle winning is out the door at this point. Seattle who? Is that their opponent? Seattle, on the other hand is just making their first Super Bowl appearance ever with good talent on both sides of the field. What I really liked was how Hassleback took over and won that Washington game without Alexander. I believe his performance in that game will be indicative of how the Super Bowl will be played out. If Pittsburgh stuffs the run, which I think they are capable of, then Hassleback has shown us the courage to make it happen through the air against a stout defense before. As for the Steelers, the only drawback I see to them winning this game is they rested an extra week. It's like waking up with a cold shower after a good dream, you sit back and reflect on that dream before you play it out. When it comes down to it, Roethlisberger is still going to manage the game and keep the lead or keep them close the whole game. The question is can they fall behind by two scores, because if they do, they are not a good comeback team. I do not trust Roethlisberger in a come from behind game, I can see him throwing it away by trying to make things happen, rather than taking what is given to him when they are in the lead. Just as they have struggled to run in the playoffs, I see Pittsburgh trying to force feed Parker, Bettis, and Haynes the football. Boy I hope they do not have the lead cause this game will be boring, a la Ottis Andersen and the NY Giants in their Super Bowl win against the Bills.

My prediction is Pittsburgh 27 Seattle 24.

Have fun watching the game, and see you all next season!