It is finally here. The event that brings football fans and those that could care less about any sport together is upon us. It’s Super Bowl time! From corporate sponsors pouring millions of dollars into advertising, to rock stars performing before and during the game, to the actual game, this is the event that brings millions of Americans together for the sport’s spectacle of the year. Here in Indiana the excitement level is heightened this year because the state’s very own Indianapolis Colts are in it. The Colts will play the New Orleans Saints on February 7th in this year’s game.
Many analysts across the sport’s world believe this has the potential to be one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played. Both the Saints and the Colts have high octane offenses that were among the league’s best in the regular season. The defenses on the other hand would best be described as opportunistic. The Saints were one of the best in the league at creating turnovers, while the Colts did a great job of limiting opponents to field goals instead of touchdowns.
Most fans and analysts are excited for this game because of the great play by both quarterbacks in this Super Bowl. Some may even argue that this is one the best quarterback matchups in Super Bowl history. Drew Brees of the Saints has been one of the best passers in the league lately. He threw for over 4,000 yards in the last four consecutive seasons and threw at least 25 touchdown passes in each of those seasons. Brees matched his career high with 34 touchdown passes this year and completed over 70 percent of his passes. Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks to have ever played the game when his career is finished. Barring a lockout or injury Manning could own every major NFL passing record when he retires. He threw for 4,500 yards this season and had 33 touchdown passes. Both Brees and Manning are the masterminds behind these high powered offenses.
Colt’s fan, Kristine Hosinski, thinks Manning will be the difference in the game.
“The Colts will win because Manning has the experience and leadership needed to win a Super Bowl,” said Hosinski. “Manning is great under pressure and will make the big plays when he needs to. I think the Colts will win by ten.”
While there are many more Colt’s fans than Saint’s fans on the campus of Bethel College, I did manage to find a Saint’s fan. Sophomore Joe Rallo offered his keys and insight to the game.
“One of the keys will be the Saint’s secondary stepping up against the Colt’s passing attack,” stated Rallo. “Reggie [Bush] will need to have a big game so we can have a balanced offense. The defense will need to take some risks against Manning and hopefully force some turnovers. Also Drew Brees needs to be clutch as usual. My prediction is the Saints will win 35-32.”
Senior Tyler Brown also thinks the game will be high scoring and close, but he believes the Colts will come out victorious.
“It will be a very offensive game,” said Brown. “There will be lots of big plays from both teams. The Colt’s defense is better suited to play against the Saints offense than the Saint’s defense is against the Colt’s offense. The Colt’s will win 34-31.”
Like the previous fans, I too believe it will be a close game and a lot of fun to watch not just for Colts and Saint’s fans but even for the casual fans because of both offenses’ ability to score points in a hurry.