Who ya got?
The Super Bowl predictions of the U of R Rams
Ed Kapp
Sports Writer
On Sunday, the 2011-12 National Football League season will officially draw to a close when the New England Patriots square off against the New York Giants at Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
For your reading – or gambling – pleasure, the Carillon recently caught up with a number of University of Regina Rams to get their take on Sunday’s big game.
Addison Richards, wide receiver: The New England Patriots and New York Giants will meet for the second time on Super Bowl Sunday. I expect to see a very focused Tom Brady spread the ball around to all of his playmakers and lead his team to victory, paying back the Giants for the upset in Super Bowl 42. Patriots 31, Giants 21.
Marc Mueller, quarterback: I’ve been on the Giants bandwagon since they beat the [Dallas] Cowboys to make the playoffs, so I might as well stick with them. The Giants do exactly what the last few Super Bowl teams have been able to do: get after the quarterback and throw the ball. It should be a great game, but I’m thinking the G-Men by three. Eli Manning collects his second game MVP.
Tyler Mantyak, linebacker: I’m really hoping that the Giants will pull out another [win]. I remember cheering for them a few years back when the Patriots almost went undefeated. Sadly, I wouldn’t feel as confident betting money on the Giants this time around. They really need to put a lot of pressure on Brady with their defensive line and, even then, they will have to rely on him making a few mistakes. However, the Giants have an excellent offence with lots of scoring potential as well, so it should be a great game with lots of action in it.
Jared Janotta, slotback: This year’s Super Bowl is bound to be a classic: two real professional head coaches preparing their troops to be led by two of the game’s most elite QBs. However, I’m predicting Tom Brady to ball as hard as ever after being upset the last time these teams met in the big dance. New England struggled last week on [offence], but will be looking to put up major points this time around.
Rory Copithorn, slotback: It’s hard for me to choose a favourite when I’m still crying myself to sleep over the [San Francisco] 49ers’ loss. But, Tom Brady beat the son of God [Tim Tebow] a few weeks ago, so Peyton’s little brother should be peanuts compared to that.
Kahlen Branning, defensive back: The Giants should win this football game. They are peaking at the right time in the season. Justin Tuck and the rest of the D-Line are going to cause problems for Tom Brady, and Eli Manning is on a hot streak right now that cannot be stopped. Giants 31 Patriots 24.
Brenden Bennett, offensive lineman: This is the epic rematch of the 2008 Super Bowl, but I really don’t think the Giants can pull this one off again. Brady will rebound like he always does and I believe he’ll dominate on Sunday. As long as he can avoid the pressure from the Giants’ defence, Patriots win it 31-28.
Mark McConkey, wide receive: The Giants are a great playoff team, but I think Brady and the Patriots’ offence will take advantage of the indoor conditions. Patriots 24-14. Also, the indoor conditions increase the odds of Bill Belichick wearing a sweater with cut-off sleeves.
Anthony Dale, offensive lineman: I pick New York over the Pats 23-20, in a fairly defensive battle. If the Giants D-line can’t control Brady, they could find themselves watching Brady win 34-21.
