Bob Haynie: The Big Game Can Be 'The Big Lame'
Super Bowl XLVIII is upon us and millions will be watching, as usual. The NFL's pigskin extravaganza is considered by many to be America's premiere sporting event. There used to be a time when the World Series, Kentucky Derby and a heavyweight title fight were on par with The Big Game. It's not even close now. The World Series and Derby still attract plenty of interest, for sure. Not Super Bowl interest. A heavyweight title fight? Most casual fans have no clue who the champions are and when they fight next.
Many times, however, the buildup and circus-like atmosphere that surrounds the event is more entertaining than the game itself.
Of the previous 47 Super Bowls played, 29 have been decided by double-digits or more. One of those blowouts featured the Baltimore Ravens who used an elite defense to destroy the New York Giants, 34-7, in SB XXXV.
Everyone I know has some sort get together to celebrate Super Sunday and there is never a of shortage of booze or food. Block pools and prop bets help to get people involved who usually wouldn't be that concerned with football. Let's not forget the halftime show that can be mesmerizing or a yawn-fest depending on your perspective.
All of this extra fun comes in handy in case the game turns into a dud.
To be fair, five of the last six Super Bowls have decided by single-digits. Even the Saints' 31-17 win over the Colts in SB XLIV was closer than the final score would indicate.
Sunday's matchup at MetLife Stadium features the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. It's Denver's top-ranked offense versus Seattle's top-ranked defense. We'll also see Broncos QB Peyton Manning and his league-record 55 TD passes against Seahawks CB Richard Sherman and his league-leading 8 INT's.
In two 13-3 teams, we are seeing the best that the NFL has to offer on their biggest stage.
Hopefully, we will get to see a Super Bowl worthy of the hype.
I think we will. In a high-scoring affair, I'll take the Seahawks 31-27.
Enjoy the game.