Friday: Super Bowl Prediction

The weekend has arrived! And it’s time to preview this weekend’s biggest games.

Apparently there’s a big game in the NFL Sunday, so let’s start with that one.

The Marquee Matchup

Super Bowl, Denver vs. Seattle, Sunday, 5:25 p.m. (CST), FOX:

This is a dream matchup for me. The No. 1 offense vs. the No. 1 defense. The game’s best quarterback vs. the game’s best cornerback. Two of the best coaches in the game going head-to-head. It’s what every sports fan wants. Denver is the favorite by three points, mainly because it steamrolled through the regular season and playoffs. Seattle, on the other hand, gutted out most of its wins, using tough defense and a bruising run game. It’ll be an intriguing battle to say the least.

Seahawks corner Richard Sherman respects Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, but hasn’t backed down from his statement earlier in the week, saying the future Hall of Famer throws “ducks.” Granted, Manning’s arm strength probably isn’t the same as it once was, but expect him to challenge Sherman Sunday. If we know anything about Manning, he’s always going to let his play talk for him.

That won’t be the only matchup worth watching. How about the Seattle pass rush vs. the Denver offensive line? Manning has yet to be sacked this postseason, a reason why his numbers remain out of this world. Or how about the Bronco defense vs. Marshawn Lynch? Manning has been great in the playoffs, but Lynch has been just as good. The Broncos will have their hands full trying to stop the Seattle running back.

All right, it’s time for a prediction. I think Manning and Denver’s offense score some points. However, Seattle controls time of possession throughout, with Russell Wilson being a fantastic game manager. The Seahawks defense halts a Manning drive in the final minute and Lynch runs for over 100 yards and a couple touchdowns to claim the MVP award. Seattle 28 Denver 24.

Second Tier

No. 17 Duke @ No. 2 Syracuse, Saturday, 5:30 p.m., ESPN:

Believe it or not, there are other games this weekend. And this college basketball game is a pretty good one. For the first time these two legendary programs will face off as conference foes. The Orangemen enter the game undefeated, while Duke is coming off a win against No. 18 Pittsburgh. This game is all about the freshmen. Syracuse’s Tyler Ennis (12.4 points per game, 5.4 assists) is the most underrated freshmen in the game and Duke’s Jabari Parker (18.8 ppg) will likely be a first team All-American selection. The key factor in this game though will be C.J. Fair. Parker tends to struggle on defense and Syracuse’s best player could have himself a heck of a game Saturday. The Orange stay undefeated. Syracuse 81 Duke 76.

Might Get Interesting

No. 6 Kansas at No. 25 Texas, Saturday, 3 p.m., ESPN

The Jayhawks might be the hottest team in college basketball right now, but expect a fight from the Longhorns Saturday. Texas has won five straight, including wins against its last three ranked opponents. Kansas is the best team it’ll face yet, but the fact that the Longhorns are at home makes a difference. Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid lead the way for the Jayhawks but the difference in this game will be Perry Ellis. He led the way in a win against Iowa State earlier this week, and seems to be the difference maker in most games. I think Kansas wins, but it’s going to go down to the wire. Kansas 76 Texas 74.

Things I Missed

-Check out my game story from Nebraska’s win against Indiana last night.

-NBA All-Star teams have been selected. Here are the rosters.

-Cool discussion by Outside the Lines’ Bob Ley with wounded veterans who participated in the NFL alums vs. wounded veterans’ football game.

-President Obama claims the Sochi Olympics are safe after some speculation.

Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend everyone!

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