That big football game is on Sunday. The pre-game programming started a couple of days ago, and will run through to the kickoff on Sunday at 6:25 pm. You can catch Super Bowl 48 and all the commercials on FOX, Channel 7 in Miami.
Although most people are talking about this game being in New York, the game will actually be played in the state of New Jersey. The biggest story has been the weather, but the weather folks are now saying that the chances of snow during the game are “slim to none”. They are expecting snow today, and another front will pass through the area on Monday. Like the song says, “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow”. The forecast for Miami that day - a high of 80, with a low of 68, with pretty much no chance of rain.
For all of you, I bring you a digital copy of the Super Bowl 48 program you can download for your reading pleasure:
The betting line now has the Denver Broncos as a 2-point favorite. Here’s my analysis for the game:
I’m taking Denver minus the two points. Can’t pick against Peyton Manning, even against the #1 defense in the NFL. The Denver offensive line has been able to keep Manning well protected all season. Of course, the fact that Manning can get rid of the ball as quickly as he does really helps his O-line. His stellar group of receivers have been able to beat the best pass defenses, and that success should continue on Sunday. Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, and Wes Welker are really good, and don’t overlook the pass receiving abilities of running back Knowshon Moreno. Tight end Julius Thomas will be a factor as Manning looks for favorable match-ups against the Seahawks secondary and take advantage of the aggressiveness of safety Earl Thomas. The Denver tight end will line up all over the field against the man-to-man Seattle defense predominantly plays, although you can expect some two-deep zone coverages to try and change the looks they give Manning. A stat to look at: the Broncos receivers are the best in the NFL in yards-after-the-catch, the Seahawks defense was the best in the league defending yards-after-the-catch.
A wild card in this contest will be the ability of a banged-up Denver defense to control the Seattle tandem of QB Russell Wilson and RB Marshawn Lynch.
Again, at this point, it looks like the weather gods are going to be kind and it shouldn't be a factor. I am sticking with the team I picked at the beginning of the season . . . the Denver Broncos.
If you're having a Super Bowl party of some sort, here’s a PDF form of a party prop bet sheet, courtesy of Bovada, to use in your party among your friends. Print them up and pass them around to all your guests. Remember . . . BETTING IS ILLEGAL AT BUSHWOOD, SIR. This is for entertainment purposes only. NO WAGERING, PLEASE.
TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION: What player has participated in the most Super Bowl games and what head coach has coached the most Super Bowl games? The answer comes later, alligator.
TODAY’S BONUS TRIVIA QUESTION: Who is the only player to participate in both a Super Bowl and a World Series? The answer also comes later, alligator.
In the interest of fairness, here are a couple of New Yorkers that are really happy the Super Bowl is in the area:
Former FIU lineman Caylin Hauptmann is really enjoying his Super Bowl opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks:
On the Dolphins and the tired situation between Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin . . . CAN BOTH OF YOU PLEASE JUST GO AWAY AND CRAWL BACK UNDER WHATEVER ROCK YOU CAME FROM? Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
Here’s more on the Fins from Armando Salguero:
The Dolphins will play the AFC West and NFC North in addition to their usual AFC East opponents.
2014 Home schedule: Buffalo, New England, NY Jets, Kansas City, San Diego, Green Bay, Minnesota and Baltimore.
2014 Road schedule: Buffalo, New England, NY Jets, Denver, Chicago, Detroit, Oakland (in London), and Jacksonville.
Here is the 2014 draft order, according to ESPN. There are coin flips pending and the final order will be determined by playoff results. The only thing that is certain is that the Houston Texans are on the clock.
Mel Kiper and his hair bring us his first Mock Draft:
Of course, we can all continue to sleep at night, knowing full well that Aaron Hernandez remains in jail, where he belongs.
Let’s go to the Marlins and the rest of MLB:
Two class acts are retiring from baseball:
Keith Law of ESPN ranks the minor-league systems of all 30 MLB teams:
Here’s another sign that spring is approaching:
More from MLB:
Marlins’ pitchers and catchers report February 16th, position players arrive February 20th, and the spring training games begin February 26th, when the Fish play the University of Miami Hurricanes. They will then play the FIU Panthers on the 27th. Both of those games will be in Jupiter.
Here is the complete preseason schedule for the Fish:
Moving to the hardwood:
After getting trounced by the Thunder on Thursday, the Heat are in New York to take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. Maybe they’ll have time to hang around NYC and stay for that big football game on Sunday.
Turnovers were the problem against the Thunder:
The Heat’s upcoming schedule leading up to the NBA All-Star game on Sunday, February 16th:
Heat @ Knicks Sat 2/01 8:30 pm Sun Sports, ESPN
Pistons @ Heat Mon 2/03 7:30 pm Sun Sports
Heat @ Clippers Wed 2/05 10:30 pm Sun Sports, ESPN
Heat @ Jazz Sat 2/08 9:00 pm Sun Sports
Heat @ Suns Tue 2/11 9:00 pm Sun Sports
Heat @ Warriors Wed 2/12 10:30 pm Sun Sports
More Heat and NBA coverage:
Here is the Heat’s complete regular season schedule:
College Sports Information Central:
Manny Navarro and Susan Miller Degnan have the latest from Coral Gables.
From FIU, David J. Neal of the Herald has the latest in his blog:
Here’s the latest from Tallahassee and the Seminoles:
From Gainesville and the University of Florida:
We welcome the Central Florida Knights to the blog:
Let's go to the ice and the NHL.
The Florida Panthers fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs last night, 6-3. They continue on the road for a game on Saturday against Columbus and return home to face the Maple Leafs on Tuesday.
In boxing news,
Here is Santos Perez’ weekly boxing spotlight column from the Miami Herald.
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I’m selling three lots totaling a little over five acres in the beautiful North Carolina mountains, overlooking the New River, a quick 35-minute drive from Boone and Blowing Rock. Click here to see some photos and feel free to contact me if you have any questions:
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THE ANSWER TO TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION: What player has participated in the most Super Bowl games and what head coach has coached the most Super Bowl games?
Mike Lodish played in six games, four with the Buffalo Bills and two with the Denver Broncos. The head coach with the most Super Bowl appearances, of course, is Don Shula, who coached the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl 3, and the Dolphins in Super Bowls 6, 7, 8, 12, and 19.
THE ANSWER TO TODAY’S BONUS TRIVIA QUESTION: Who is the only player to participate in both a Super Bowl and a World Series?
“Neon” Deion Sanders played for the Atlanta Braves in the 1992 World Series and played for the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 29, where he intercepted a pass, and in Super Bowl 30 for the Dallas Cowboys, where he had a 47-yard pass reception. In the 1992 World Series, Sanders hit
.533 (8 hits in 15 AB), scored four runs and stole five bases.
Behave yourselves, and always remember that tomorrow will bring us a brand new day. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND ENJOY THE SUPER BOWL!!
