Super Bowl XLVIII (48, for those of you not fluent in Roman Numerals),is two weeks away, and it will be the Denver Broncos taking on the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on February 2. Don’t be fooled into thinking or believing that the game is in New York. Regardless, the weather will probably (and hopefully) be miserable, but at least we will get to see NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the rest of the rocket scientists that chose this venue, sitting outdoors in the stadium, having to brave the winter elements. At this time, the AccuWeather forecast for New Jersey the day of the game is a high of 37, with a low of 25, with a possibility of rain and snow showers. The forecast for Miami on Super Bowl Sunday - a high of 79, with a low of 64.
The early betting line now shows the Denver Broncos a slight favorite, anywhere from a 1 point to a 2 ½ point favorite. Believe me . . . . the line will move around over the endless two weeks leading up to the game. My pick for this game (unless something drastic happens) is still Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.
I finished the post season with a 7-2-1 record in my picks against the point spread. I should have gone to Las Vegas and put my money where my mouth was. I would be a wealthy man right now.
Denver Broncos 26 ( -5 ) New England Patriots 16
Peyton Manning completed 32 of 43 passes for 400 yards and two TD’s to lead the Broncos. The Broncos out-gained the Patriots 507 yards to 320, and dominated the time of possession, controlling the ball for almost 36 minutes vs. 24 minutes for the Pats.
Seattle Seahawks 23 ( -3 ) San Francisco 49ers 17
Marshawn Lynch ran for 109 yards and a touchdown, and Russell Wilson completed 16-25 passes for 215 yards. It was the Seattle defense, however, that came through in the end to hold off the stubborn 49ers. San Francisco QB Colin Paepernick threw for 153 yards and ran 11 times for 130 yards, but was forced into three turnovers by the ferocious Seahawks defense.
TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION: Broncos Head Coach John Fox joins a very select group to take two different teams to the Super Bowl. Who are they? The answer comes later, alligator.
The Dolphins continue to be in “interview” mode, and it is rapidly becoming easier to name those people who have NOT been interviewed for the position.
Here’s more on the Fins from Armando Salguero:
There’s always next season. 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 MLB news:
Masahiro Tanaka has six days left to decide where he will pitch next season, and there are at least 5 teams in the running:
Major League Baseball will begin an expanded instant replay format for the 2014 season. Here are the stories from ESPN and FOX SPORTS, along with expert commentary from Jayson Stark of ESPN, and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX SPORTS.
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:
The Heat won a pair of games this past weekend, as they ended a very rare three-game losing streak. On Friday, they overpowered the Philadelphia 76ers, 101-86, and on Saturday, they just got past the Charlotte Bobcats, 104-96, in overtime. It doesn’t get any easier this week. The Heat are in Atlanta today, to take on the Hawks, and the rest of the month is a who’s who on NBA powers - the Celtics on Tuesday night, the Lakers on Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, and the Oklahoma City Thunder next Wednesday, the 29th. NOTE: Today's game against the Hawks is an early start time - 5:30 pm.
The Heat’s schedule for the rest of the month:
Heat @ Hawks Mon 1/20 5:30 pm Sun Sports
Celtics @ Heat Tue 1/21 7:30 pm Sun Sports
Lakers @ Heat Thu 1/23 8:00 pm TNT
Spurs @ Heat Sun 1/26 1:00 pm ABC
Thunder @ Heat Wed 1/29 7:00 pm Sun Sports, ESPN
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:
The Florida Panthers are on the road, with games tonight, in Pittsburgh, against the Penguins, and on Tuesday in Buffalo, against the Sabres. Game times for both games is 7:00 pm, and you can watch them on Fox Sports Florida. The Cats return home to the BB&T Center to take on the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, before heading out to Detroit, to take on the Red Wings on Sunday.
In soccer, Major League Soccer expects to make an announcement on David Beckham’s plans for an expansion team in Miami within the next two or three weeks.
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: Broncos Head Coach John Fox joins a very select group to take two different teams to the Super Bowl. Who are they?
Fox is the sixth coach to lead two different teams to the Super Bowl. He is looking to become the first one to win the Super Bowl with two different clubs.
Don Shula Colts (III) Dolphins (VI, VII, VIII, XVII, XIX)
Bill Parcells Giants (XXI, XXV) Patriots (XXXI)
Dan Reeves Broncos (XXI, XXII, XXIV) Falcons (XXXIII)
Dick Vermeil Eagles (XV) Rams (XXXIV)
Mike Holmgren Packers (XXXI, XXXII) Seahawks (XL)
John Fox Panthers (XXXVIII) Broncos (XLVIII)
Behave yourselves, and always remember that tomorrow will bring us a brand new day.
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