Michael Morgan of Life Prep Academy

Now that both Conference Championship Games are finished, the Super Bowl matchup is set: the New England Patriots vs. the Seattle Seahawks. Although, this matchup did not come to be without some controversy.

In their 45-7 blowout over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game, the New England Patriots reportedly “didn’t inflate their footballs to NFL standards.” The balls were only used in the first half of the game, after that officials recognized the footballs weren’t up to par. This has sparked up much controversy, especially because of the “Spygate” scandal the Patriots were involved with during the 2007 Season. Many people have spoken out about the inflation issue, some saying that the Patriots should have draft picks taken away, to the more extreme suggestions, such as Coach Bill Belichick being suspended all of next year, to even the Patriots being revoked the right to play in the Super Bowl. Hopefully, this issue will be resolved.

When the Seattle Seahawks beat the Green Bay Packers 28-22 in the NFC Championship Game, it marked the 10th time that Russell Wilson has made a comeback late in a game. Wilson is also 10-0 against Super Bowl winning quarterbacks. Is Russell Wilson the key to Seattle’s Super Bowl chances, or is it their defense and rushing attack? I’d say the latter. If you look at the NFC Championship Game, you’ll notice that Wilson threw four interceptions, and it required a “trick” field goal, an onside kick recovery and a crazy two-point conversion to get the win. I’m not trying to say Wilson isn’t a good quarterback because he is; all I’m saying is that he may not be “elite” like many people say he is. I think of him as the quarterback for an elite defense and rushing attack, who can manage games well and has the ability to extend plays.

With all of this being said, I do have a prediction for the Super Bowl. Seattle: 30 – New England: 24. Yes, I am picking the Seahawks to repeat as champions! I think that Pete Carroll will out-coach Bill Belichick, Marshawn Lynch will have another monster game and the “Legion of Boom,” along with the rest of the Seahawks’ defense, will get the best of Future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady. We’ll have to tune in on February 1st to find out if my prediction is correct.

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