IUSC staff Super Bowl Predictions
Lucas Meyer - Indianapolis Colts 38, New Orleans Saints 31 . The score wouldn’t be this close without the injury to Dwight Freeney. While the Colts are the superior team, the game could get close because Indianapolis needs Freeney to keep pressure on Brees. The Saints QB is close to unstoppable when given time in the pocket. If pressured, the Colts would have a good chance of forcing some turnovers. This game will come down to the Saints being unable stop Peyton Manning. At this point, I’m not sure Superman can stop Manning. We are seeing the career of the greatest quarterback of all time unfold before our eyes. The Saints defense is good at one thing, and that’s getting turnovers — but Manning will not be turning the ball over. If Freeney plays at 100%, the Colts win big. Even without him, they still win by a touchdown.
Logan Roberson – Indianapolis Colts 31, New Orleans 24 . This has all the makings of a great Super Bowl; two great quarterbacks, good receivers, and underrated defenses. I believe Dwight Freeney will play and be affective and Peyton Manning and the Colts offense will work their magic as always and pull out a tight game.
Casey Richards – Indianapolis Colts 27, New Orleans Saints 20
Kevin Blodorn – Indianapolis Colts 34, New Orleans Saints 24
Caitlin Davis – Indianapolis Colts 34, New Orleans Saints 28
Joshua Bowles – Indianapolis Colts 31, New Orleans Saints 17
James Hasser – Indianapolis Colts 35, New Orleans Saints 27
Galen Clavio – Indianapolis Colts 38, New Orleans Saints 21 . This has all the makings of one of those lopsided NFC-AFC games from the 80’s and 90’s, except in reverse. The Saints arguably peaked in their demolition of New England on Monday Night Football; they’ve treaded water since, barely beating a 5-turnover Minnesota team at home for the right to go to the Super Bowl. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Saints get off to a hot start, particularly on offense. However, I think it’s funny how the “common wisdom” has slowly gravitated towards the Saints this week. As Bill Simmons said on his podcast, it’s almost a situation where people have too much time on their hands, so they talk themselves into a bad pick. The Colts faced easily the best defense of the 2006 season in the Super Bowl, played in inclement weather, and soundly defeated Chicago. How do you think they’ll fare against a decidedly average defense, in perfect weather conditions? Barring an unexpected injury, I expect Indy to roll.