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Super Bowl: Advocate intern tells why Steelers will win

February 03, 2006|KEVIN SMILEY

In history, there have been many great questions. But one question eclipses them all in importance. Who will win Super Bowl XL?

As the intern here at the Advocate and a die-hard Pittsburgh fan, it's easy not to take me seriously when I claim that the Steelers will win by three touchdowns. But here are my reasons and other game thoughts.

1.) Defense will certainly dominate the day. Pittsburgh's D has throttled playoff opponents and caused enough sacks to rattle any opponent (just ask Peyton Manning). Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselback has had a solid year, but not a solid career. When the pressure comes, expect Hasselback to take a lot of sacks and throw an interception or two.

2.) Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been unstoppable in the playoffs. Despite facing defenses in the playoffs that have made teams cry all year, he has a remarkable 124. 8 passer rating for the postseason. Though Seattle's D has been strong all year, it doesn't matter because Roethlisberger's proven that he is used to it. Still, the Seahawks will be a big test that could make Roethlisberger look like the young player that he is. If they do that, it will be a close game.

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3.) The Terrible Towel has made amazing appearances all around the country. Even in Denver, the Terrible Towel was waving in large numbers. There is supposed to be fan parity at the Super Bowl, but Steeler fans have proven to be very sneaky people and will fill the stands at Ford Field with the yellow towels.

4.) The Seahawks have an excellent running back in Kentucky native Shaun Alexander. If the Seahawks wish to be successful, they will have to run the ball well behind their strong offensive line. If Alexander doesn't hit at least 100 yards, the Seahawks will have to kiss any chance of their first super bowl win good-bye.

5.) It is certainly nice to see Jerome Bettis play what is likely to be his last game in his hometown. A fitting tribute to a role model star.

6.) The Steelers have made teams play catch-up throughout the playoffs and then grind out the clock. Those who do not like football but watch the game for the commercials will be pleasantly surprised at the shorter game time if the Steelers jump on top early. I think we all hope that the bloated Super Bowl will go a little quicker this time around.

7.) The Rolling Stones will be performing at halftime. If Mick Jagger is wearing excessively tight pants (as he is prone to do), I urge you to join me in turning off the TV until the second half. You would think the NFL would tap Motown talent for the Super Bowl in Detroit.

Here's my final pick: Steelers 34, Seahawks 13.

Kevin Smiley is an intern working at The Advocate-Messenger.

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