Sunday marks the 47th installment of the Super Bowl. What makes the day unique is the opposing head coaches are brothers. Members of The Eastern Echo staff as well as notable people around Eastern Michigan University have chimed in with their Super Bowl predictions.
Geoff Larcom, EMU executive director of media relations: “Washtenaw County has been hoping for a ‘Har-bowl,’ matching Pioneer High graduate John against his brother Jim, a former Tappan Jr. High rascal who was the first celebrity athlete in the area to organize charity golf events here. Both great coaches and terrific motivators with deep Ann Arbor backgrounds. I like the Ravens, who have beaten Denver and New England on the road and are playing dominant football. And because Ray Lewis told me to pick them.”
Michael Hart, running backs coach—EMU football: “I think these are two evenly matched teams, but I am going with the 49ers because one of my teammates [former University of Michigan wide receiver] Mario Manningham is on their roster.”
Tory Verdi, head coach—EMU women’s basketball: “I’m gonna say the 49ers are gonna win it. Obviously it’s an unbelievable situation to have two brothers coaching the teams. That’s just a dream in itself.”
Swoop, EMU mascot: “Baltimore Ravens. Because us birds have to stick together.”
Al Willman, Echo sports editor: “49ers for three reasons. First, I am also a Steelers fan, so I automatically root against the Ravens. Second, I really like what Colin Kaepernick has done with the 49ers offense. Third, I have a Mountain Dew bet with Geoff Larcom on the outcome.”
Alex Alvarado, Echo staff writer: “I know the 49ers are an overall better team than the Ravens, but my gut tells me that the Ravens will pull this out. Joe Flacco is not the best quarterback, but he’s led his team to wins … Sure, Ray Lewis will have an emotional game, but don’t forget about Torrey Smith and the tragedy he’s had to deal with.”
Eugene Evans, Echo staff writer: “49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s arm and legs will prove to be too much for the Ravens defense. Expect [49ers] wide receiver Michael Crabtree to have a field day against the Ravens.”
Thomas Bieszk, Echo staff writer: “The Baltimore Ravens will win the Super Bowl on Sunday. Joe Flacco has really stepped up his game from recent years, and he, along with Ray Rice, gives the Ravens’ offense balance. It also helps that Baltimore is a more motivated team to win for aged veterans like linebacker Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed and center Matt Birk.”
Andrew Mascharka, Echo photographer: “Ravens. It will be a big defensive game for both teams, but Joe Flacco will do just enough to edge out the 49ers. The inexperience of Colin Kaepernick will finally catch up to him.”
We’d like to hear your predictions, leave comments online at www.easternecho.com, or tweet on Twitter @TheEasternEcho.
Super Bowl XLVII will be shown on CBS, with coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening.
