This Sunday, February 3rd, is Super Bowl XLVII (for those of you who don’t like Roman numerals, have no fear- that is “forty-seven or 47”). Now, I know some of us don’t have particularly strong feelings about this day beyond the commercials or Beyonce’s (and Destiny’s Child) half time show; however, I once had the unfortunate experience of being the recipient of puzzled/horrified looks paired with the sentence, “HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO IS PLAYING IN THE SUPER BOWL?” I felt embarrassed and sad. Luckily for you, my scarring experience inspired me to inform my fellow “football dummies” about the basic facts of the upcoming game. So read on, impress your friends, and pretend you already knew this stuff.
#1. Who is playing?
The Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.
#2. When?
Begins at 6:30 EST.
#3. Where?
The Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
#4. Current records?
Ravens are 10-6 and the 49ers 11-4-1
#5. The 49ers enter the game seeking their 6th Super Bowl win in team history (which would tie the Pittsburgh Steelers with the most Super Bowl wins). The 49ers have won ALL FIVE of their previous Super Bowls. Four for you 49ers, you go 49ers.
#6. The Ravens have won their only Super Bowl appearance against the New York Giants. What does this mean? Well, whoever wins this year will become the ONLY remaining team in the NFL to have appeared in multiple Super Bowls without losing a Super Bowl.
#7. The coaches are brothers! (The Raven’s coach is John Harbaugh and The 49ers’ coach is Jim Harbaugh – is that cute, or what?).
#8. Quarterbacks and their numbers?
Answer: Ravens – Joe Flacco (number 5)
49ers – Colin Kaepernick (number 7)
#9. Colors?
Answer: The 49ers will be wearing red jerseys (their team colors are red and metallic gold) and The Ravens will wear white jerseys and black pants (their team colors are purple, black, white and metallic gold).
#10. Current favorite/predicted winner?
Answer: 49ers. Why? Because despite the fact that 1) just two years after hiring a new coach (who never had been a head coach at this level before) and 2) they changed quarterbacks mid season, they have made the Super Bowl (this defies all logic and is very cool). The coach Jim Harbaugh has transformed this team that had been underachieving and made it a favorite to win the Super Bowl. Also, they are ranked in the Top 5 teams in rush defense and pass defense.
Now, here is a sample sentence that you can use to display your football knowledge and expertise: “Guys, lets get some wings at 5:30 so that they’re still hot by the time the game starts at 6:30 – man am I excited to see that Kapernick do his thing, he’s been killin’ it lately, I’m so glad he’s off the bench.” After that, you will have nothing to prove – you’re a master now.