The Acorn’s Super Bowl XL showdown
Writers Kyle Jorrey and Stephen Dorman wage a war of words to decide who’ll win the big game

Jorrey

Outlook: Do you think it’s a coincidence that Super Bowl XL (extra large) will be the first for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ jolly fat man, Jerome Bettis, who’s made a career out of being the NFL’s most dangerous oversized running back? I think not.

Sure, Bettis might be pushing 35 in years and 300 in pounds, but the league’s beloved “Bus” is sure to leave his tire marks all over this one. On the other hand, I don’t think we’ll see much from MVP Shaun Alexander, who loves to put up big numbers against teams like the 49ers and Cardinals, but won’t have the same luck against the smashmouth Blitzburgh defense.

With the help of a revitalized passing attack, I expect the Steelers to be able to move the ball with great efficiency against a Seattle defense that has yet to be truly tested in the playoffs—or really all season long. It’s one thing to hold Washington and Carolina to 10 and 14 points respectively, but it’s another thing to do that to Pittsburgh, a team that’s scored 21 and 34 points in consecutive wins over Indianapolis and Denver, two of the league’s top teams.

With Ben Roethlisberger blossoming into the next great postseason quarterback, I think a good, but not great, Seattle defense will be hard-pressed to make stops when they need them.

Dorman

Prediction: I expect this one to stay close until the fourth quarter, when a turnover or special teams play will swing the game in Pittsburgh’s favor for good. Can you say, Troy Polamalu? Believe what you want, but this is the year of the Terrible Towel. Final score: Pittsburgh 30, Seattle 24.

MVP: Jerome Bettis

Most Underrated Super Bowl Snack: Without a doubt the most underrated Super Bowl snack of all time has to be Lil’ Smokies, those bite-size, barbecue sauceladen hot dogs that are usually reserved for open house at your local elementary school. Throw these out on the table before the big game and watch those toothpicks fly.

Best Prop Bet: Bettis to score more touchdowns in the game than Alexander.

Outlook: Well Jorrey, it looks like you went the safe route and took Pittsburgh, a four-time Super Bowl champion and a four-point favorite Sunday vs. Seattle.

Not me, buddy, I’m picking the Seahawks.

This Seattle team is very good. They’ve got the NFL MVP in running back Shaun Alexander. They’ve got the best left tackle in the league in Walter Jones, and one of the best guards in Steve Hutchinson. Darrell Jackson is a top-flight wide receiver. Tight end Jerramy Stevens is 6-foot-7 and can really catch the football.

Defensively, the Seahawks ranked fifth in rushing yards allowed per game (94.4 yards) and were No. 1 in the NFL with 50 sacks during the regular season.

Listen K.J., forget about winning another title for Pittsburgh, I say win one for Jimi Hendrix, and Kurt Cobain, and J.P. Patches, and William Boeing, and grunge rock, and rain six days a week.

Prediction: Super Bowls typically come down to quarterback play, and Hasselbeck—not to be confused with “Baywatch” stud David Hasselhoff—is on fire right now.

Hasselbeck’s completed 72.7 percent of his passes, thrown 13 touchdowns and has just one interception in his last seven games. Seahawks win a nail bitter, 28-27.

MVP: Matt Hasselbeck

Most Underrated Super Bowl Snack: Crockpot Spicy Pecans. It takes 2 1/2 hours to cook these beauties, but since you’re not doing anything besides watching T.V., I say go for it. Recipe at www.busycooks.about.com

Best Prop Bet: Pittsburgh’s Jerome Bettis to score first touchdown of the game (5-1 odds). He’s actually 5-1 to score the first touchdown of the second half, too. Play ’em both, but remember now, gambling, like drinking, should only be done in moderation. Good luck.