Finally, game on — the Super Bowl XLVIII pick

I must admit I’m not real good at waiting. Nothing bothers me more than waiting in line at the theater or a restaurant. Let’s be honest, how many times have you gone by the Dairy Queen in Winsted and not stopped because of the length of the line? How about waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store. Do you not survey the area for a shorter line? I’m not alone when it comes to waiting.How does this relate to the Super Bowl? Simple — I’m not only tired of waiting for the game to be played, but more importantly I’ve had it up to my eyebrows with all the hype that I’ve been bombarded with leading up to the game. I don’t know about you, but it seems like the Seahawks and the Broncos last took to the playing field weeks ago.Thankfully, most of that will be behind us by the time you read this. There will be no need for the usual pregame pitch of, “Are you ready for some football?” The obvious answer is yes, because everyone has grown weary of waiting for the game to be played. Who do you like? Who do you think will win and why? I think most every fan asks themselves those questions before making their prediction. Here are my answers.Who do I like? Well, to be honest, I like Peyton Manning both on the field and off. The year he has had will go down as the greatest to date, and it would be fitting that he caps off this marvelous season with a victory in the Super Bowl. Can he do it? Absolutely, but it is by no means a given. Two factors that must be taken into consideration in determining the Broncos and Manning’s fate in this game are the probability of foul weather and Manning’s lack of mobility. Everyone is aware of his sub par history playing in icy cold temperatures, but the weather will be the same for both teams. More importantly, his inability to move out of the pocket can be compensated for with a game plan that utilizes what he does best. No QB in the game is more adept at throwing short passes to a variety of receivers utilizing a short drop and an ultra-quick release. Combine that with a solid performance by the Broncos running game led by Knowshon Moreno, and you just may have the formula needed to win the game.Who do I think will win the game and why? First off, I have said all year long that I think the Seahawks are the best team in football, and I’m not about to jump ship at this point in time. But as to why I think they will win, there are a number of reasons.A great defense and the ability to run the ball effectively are two major components needed to win big games, and the Seahawks have both. During the course of the season the defense gave up the fewest points of any team while compiling the best overall defensive statistics in the league. In particular, the defensive secondary is loaded with quick, hard-hitting defensive backs all capable of making a big play. As for their running game, Marshawn Lynch has reached star status in the past few weeks and to me will be a difference-maker. A big, strong runner who has the speed to outrun a secondary when he makes it past the line of scrimmage, Lynch will be a major factor in the outcome of the game.Per usual, each team’s quarterback will play a key role for their respective team. Manning is Manning, certainly one of the greatest ever, versus the young and talented Russell Wilson. Here’s the difference-maker for me. Wilson has the ability not only to pass effectively, but he can hurt you with his feet, which is something Manning cannot do. More importantly, however, I truly believe that Wilson is less apt to make mistakes because he rarely tries to force a pass into tight coverage. For his age he shows great patience and a willingness to throw the ball away rather than chance an interception.The beauty of picking the winner in this game is that I really can’t lose. If the Broncos win, I’ll be happy that Manning ends the season with his second Super Bowl ring. If the Seahawks win, it lends a bit of credibility to me saying all season long that they were the best team in the NFL.In the end I think turnovers will be the key to winning this game, and I think the Seahawks will force a key one late in the game that will be the difference-maker. The way I see it, I’ll stick with my season-long favorite, the Seattle Seahawks, to win Super Bowl XLVIII, 24-20.