Sports

Getting Ready for the Big Game

Patch answers some pressing questions ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.

It's Super Bowl Sunday.

Today millions of televisions across St. Charles County and, of course, the world will be tuned in for Super Bowl XLVI. Super Bowl Sunday is arguably the biggest non-officially recognized holiday in the country. In 2011, 106.5 milion viewers tuned in to catch the big game.

The 2012 version of the game should have ratings just as high. It's a time for parties and food. While waiting for the game to start, let's get to the bottom of some pressing questions before the big game. 

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What time does the game start? Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. Central time. Just remember, the day is filled with pre-game shows and plenty of pre-game pomp.

What channel? Super Bowl XLVI is on NBC. In St. Louis, that's KSDK Channel.

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Who is playing? Representing the NFC is the New York Giants (9-7 in the regular season). The AFC champs are the New England Patriots (13-3 in the regular season).

What Super Bowl is this? It's Super Bowl XLVI, or Super Bowl 46. The NFL may end the practice of using Roman numerals in 2016 because it doesn't want to have a Super Bowl L.

How did the Giants get here? The Giants had an uneven regular season, but have caught fire when the games started mattering more. After a 7-7 start, the Giants won the final two regular-season games to get into the playoffs. Once in the tournament, the Giants beat the Atlanta Falcons 24-2 in the first round. Round two saw New York knock off the heavily-favored Green Bay Packers 37-20. The Giants made it to the Super Bowl with a 20-17 win against the San Francisco 49ers.

How did the Patriots get here? New England crusied to another playoff berth this season with a sparkling 13-3 record. The Patriots failed to beat a team with a winning record during the regular season, but had no issues with that in the playoffs. After a first-round bye, the Pats pounded Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos 45-10 in round No. 2. In the AFC title game, New England beat the Baltimore Ravens 23-20.

Who won the last matchup? In Week 9 of the regular season the Giants beat the Patriots 24-20. The last time the two teams met in the Super Bowl? It was 2007 when the Giants upset the previously-unbeaten Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII.

Who is the halftime entertainment? Madonna and the NFL may not seen like a match on paper, but the 53-year-old singer got the call for tonight. MTV has a breakdown of the guests and songs that may make an appearance tonight.

What's the gambling line? Bovada.com has the line at Patriots -3.

Who ya got? Make your predictions in the comments below.


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