It is that time. The Super Bowl is only days away and SU has had the time to study the latest analytics, do the modeling and develop the predictive outcome with a statistical probability of .23 (hey, we need to be realistic here). Consider the following:

1. These are 2 evenly matched teams. We have the #1 seeds in each Conference.
2. Patrick Mahomes high ankle sprain is a major factor. SU says even if he comes into the game relatively healthy, it only takes one play for him to tweak it or have some 350-pound lineman fall on it. For SU, it tilts my predictive outcome away from the Chiefs to the Eagles.
3. Philadelphia’s defense is better. Fierce pass rush. Mahomes makes a living buying himself an extra second in the pocket. Will he have that time on Sunday?
4. Tyreek Hill will be missed in this game. Yes, Mahomes’ greatness enables him to still lead the team to the #1 seed and a great season. He is back in the Super Bowl but he won’t have a receiver of this quality available. And yes, Kelce will be the primary target but the Eagles will surely have a plan ready to limit that.
5. Jalen Hurts is not 100%. He has not been great in the playoffs even though the Eagles won easily in both games. However, the extra week off has to help.
6. Points will be scored. Both offenses can move up and down the field, and Andy Reid always introduces some creative wrinkles on offense.

SU predicts a Philadelphia victory: 28 – 24. Long-time subscriber and Eagles’ fan, J. Winston, will be happy come late Sunday night. As always, SU opens the floor for others to weigh in and post their predicted outcome. The winner receives the SU logoed backpack and water bottle. Be bold and have the chance to be celebrated by thousands of intergalactic SU subscribers.

In other news, what about Kyrie Irving? How does any NBA team build around him? Never happy – never. Always looking to blow it up. He was going to be a free agent come July of this year. SU says why not let Kevin Durant get healthy and see if they can make a run for the championship this year? Now, Irving can say that he was never going to re-sign with Brooklyn and he is doing them a favor by opting out now and letting them get something in return. Dallas jumped at the chance and there were several other suitors. Kyrie is a great talent – best 1-on-1 player in the NBA in my estimation. But not a good guy in the locker room or the media, and not someone you can control for what he will say next and who he will offend. Dallas is rolling the dice and you have to give Mark Cuban credit for being a risk taker. And perhaps Jason Kidd can get through to him more than other coaches. Something to watch for sure.

Tom Brady taking the year off in 2023. Nice if you can do it – and he certainly can. FOX is taking a chance that he will be compelling to listen to in the booth. SU says he doesn’t have to be a star – just avoid becoming annoying like Tony Romo this season. Do your homework and be a little insightful.

Great story at the University of Iowa, Kirk Ferentz, head coach, has had his son, Brian, work as the offensive coordinator. Their offense is always terrible – as in always. Last year, the defense scored 24% of the touchdowns, and the team averaged 17.7 points a game which in college football is pretty awful. His contract for this year requires the team to win 7 games, and average 25 points a game or else he is gone. Can you picture this? Running up the score in the early season games against the lesser teams on the schedule. Going for touchdowns at the end of blowout wins. I mean, this is pretty amazing – especially considering he is the coach’s son. Must see TV in 2023. Btw, former Michigan quarterback, Cade McNamara is their new QB for this season. SU never thought we would see something like this in college football.