Bruins In The Super Bowl – A UCLA Perspective On The Biggest Game Of The Year
UCLA Bruins
It is set Ladies and Gentlemen! As Ace Ventura said, it is “SUPER BOWL TIME!” Yesterday, both the NFC and AFC crowned their conference champions while setting up the biggest and final football game of the season, Super Bowl XLIX (that is 49 for the few of you that have not taken the time to learn the gentle art of roman numerals).
The NFC will have the Seattle Seahawks as their representative as they came from behind to beat the Green Bay Packers in overtime, 28-22. In the AFC game, the New England Patriots made the Indianapolis Colts look like a bad Division II college football team in their 45-7 victory.
Now whether you are all-in behind either New England or Seattle or hate both with a passion, you will most likely be rooting for one of these teams in Super Bowl XLIX. Now there are several reasons to support or reject either team, but from a UCLA perspective, we have four representatives to help aid in your decision.
Bruins In The Super Bowl
Because UCLA is so awesome, they have produced several superb football players that are part of teams throughout the NFL. Unfortunately two of those Bruins have been eliminated from the Super Bowl as defensive end Datone Jones has taken an early exit with his team, Green Bay. The same goes for cornerback Sheldon Price who will be heading back to Indianapolis after their loss. But never fear! UCLA still has four representatives heading to University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, February 1 at 3:30 p.m. PT.
New England Patriots
Akeem Ayers, OLB
Ayers had started the season with the Tennessee Titans but was traded to New England after week two. It was a good thing too, as he now finds himself trying to help one of the two best teams in the NFL win it all. He is 17th on the Patriots with 20 tackles (16 solo, 4 assisted) and 4 sacks.
Matthew Slater, WR
Slater is playing his seventh season in the NFL, all with the New England Patriots. Though Slater is listed as a wide receiver on the Patriots official roster, he has had a solid role as a special teams player. In fact, Slater was voted as an official 2015 Pro Bowl participant. As of now, because New England is heading to the Super Bowl, it is not confirmed whether or not Slater will head to Glendale, AZ to participate as a NFL All-Star, or wait a week to make his presence felt in the the Game of all Games.
Seattle Seahawks
Derrick Coleman, FB
Coleman is a former UCLA running back that has made a named for himself as a a player that has overcome personal challenges. Coleman, who is legally deaf, has been an inspiration to football players everywhere. Unfortunately, he has only played in five games this season due to a foot injury and because of that, he has not had a single carry, but has 2 receptions for 29 yards and 1 touchdown.
Cassius Marsh, DE
One of the more vicious defensive Bruins of the 2013, has missed all of five games with the defending champions as he was ruled out of contention five weeks into the NFL season with a broken foot. He finished his season with five total tackles.
So Who Are You Rooting For?
So, if you already did not have a reason to favor one team or the other, knowing that two Bruins are playing on each team, who will you be rooting for in the Super Bowl?
Also, if the Bruin tie-breaker can not help you decide, know this… Seattle has five former USC Trojans on their team. New England… ZERO!