COLUMN: Carolina likely headed to first-time win in Super Bowl 50
February 4, 2016
For the 50th time in the history of the NFL, we will end this great season with America’s favorite game: the Super Bowl.
This year’s big game, which is set for Feb. 7, features a matchup of new school vs. old school. Thirty-nine-year-old Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and 26-year-old Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will be setting a Super Bowl record with an age difference of 13 years and 48 days. Both Manning and Newton are former No. 1 draft picks, though Newton was drafted 13 years after Manning.
Super Bowl 50 will also be only the second time the No. 1 defense (Broncos) and No. 1 offense (Panthers) have squared off in a Super Bowl game. The last time this happened, the Broncos’ No. 1 offense was trampled by the Seattle Seahawks No. 1 defense — and no doubt, Manning is hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself for the Broncos this year.
But his dreams might be dashed. After all, the Super Bowl hasn’t seen a quarterback with the athleticism of Cam Newton in quite some time, but Manning’s age and experience could counteract that. More than likely, the two will balance out in a close game, with scores staying in the 20s.
PREDICTION: Many students at ROMS believe that the Panthers will win for the first time in the history of the 20-year franchise, and I tend to agree. I’m going to say that the game will be slow-paced, with a final score of 24-20 in favor of the Panthers. I think Newton will throw for around 230 yards and two touchdowns, along with Jonathan Stewart running for a score himself. On the other side of the ball, I’m predicting that Manning throws for more than 300, with three touchdowns passing — but also with an interception or two.
At the end of the game, I think we will see likely MVP Newton and the Panthers delivering Jerry Richardson and the entire Panthers organization their very first Super Bowl win.
IN THE KNOW: SUPER BOWL 50
When is the Super Bowl?
- Super Bowl 50 is Sunday, Feb. 7.
Who’s playing in the Super Bowl?
- The Broncos and the Panthers.
Where is the game being played?
- Super Bowl 50 will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
What time does the Super Bowl start?
- The game kicks off at 5:30 p.m.
How can I watch Super Bowl 50?
- The Super Bowl will be televised live on CBS. Also, ESPN Deportes will provide a Spanish-language telecast of the game.
Can I watch the game online?
- Super Bowl 50 will be streamed live on CBSSports.com.
Who will provide the halftime entertainment?
- CBS announced that Coldplay will headline the halftime show.

DJ Jarrett is an 8th grade student at Red Oak Middle School. DJ loves sports, which is the reason he chose to be a sports reporter.
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