Not so 'super' Bowl
By Alexandra Valint
Cavalier Daily Senior Writer
It is undeniably the largest sporting event of the year. Not only does it draw in the support of football aficionados, but most everyone generally succumbs to the festive and competitive atmosphere that has come to define the Super Bowl.
But for Super Bowl XXXVI, which takes place Sunday in New Orleans, typically enthusiastic viewers expressed at best a halfhearted outlook on the game between the New England Patriots and the St. Louis Rams.
"I don't think it's going to be that big of a match," second-year Engineering student Paul Tucker said. "I think everyone is really disappointed."
Everyone, that is, except some Patriots fans, who have yet to see their team win a Super Bowl championship.
Derek DiManno, a third-year College student, is supporting the Patriots.
"They're from my hometown and I didn't think they would go this far, but I am glad to see them here," DiManno said. Even though he said he is behind his hometown team, DiManno admitted he does not think the Patriots can pull through and win.
Third-year Commerce student Chris Appel, an ardent Rams supporter, agrees.
"The Patriots will get wrecked, plain and simple," Appel said. "It's not going to be much of a game."
Third-year Education student Cortnee Slocum is backing the New England team.
"Actually I think the Rams are going to win," Slocum said. "But I think I'll root for the Patriots because they have a former Cavalier."
Former Virginia safety Antwan Harris, is in the middle of his second year on the Patriots' defensive line. Harris will be going head-to-head against - or at least sitting on the opposite bench from - another former Virginia player. John St. Clair is in his second year with the NFL and is on the offensive line for the Rams.
Second-year College student Tiffany Valeriano does find some appeal in the match.
"You have these two amazing teams," Valeriano said. "They both want it the same. You never know what will happen"