Eli Manning was named Super Bowl MVP in 2007 and will go for his second title Sunday. Photo by The Associated Press
The New York Giants’ quarterback – Eli Manning – played at Ole Miss. That’s the one and only deciding factor in this case. If Manning played for New England, I would go with the Patriots.
Despite my pick, there are plenty of reasons to root for the Patriots. The following is a list of factors that favor both teams.
Patriots:
— Won back-to-back titles in 2003-04.
— Undefeated in their last 10 games
— Tom Brady is 16-5 in the playoffs
— Bill Belichick is 17-6 in the playoffs
— Belichick and Brady have won three titles together
Giants:
— have already defeated the Patriots this season, ending their push for perfection
— wearing the underdog label
— Manning already has a Super Bowl ring and was MVP in 2007.
- weren’t expected to be in Indianapolis.
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OPENING LINE — New England by 3 1/2
RECORD VS. SPREAD — New York 11-8; New England 10-8
SERIES RECORD — Tied 5-5
LAST MEETING — Giants beat Patriots 24-20, Nov. 6, 2011
LAST GAME — Giants beat 49ers 20-17, OT; Patriots beat Ravens 23-20
GIANTS OFFENSE — OVERALL (8), RUSH (32), PASS (5)
GIANTS DEFENSE — OVERALL (27), RUSH (19), PASS (29)
PATRIOTS OFFENSE — OVERALL (2), RUSH (20), PASS (2)
PATRIOTS DEFENSE — OVERALL (31), RUSH (17), PASS (31)
By The Associated Press
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