Michigan-centric Super Bowl XLIX Preview: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks

New England Patriots

vs. 

Seattle Seahawks

I'm not sure if you know this, but the Super Bowl is going to be played today at 6:30 p.m. EST on NBC. The media have been keeping it on the down-low since nothing exciting has happened. Also, the only person they're contractually allowed to interview is Marshawn Lynch, and since he won't talk, the media just gave up.

I'll be rooting for the Patriots because of Tom Brady. I'm really torn on whom to pick for the win, though. My head is telling me that the Seahawks have their mojo and keep finding ways to win. But oh well, I'll pick the Patriots with a 31-24 victory.

Below is the list of all the Big Ten (and Notre Dame) players you might have watched over the years. Michigan only has two representatives actually playing in the game (Tom Brady and Alan Branch), but there are a couple others who might get Super Bowl rings even though they're injured (Patriots linebacker Cam Gordon or Seahawks guard Steve Schilling).

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Tom Brady - QB - Michigan
Alan Branch - DT - Michigan
Michael Buchanan - DE - Illinois*
Jonathan Casillas - LB - Wisconsin
Alfonzo Dennard - CB - Nebraska*
Nate Ebner - S - Ohio State
Darius Fleming - LB - Notre Dame
Cameron Gordon - LB - Michigan*
Jonas Gray - RB - Notre Dame
Justin Green - CB - Illinois*
Duron Harmon - S - Rutgers
Michael Hoomanawanui - TE - Illinois
Eric Martin - LB - Nebraska*
Devin McCourty - S - Rutgers
James Morris - LB - Iowa*
Rob Ninkovich - DE - Purdue
Greg Orton - WR - Purdue*
Logan Ryan - CB - Rutgers
Joe Vellano - DT - Maryland
James White - RB - Wisconsin
Tavon Wilson - CB - Illinois
Tim Wright - TE - Rutgers

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Cliff Avril - DE - Purdue
Garry Gilliam - OT - Penn State
David Gilreath - WR - Wisconsin*
Jordan Hill - DT - Penn State*
Tony Moeaki - TE - Iowa
Stephen Schilling - OG - Michigan*
O'Brien Schofield - DE - Wisconsin
Mike Taylor - LB - Wisconsin*
Russell Wilson - QB - Wisconsin

Preview: Super Bowl XLVIII

The analysts and prognosticators on ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and wherever else are going to do a more in-depth job than I could ever do. And frankly, you're probably just ready for the game to begin and for everyone to stop whining about having to play/watch football in cold weather. But in TTB style, here's a look at the players in the Super Bowl with at least vague Michigan connections:

DENVER BRONCOS
Montee Ball - RB - Wisconsin
Aaron Brewer - LS - San Diego State#
David Bruton - S - Notre Dame
Marquice Cole - CB - Northwestern
Eric Decker - WR - Minnesota
Ronnie Hillman - RB - San Diego State#
Shaun Phillips - DE - Purdue
Inactive:
Mike Farrell - OT - Penn State
Rahim Moore - S - UCLA*
Jordan Norwood - WR - Penn State
Kevin Vickerson - DT - Michigan State









SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Cliff Avril - DE - Purdue
Kellen Davis - TE - Michigan State
Jordan Hill - DT - Penn State
Jermaine Kearse - WR - Washington**
Chris Maragos - S - Wisconsin
Michael Robinson - FB - Penn State
O'Brien Schofield - LB - Wisconsin
Golden Tate - WR - Notre Dame
Russell Wilson - QB - Wisconsin
Inactive:
B.J. Daniels - QB - South Florida*
Spencer Ware - FB - LSU*

*Recruited by Michigan
**Doug Nussmeier's leading receiver at Washington
#Played for Brady Hoke at San Diego State




I'm not a fan or enemy of either team, and the lack of direct Michigan connection makes me care not one whit who wins. Until now, because I'm going to pick the Broncos in a 20-17 game.