SZVETITZ: Sunday’s Super Bowl even better than chili dip

By Mike Szvetitz
Sports Editor, Opelika-Auburn News
Published: February 4, 2008

So, how good was Sunday’s Super Bowl?

Well, it was better than the previous 41.

Believe it.

The New York Giants’ victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII was the best in the history of the game.

The best. Period.

Better than the Patriots upset of the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVII. Better than Super Bowl III and The Guarantee.

Yes, even better than my wife’s chili dip.

I know I wasn’t the only one with a knot in my stomach during the final 15 minutes of the game. And no, it wasn’t because of the dip.

It was because, for the first time in a long time, I was actually interested in the game. We all were.

Nielsen says so.

Sunday night, 97.5 million people watched the Giants pull the upset, according to Nielsen Media Research, making it the most-watched Super Bowl ever. Period.

The only thing that more people wanted to watch was the final episode of “M-A-S-H” — 106 million tuned in to watch that in 1983.
Sunday was a Monster Mash. David vs. Goliath in a hoodie. 

And that’s why we tuned in to begin with. That’s why we watched. That’s why we cheered — even Eagles and Cowboys fans.

Oh, how we all love the underdog. Even Patriots fans can’t be upset for too long. The favorite can’t always win.

And it didn’t Sunday.

The Patriots’ shot at perfection (19-0) was hit in the forehead by the Giants’ defensive front seven.

And then, it was Eli — the youngest of the Manning clan — who ended it.

Fitting. The prophet Samuel couldn’t have told it any better.

Twelve-point underdogs. Three-point winners. Eighteen and one. What a game. What a finish. What a story.

Signing Day Extravaganza
National Signing Day is Wednesday, and I can’t wait. It’s one of my favorite days of the year.

Really.

Sure, it’s a long day that takes a lot of planning, but it’s worth it.

Why?

Because it’s a day dreams come true. How many of us dreamed of being able to play college football? Well, Wednesday, for high school seniors all over the country, that dream will become a reality as they sign their name to a scholarship to play football on the next level.

How cool is that? All the hard work, dedication and family support pays off on Signing Day. And as happy as I am for the athletes, I’m even more excited for the parents and families. It’s also a realization of a dream for them.

Tell me, what mom or dad, grandmother or grandfather, aunt or uncle doesn’t want their kid to get a college education?

It’s a great day. And we here at the Opelika-Auburn News are hosting a luncheon Wednesday to honor those area players — and immediate families — who are signing scholarships.

It will be a fun time, with good food. And you can read all about it in Thursday’s edition.

I’m trying to get my wife to make that chili dip.

MIKE SZVETITZ is sports editor of the Opelika-Auburn News. He may be reached at or 737-2513.