Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Last-Minute Answers to Super Questions

With the beer finally in the cooler and the hot dogs about to hit the grill, we step back and ponder life's toughest questions. From the MVP to the halftime show, we make things easy by telling you exactly what will go down. 

It may be the smell of grilled meat in the air, but I am ecstatic for this Super Bowl. This is important because most big games are met with cynicism that they couldn't possibly supersede the hype. 

Super Bowl XLVI is different, and may actually exceed two weeks of hype and hoopla. Here are the best points of what will go down in just a couple of hours. 

National Anthem

You need to get things off on the right foot, and the NFL did well to nab Kelly Clarkson for this year's duties. Let me put my manhood on the line and state that I like Clarkson. 

She has a dynamic voice that will lend some emotion to one of the toughest songs to sing perfectly. Clarkson will deliver a memorable performance, but not one marked by failure. 

Opening Drive

I don't care which team gets the ball first. Judging by the NFC's amazing 14 correct coin flip calls in a row, the Giants may be getting the initial possession. 

We have been told for a couple weeks that this will be an offensive game. Forget that. This will be silly offensive. 

Both teams will dominate from that side of the ball, and it will illustrate just how close to Tom Brady Eli Manning really is. 

I see the less lauded Manning coming out of the gate strong against one of the softest secondaries around. 

Halftime

The Patriots start hot, and even the Giants can't stop that. Tom Brady will have his boys up by a slim margin by the break. 

That is when Madonna comes in and lends her style and voice for our amusement. The great thing about Madonna is that, despite being 10 years past relevancy, she will get the conversation started. 

At the very least, the show will not be boring. That is something we couldn't say about most of the intermission concerts in the last ten years. 

Final and MVP

I have nothing but love for the Patriots and their offensive line, but they are facing an athletic and unrelenting defensive front. 

The Patriots have let up 32 sacks this year, so they are not the stoutest lines around. By late third quarter, Tom Brady will have to deal with a lot more deflections and rushes than at any point in the game. 

The scale will lean and then completely tip in the Giants' favor. 

At that point, an Eli Manning that kept pace with Brady will shine through as the elite player he has been all along. 

New York wins: Giants 34, Patriots 30

The best part is that all parts of this game, from the underrated Giants defense to the versatile attack of the Pats, guarantees that a remarkable finish is in store for us all. 

Chow down now, because you don't want to miss any part of Super XLVI. 

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