Who Dat Gonna Win the Superbowl?

The time is finally here. Tomorrow the two juggernauts of the NFL, prematurely crowned many weeks ago as the favorites to represent the NFC and AFC and finally came through after being doubted, second-guessed and taking a few losses, the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts will square off. Who will win?

The fan favorite seems to be the Who Dat nation of Saints fans and the many women who will be watching the game purely to see Reggie Bush...I can't tell you how many young and old women have told me that they are watching just to see him. The analyst favorite seems to be the reliable, offensive powerhouse of the Colts. Not necessarily because of the team, but because Peyton Manning is a savant at his position.

I agree with anything that a Colts fan or analyst will tell me. Yes, the Colts won every game that they actually tried to win. Yes, Peyton Manning is uncanny at figuring out defenses and ripping them to shreds in the second half. Yes, they've played better defenses than the Saints (the Jets for example). Yes, this is the first time the Saints have been in the Superbowl while the Colts have been here before and won. And yes, the Saints barely beat the Vikings and in all honesty should have lost that game.

But here's where I stand with this. I believe that the Saints offense will make for a powerful defense and the Colts will have to play under pressure on both sides of the ball. (Let's not forget that the Saints defense is not shabby at all. Not as good as the Jets, but not shabby) I believe that the Saints really want it and that is an intangible that cannot be overstated. I also believe that the key to this game will come down to 2 players. You're expecting me to say Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, but that's too obvious. Besides, they will probably both play lights out. The two players that will shape this game the most is Dwight Freeney and Reggie Bush.
In all likelihood, Dwight Freeney will not play. That could be huge for the Colts. Freeney is their best pass rusher. They do have some other players that are pretty good, but none can really take his place. Reggie Bush is always an X factor and it seems like he's been showing some glimpses of really adapting to this NFL game over the last few weeks. If the Colts cannot adequately replace Freeney's effect on the defense and if Reggie Bush can make 1 or 2 big plays on special teams and on the run game, it may be hard for the Colts to come back from those early leads they habitually give up. I'm picking the Saints.

Who Dat!?!?!