The New Orleans Saints made franchise history in Miami, Fl. on Sunday, Feb. 7, when they won their first Super Bowl title. The win seemed bleak in beginning stages as they trailed the Indianapolis Colts by 10 going into the half. Although their defense was able to contain Peyton Manning and the Colts high-powered offense, they were only able to muster 6 first half points in the first half.
As a mean to accommodate students to fellowship while watching Super Bowl XLIV, the Student Union Advisory Board and the Senior and Freshmen Classes hosted a watch party in the Stallings Ballroom Sunday night.
“This was for the students who are on campus who may not have a place to go, or transportation to get there,” said senior liberal studies major and Student Union Advisory Board President Dominique Trent. “Here they have a place to socialize, network, and watch a momentous event such as the Super Bowl.”
For those watching in Stallings, pizza, drinks, and other snacks were provided as they watched the big game on two large projector screens at both ends of the room.
“I wanted to come out here to socialize and interact with my friends,” said sophomore mechanical engineering major Aaron Goulbourne. “That, and watch the Saints win since my Eagles didn’t make it.”
During the game, the Colts seemed to have the Saints right where they wanted them, up by a point in the fourth quarter with possession of the ball. A missed field goal by kicker Matt Stover gave the Saints the ball with excellent field position.
Huge excitement overtook the room when the Saints scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession and converted on a two-point attempt to take a seven-point lead. Even more emotion spun about when Manning did the unexpected, and threw an interception for a touchdown to seal the game.
“Oh my God, I cannot believe he just did that,” said sophomore public relations major Steven Franklin. “I was going for the Colts and that play shouldn’t have happened.”
Almost 300 students filled up the ballroom rooting for the Saints, Colts, or neither of the teams.
“I love watching the Super Bowl,” said sophomore psychology major Brandi Easterwood. “This year I really do not care who wins, I just came out here to have some fun.”
The Saints are the first team in a decade to win a Super Bowl despite being outgained by 100 yards.
- Prince Askew & Kelcie McCrae