The BL took a 6-2 playoff prediction record into the conference championships and blew it by predicting both losers to win. Hence our record to date for the playoffs rests at 6-4.
Today's championship game promises to both close and fun. Neither Harbaugh brother is going to have his team anything less than 100% ready to play.
The Ravens have an emotional edge with Ray Lewis playing his last game and furthermore their QB Joe Flacco has been in the zone the entire playoffs raising his performance significantly.
The 49ers have a read option QB in what may be the beginning of a new era of NFL football in which this style offense conquers the game. On the downside the Niners have a kicking game in disarray which could kill them in a close game.
While some see the read option is a gimmick, I see it as an evolution of the game. Much like Bill Walsh's west coast offense, Joe Gibb's single back or Bill Cowher's zone blitzes. Teams that innovate first have historically won Super Bowls. Colin Kaepernick is wonderful to watch. Cool as ice, he throws the prettiest spiral I've seen in a long time and he seems to up his game when under pressure.
I'm going with innovation as the difference maker today and furthermore I'm betting that Jim Harbaugh will find a way to outfox his younger brother.
49ers 34
Ravens 24
