THE 50-YARD LINE

     It's the countdown to kickoff. Tonight is the 50th edition of the Super Bowl, coming to you live from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. The Denver Broncos battle the Carolina Panthers. It could be Denver QB Peyton Manning's last roundup as he faces off against the league MVP, Carolina QB Cam Newton. If you're like Mrs. Black-N-Gold, you'd much rather see our Pittsburgh Steelers in this contest. But since you can't win them all, someone has to play. Today Mrs. Black-N-Gold will carefully and scientifically predict the outcome of this tilt.

MUSIC

Denver can lay claim to Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Yonder String Band and Sugarloaf. Mrs. Black-N-Gold has heard of all 3 bands but can only name 1 song between them, Sugarloaf's lone hit "Green-Eyed Lady".

Carolina has given us the Avett Brothers, Earl Scruggs and Corrosion of Conformity. That gives us a folk band, a bluegrass legend (who scores points for being on the Beverly Hillbillies way back when) and a metal band. Mrs. Black-N-Gold does have a COC CD amongst her collection. She loves the song "Clean My Wounds". Besides, while doing research for this article, she saw Corrosion of Conformity described as "stoner metal".

Advantage-Carolina

CELEBRITIES

Mrs. Black-N-Gold was able to find about a handful of celebrities that are fans of the Broncos. The list includes Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, political pundit Bill O'Reilly and comedian Roseanne. Of course, the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, are fans, too.

There aren't many celebrity-Panthers fans out there. Mrs. Black-N-Gold certainly couldn't find many, only 2. Model/actress Brooklyn Decker is a big fan as is actress Marg Helgenberger.

Neither list seems very impressive.

Call it a push.

FOOD/BEVERAGE

The Denver area is famous for Rocky Mountain Oysters, the Denver omelet and Coors Beer. What a meal this would make.

The Carolinas have given us their famous vinegar-based BBQ, Pepsi, Hardee's, Krispy Kreme and Mt. Olive Pickles.

Even though Mrs. Black-N-Gold has never had Rocky Mountain Oysters, the mere mention of them makes her eyes water, not her mouth. I don't care how many Coors Lights you pour down her gullet. And she wouldn't even eat them after partaking in Colorado's other well-known delicacy, marijuana.
She'll take doughnuts and pop and pickles with some barbecue any day.

Advantage-Carolina

PARTY FAVORS

Of course, Denver scores big points in this category since Colorado has legalized the aforementioned Mary Jane.

The only tobacco that Mrs. Black-N-Gold has heard of that comes from the Carolinas is the kind that gives you cancer.

Advantage-Denver

The votes have been counted. Carolina has a slight 2-1 edge. So who does Mrs. Black-N-Gold think will win the game? Who cares. The Steelers aren't playing. As usual, Mrs. Black-N-Gold will spend the day watching Puppy Bowl. She's rooting for the rottweiler.

The Black-N-Gold will be back for Super Bowl 51. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!