Super Bowl season is finally upon us, and with it comes a certain amount of anticipation. Two teams, four hours, and a lifetime of bragging rights if your team is victorious. Nothing is more stressful, yet rewarding, than a professional NFL game.

On Sunday, Jan. 24th, the final games of the NFL Conference Championships commenced. The respective winners of these games would go on to play in the Super Bowl. Talk about pressure.

All eyes were on Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning as he took to the field first. Facing his all-time greatest adversary, Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, Manning and the Denver Broncos led the entire game, not letting Brady’s notorious offense gain any yardage. It was a very solid game, but the real action took place in the final two minutes. With The New England Patriots down by nine points, Brady’s game plan was a longshot at best: run Manning’s defense down the field, throw a touchdown, then successfully perform a two-point conversion to put them into overtime. Brady threw a touchdown pass on his third down, causing him to be down by two at the 30 second mark. Now, the pressure was on Patriots kicker, Stephen Gostkowski, to kick for a two point conversion, something that is rarely successful. Unfortunately, the ball was kicked high, giving the Broncos enough time to set up for an interception. The game ended with a 20-18, Broncos victory. Broncos country was elated, and Brady was deflated as usual.

Next was the matchup with the Arizona Cardinals against the Carolina Panthers. This game was over before it started. With a leader as technical and intelligent as Cam Newton, you’ve really got an uphill battle on your hands. The Arizona Cardinals gave a valiant effort, but the homefield advantage and the sheer performance of the Panthers was too much to overcome. The game ended with a 49-15 victory for the Panthers.

With the teams now decided, we are on the road to the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl. Pick a team, pop some popcorn, and settle in for the biggest game of the year. It’s sure to be a good one.