The Super Bowl writers’ talk before the fact wasn’t that super, but, hey, it wasn’t that bad, either. It came down to a kick, and New England kicked the Carolina Panthers right in the breeches, coming away with a 32-29 victory in Houston’s Super Bowl!

Before we go any further today, allow me to remind that yours truly selected Carolina &045; not knowing, truthfully, what I was talking about. But who does in games like Super Bowl games? To tell the truth, though, I did feel strongly that the Patriots would come out on top. OK, who’s gonna come with &8220;it’s easy to say that now?&8221;

Hey, I picked the Patriots!

Anyhow, writers at the Super Bowl gave Adam Vinatieri credit for a clutch field goal. After all, a 41-yarder isn’t a chip shot, especially when heat is applied like it was in that situation.

The Patriots’ Vinatieri had to be shaking when he faced that ball and the score tied at 29. Of course, they don’t pay him big money to freeze up in situations like that. I would sure hate to face that kick &045; even if I was a kicker.

Let’s give credit where it belongs right here. First off you have to tip your hat to the Patriots’ Tom Brady, who was chosen MVP of both New England Super Bowl victories that the Patriots nailed two times in three years. Super Bowl savvy could describe New England’s Super Bowl situation.

Strangely, Brady was indeed selected MVP both times the Pats tripped the Panthers. But when you are you are, and he was &045; both times. Leadership to go with ability is a factor as well.

It’s all over now, but there sure has been a lotta ink used to describe the clutch play of Tom Brady, again Super Bowl 38 MVP. But I don’t mind adding to it &045; good is good, and this Super Bowl was good!

I think, also, it’s noteworthy to say once again that two-time Super Bowl MVP, Brady the Patriot, was sort of a cinderella star, particularly since he won the big prize two years running.

Super Bowling was indeed &8220;super&8221; this time around, I repeat. It doesn’t always happen that way. Yep, I like Super Bowling, and I know scads of others that do. When they started Super Bowls 38 years ago, they gave the American football public much to get excited about.

I know I like &8220;Super Bowling.&8221;

And this aside: One day last week Mississippi State notched a hard-fought 73-68 basketball victory over favored Auburn. The Bullies are working on consistency, with some success.

Shane Power led the clutch part of State’s victory by draining four free throws in the final 19 seconds of the conference battle.

Ole Miss was prancing to an upset over No. 24 USC 79-68. To say the win was unexpected in many quarters would be an understatement. Justin Reed led the way for the Rebels with 32 points, his career high.

Ole Miss coach Rod Barnes had been quoted as saying he felt &8220;this could be a really good team this year.&8221; But Ole Miss and State have a ways to go, I believe. &8220;Work&8221; on me, State and Ole Miss. Suits me fine just so long as you win some.

Glenvall Estes is a longtime columnist for The Natchez Democrat.