Super Bowl Predictions: Did These RCSJ Students Get It Right?

Abby Mathis, with her football- and Eagle-inspired nails. Eagles 42-35

South Jersey is home to a large flock of Eagles fans, including Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) students. On Sunday, many students, faculty, and staff watched the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX—a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, when the Chiefs defeated the Eagles, 38-35.

Sunday’s highly anticipated matchup featured several of the NFL’s best known stars like Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, Patrick Mahomes, Vineland’s own Isiah Pacheco, and Travis Swift. Oops, we meant to say Travis Kelce. 

With the Birds pulling off the big win, 40–22, the team received its second Vince Lombardi trophy in eight years. Additionally, if Barkley rushed for more than 30 yards, breaking the single season rushing record—regular and post season combined—set by Terrell Davis of the Denver Broncos in 1998. 

Last week, ahead of the game, we interviewed several RCSJ students to get their take on the big game. Our questions:

1. How long have you been an Eagles fan?
2. Who is your favorite player and why? 
3. What’s your prediction for the Super Bowl?

Rahimenur Akisler, 26, sophomore, Integrated Marketing and Public Relations major, Vineland High School grad

1. I would say since high school, about 10 years. I felt inspired by Eagles fans to root for the team. It felt inclusive to me.
2. Jalen Hurts.
3. It’s about time we bring the championship back to Philadelphia. I predict the score to be really close 35-27. Go Birds!

Joseph Ansara, 20, freshman, Psychology major, Vineland High School grad and former Rowdy Rooster

1. My whole life.
2. A.J. Brown. He has good talent. He’s outstanding. I like how they had the little video of him reading the book [on the sidelines during a game]. That was interesting.
3. I have the Eagles winning 24-22, but anything could happen in the Super Bowl. I would be mad if the Eagles lost to the Chiefs again. If the three-peat happens, I would be suspicious. 

Brian Dedmon, 18, freshman, Criminal Justice major, Friends Select School (Philadelphia) grad, RCSJ–Dukes Baseball player

1. Since I was born. 
2. Jalen Hurts because of his mentality, the way he’s dedicated, and the way he holds himself in press conferences. Obviously, he’s a good player. He’s my quarterback.
3. Eagles 35-31.

Abby Mathis, 20, sophomore, Acting major, Clayton High School grad, pictured at top

1. I guess my whole life because I’ve lived here my whole life. Pretty much my entire family is Philly everything—Eagles, Phillies, Flyers. 

2. Saquon Barkley. Saquon’s made so many good runs and highlights, he’s done amazing. So, I’m pretty good with him, right now.
3. I think they’re going to win 42-35. They’re both really good teams. I think it’ll be a really close game and stressful for everybody.

Christian Roller, 20, freshman, Health Sciences major, Cumberland Regional grad

1. Since birth.

2. Saquon Barkley.
3. I think the Eagles are going to crush them 40-25.

Austin Stacy, 26, sophomore, Chemistry major, Williamstown High School grad

1. I’ve been an Eagles fan ever since 2017.
2. My favorite player right now is A.J. Brown because he’s getting less touches than he could probably get on another team, but he’s staying committed to [the Eagles].
3. I think it’s going to be a high scoring game, and I got the Eagles winning 42-35.

So, there you have it. Eagles fans at RCSJ who were interviewed for this story are unanimously picking Philadelphia to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. FYI, we did search for Kansas City fans to participate in this story, however, for whatever reason, they were nowhere to be found. We hope you all have an awesome and safe Super Bowl Sunday!