The Baltimore Ravens sprinted out to a huge lead before having to hold on and make a goaline stand to beat the San Francisco 49ers, 34-31, and win the Super Bowl.
Joe Flacco threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns to claim the Super Bowl MVP, and Jacoby Jones hauled in a long touchdown pass and set a Super Bowl record with a 108-yard kickoff return for a score to begin the second half.
The Ravens build a 28-6 lead shortly after halftime and seemed to be in complete control of a game that appeared as though it was going to be a rout only to watch the lights go out, literally. More than half the lights went out at the Superdome, including power in the press box, halting the game for more than a half hour.
Between the extra-long halftime because of the halftime performance and the lengthy delay to get all of the lights back on, the Ravens seemed to lose momentum and the 49ers settled down and got back on track.
San Francisco's comeback was aided by a fumble by Ray Rice and a shanked punt by Sam Koch, both of which gave the 49ers terrific field position that resulted in touchdowns.
The Ravens were able to put together two drives in the fourth quarter to give them a chance to put the game away but had to settle for field goals each time.
Up five with two minutes to play, the Ravens defense finished off the 49ers by launching a goaline stand, forcing the 49ers to turn the ball over on downs. Even more impressive was the fact that the Ravens had to play much of the second half without star defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who injured his knee and was unable to return.
Baltimore was able to send Ray Lewis out on top, and possibly Ed Reed as well, who tied the record for most postseason interceptions in a career. Flacco also tied the record for most touchdown passes in a single postseason, yet finished without a single turnover.
Baltimore will throw a parade in the Ravens' honor on Tuesday at 11 a.m. downtown at City Hall.
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