On Sunday, February 7, the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos faced off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California for the biggest American sporting event of the year: the Super Bowl.

It was the fiftieth anniversary of the game, marked by the number 50 instead of a classic Roman numeral. The referees, as usual, made a huge impact in the game for both sides – some object that the referee’s crew was favorable to the Broncos, who have gone undefeated in all of the games they have been refereed by this particular crew.

Needless to say, the game itself was full of excitement, for both the players and the spectators.

The Broncos received the kickoff to mark the beginning of the game. They ended up settling for a field goal after a strong first drive, taking the lead 3-0. Later in the quarter, the Broncos would go up 10-0 after an errant fumble by Cam Newton, the quarterback of the Panthers and the league’s MVP, was recovered in the end zone after being sacked.

The Panthers struck back in the second quarter with a touchdown run from running back Jonathan Stewart to cut the lead to 10-7 in favor of the Broncos. The Broncos answered back with a field goal from kicker Brandon McManus. At halftime, the Broncos led 13-7.

The first half was characterized by many mistakes and penalties on the Panthers’ part, a weak-throwing Peyton Manning, and controversial calls from the referees. The most notable call was what appeared to be a catch by Panthers wideout Jericho Cotchery, delivered from Cam Newton. The play was called an incomplete pass on the field and was later upheld after a challenge from Panthers coach Ron Rivera.

Ultimately, the Panthers headed into the lockers knowing they had to get it together, as Peyton Manning was still able to complete many passes effectively even with a weak throwing arm.

The only score of the third quarter was another field goal from Brandon McManus, making the score 16-7 Broncos. The fourth quarter determined the outcome of the game. While the Panthers kicker Graham Gano was able to cut the lead to 6 with a field goal, the Panthers dropped the ball, both literally and figuratively, as they fumbled to give the Broncos possession. The Broncos never looked back. They scored a touchdown and two point conversion to take a fourteen point lead, with the final score 24-10 Broncos.

After the game, many fans were left wondering two things: if Peyton Manning would retire and how the Panthers would bounce back. Manning offered no clues and let the light shine on his teammates, as they deserved after a stellar defensive game. While the Broncos savor their victory, both teams already look to make it back to the biggest stage in football next year.