I originally planned to write a column about what an uninspiring, dog of a Super Bowl game we were going to have this year.

Then I ran into a snag. I started thinking.

After sitting down with an open mind and contemplating Pittsburgh vs. Seattle in Super Bowl XL, I now realize that too many weeks of all-Colts-all-the-time clouded my vision. Steelers vs. Seahawks won't be a bad game, after all. In fact, the showdown on Feb. 5 could turn out to be a classic.

If nothing else, consider this: No sideline sweatshirt shots of Bill Belichick.

However, if that's not good enough to spice up your Super Bowl XL Party hot sauce, I've got 10 other reasons to like Steelers vs. Seahawks.

1. Jerome Bettis. Every great game needs a lovable old-timer. Steelers veteran Bettis fills the bill, in classic XL style. The story writes itself. Hometown boy returns to Detroit as the ultimate team player. Bettis is a selfless leader in the age of selfishness. Bonus points for the only great nickname in the game today, the Bus. Once he gained a reprieve from his fluke fumble against the Colts, who believed fate wasn't on his side?

2. Blue-collar Steelers. There's a reason why the Steelers have so many fans around the country and why even Colts fans can't dislike Pittsburgh. It's that no-nonsense work ethic. Take quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He arrived out of an underrated college program at Miami of Ohio, assumed control of the team as a rookie and gets better each week. Best of all, he's no pretty boy. This season, he proved even better in the postseason — the ultimate measuring stick of a quarterback. The Steelers are full of other blue-collar workers, such as Larry Foote and James Farrior, who take figurative sledgehammers to quarterbacks.

3. Loyalty. Great franchises are built on loyalty. Steelers coach Bill Cowher encountered doubters over the years, whether for his game-day decisions or sometimes conservative style. He's had rough seasons — back-to-back losing seasons in 1998 and 1999, a 6-10 year in 2003 — but the Rooney ownership family stuck with him and he's now in his 14th year. If they hadn't had such loyalty, would the Steelers be where they are today?

4. Shaun Alexander. After missing most of Seattle's game last week with a concussion, Alexander showed his MVP form against Carolina, rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns, proving his worth in clutch situations. He is the best back in the NFL. Nothing seems more appropriate than the league MVP playing in its showcase game.5. Troy Polamalu and Lofa Tatupu. Can't get enough of those names. Better yet, they both make their names with their big plays. Steelers safety Polamalu gets my unofficial vote for postseason MVP so far, and Seahawks linebacker Tatupu's hit on Nick Goings established which was the toughest team in the NFC title game.

6. West vs. East, etc. It's a great contrast between the two cities, or at least their stereotypes. Seattle, land of Starbucks, rain and grunge rock vs. Pittsburgh, home of steel, snow and garage rock. They're separated by time zones and mind sets, geography and philosophy. Where it counts in the game, of course, they both sport gritty, never-say-die players.

7. Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Clutch performer. Daring and intelligent. He doesn't get the media fawning other quarterbacks receive (must I name names?), but he picked up the Seahawks when Alexander was injured last week and he guided them into the big game. Plus, any time a fellow bald guy succeeds, we all succeed.

8. Old guard vs. new kids. Pittsburgh exudes NFL tradition. The Steelers' sixth appearance in the Super Bowl ties them for second with Denver behind the Cowboys' eight appearances. If the Steelers win their fifth title, they'll join the Cowboys and 49ers at the top. The Seahawks make their first appearance in the Super Bowl and bring the freshness and excitement a city and franchise only experience that first time.

9. Possible coaching history. Seattle's Mike Holmgren becomes the first coach to appear in Super Bowls for three different teams (he was an assistant at San Francisco and won at Green Bay). He can become the first head coach to win Super Bowls with two different teams. As you can see from those NFL Network commercials reflecting on preseason opinions — "the first thing I'd do is fire Holmgren" — he has had his share of critics, just like Cowher. He took Seattle to the highest level, no easy feat for a franchise best known for sending Steve Largent into politics.

10. These are the two best teams in the NFL. Seattle led the NFC all season, at one point rolling off 11 straight wins. The Seahawks' defense again showed its mettle by frustrating Carolina's Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith. While the Colts earned all the pub for their undefeated but ultimately unsatisfying run, the Steelers were 15-1 last year and just as good this year when Roethlisberger was healthy down the stretch. The Steelers' defense corralled Cincinnati, brought Peyton Manning back to earth and turned Jake Plummer back into the old Jake Plummer. Quite a triple play.

Get ready for Steelers vs. Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.

I once would have dismissed it, but now I like it. Who knows, by Feb. 5, it might turn into love.

Reggie Hayes is a columnist for The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.).