By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Terrance Copper is hoping that his second conference championship game has a happier ending than his first.
Copper and his Baltimore Ravens (13-5) will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4) in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. The game at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field will kick off at 6:30 p.m.
The winner advances to Super Bowl XLIII on Feb. 1 in Tampa against either the Philadelphia Eagles or Arizona Cardinals.
Copper was a member of the New Orleans Saints when they lost, 39-14, to the Chicago Bears in the 2006 NFC Championship Game.
The former Washington Pam Pack and East Carolina star is happy to have a second chance with a different team.
Copper, who joined the Ravens after being released by the Saints early this season, didn’t know exactly what to expect when he first joined his new team. But, after a couple practices, Copper thought Baltimore could have a special year.
Copper believes the Steelers, who won 23-20 in overtime in Pittsburgh and 13-9 in Baltimore during the regular season, will be aggressive.
Besides battling a good Pittsburgh team, Copper and his teammates will have to deal with the elements. Light snow and temperatures in the high 20s are expected Sunday.
A win would land Copper and his Ravens into much warmer territory as Super Bowl XLIII will be played in Tampa.
Copper, who said he is entertaining thoughts of donating his Super Bowl ring to the city of Washington if he wins one, hopes the Ravens have the support of his hometown.