They both use the same balls, the ones supplied by the home team. if they run out of those or they become unusable, then they get some from the visiting team.
If the patriots had any advantage from the ball being underinflated, then the colts had the exact same asvantage. By definition of they both had it, then neither had an advantage.
Now here's another thing to ask before the tin foil cuts of whatever circulation is left to your head:
How did they get under-inflated? They were checked, they were under control of the refs until the game started, do you really think the ball boys snuck off when none of the hundred thousdand people and dozens of cameras couldn't see them and sneakily let zacky 2 psig out of 11 footballs?
WOW. That's one heck of an imagination.
They were fully inflated and tested prior ot hte game and were found to be within spec.
Then the balls got wet. Really wet.
Those of us with an IQ not on the left side of the bell curve know what happens to leather when it gets wet.
For the rest of you, I'll elaborate (explain). And I'll type slowly.
When leather gets soaked in water, it teds to become softer, more compliant, and stretchable.
If leather was in tension and got soaked, eventually it would give and stretch and the AMOUNT OF TENSION WOULD BE REDUCED.
Either way, it does not matter because both terams played with the same balls. One tram played really well with those footballs, the other stunk up the entire city with therir lackluster performance.
If you really need an excuse to deal with that, get therapy.
From the O'fficial NFL.COM website:
NFL.com Rulebook
Quote:
Section 2
BALL SUPPLY
Each team will make 12 primary balls available for testing by the Referee two hours and 15 minutes prior to the starting time of
the game to meet League requirements. The home team will also make 12 backup balls available for testing in all
stadiums. In addition, the visitors, at their discretion, may bring 12 backup balls to be tested by the Referee for games
held in outdoor stadiums. For all games, eight new footballs, sealed in a special box and shipped by the manufacturer to
the Referee, will be opened in the officials’ locker room two hours and 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the game.
These balls are to be specially marked by the Referee and used exclusively for the kicking game.
In the event a home team ball does not conform to specifications, or its supply is exhausted, the Referee shall secure a proper
ball from the visitors and, failing that, use the best available ball. Any such circumstances must be reported to the
Commissioner.
In case of rain or a wet, muddy, or slippery field, a playable ball shall be used at the request of the offensive team’s center.
The Game Clock shall not stop for such action (unless undue delay occurs).
Note: It is the responsibility of the home team to furnish playable balls at all times by attendants from either side of the playing
field.
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