[RayChuang88]

There's one way to resolve this permanently: simulate the temperature conditions of when the balls were inflated, then put it in climate control chamber to simulate the exact weather conditions at Foxborough, MA during the time of the game from kickoff to halftime in terms of temperature and humidity.

In short, do the following:

1. Inflate eight Wilson-made official NFL footballs, four to 12.5 PSI and four to 13.5 PSI, in a heated room set to a temperature of around 65 °F.

2. Put the footballs in the climate control chamber, set to match the temperature and humidity at 6 pm EST on January 17, 2014 in Foxborough, MA, then:

a. Adjust the temperature and humidity over a time period so it matches the kickoff delay time (remember, the NFC Championship Game went into overtime and delayed the AFC Championship Game kickoff).
b. Adjust the temperature and humidity over a time period so it matches the weather changes from kickoff to the end of the first half.

With this level of accurate climate control chamber testing, we'll find out once and for all if the temperature and humidity changes during the AFC Championship Game that match the weather in Foxborough, MA at the time does cause the football to deflate. And whether the temperature changes caused the footballs used by the Patriots filled to 12.5 PSI to go out of spec.

[FatherofFive]

And whether the temperature changes caused the footballs used by the Patriots filled to 12.5 PSI to go out of spec.

What amazes me is the absence of any hard evidence. Only rumor and speculation that is driving the narrative

[buridan]

“And whether the temperature changes caused the footballs used by the Patriots filled to 12.5 PSI to go out of spec.”

Strictly speaking, there is no spec. The NFL rules refer to “pounds,” not to pounds per square inch. However, a ball inflated to 12 1/2 to 13 1/2 pounds would be almost as heavy as a shot put.

[T. Rustin Noone]

Excellent post

but there is a simpler and much cheaper experiment. Watch your wife berate your 12 year old about bouncing the Wilson basketball in the kitchen to the point where he is forced to dribble the ball in the driveway at 45 degrees F. Wait for 30 minutes, at which point the lad comes back into the house complaining that the ball doesn’t bounce.

Ergo, reduction in temperature equals reduction in pressure.

[Leto]

Done here is the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxsXFX3tDpg

[9YearLurker]

You’d need to consider the barometric pressure, too.

[ConservativeMan55]

Unfortunately I’m not even sure that would work as each ball is different.

Like Belicheck said.. this is made out of animal skin. Each one responds to conditions differently.