IHateMillen has ½ point

1. In which States was WrestleMania 2 held? (Will give partial credit)

2. Can You name the venues of WrestleMania 2? (Will give partial credit)

3. In what year did Vince McMahon purchase the WWF?

4. Who was the first ECW Champion?

5. Who were "The New Midnight Express"?

6. Who were "X-Factor?"

X-Pac was one IHateMillen gets ½ point.

7. Which individual held the WWF/WWE Tag Team Titles the most combined days?

8. Who were the participants in the first ever mixed tag team match?

9. Who was the Blue Blazer?

Blue Blazer. Fragnoli got it correct. 1 point for fragnoli

10. When and were did The Rock say "If you smell what the Rock is cooking." 

Super Bowl 46.   Pretty simple here folks, the New York Giants were the better team Sunday Night (as the bile builds up in me typing this…).  But here’s how close it was – if Wes Welker makes that very tough catch, the Giants don’t have enough time to come back – I’m not saying that cost ‘em the game.  Unfortunately, he didn’t and that left it in the hands of New England’s defense and every Pats fan knew what was coming next…Eli Manning marched the G-men 88 yards down the field in just under two minutes.  Game over – and now we have to listen to NYC douches for the next nine months.  A few disjointed thoughts:

It wouldn't be a Super Bowl without the Kardasha-skanks trolling for athletes (more on that later)...at least it wasn’t the Jets winning the Super Bowl…The Giants talk too damn much…I think the Patriots thought the game started much later than it really did…WR’s who celebrate after one catch suck…Halftime sucked even worse…If the Pats had just pounced on one of those fumbles...Eli Manning was right all along, he truly is at the level of Tom Brady and may just be better than his brother...If these two meet in the Super Bowl ever again, the Pats ought to go Frenchy and just wave the white flag before the game even starts.

Some local hack here in Crack-town made the comment that Rex Ryan was right all along – New York won the Super Bowl.  I have a math quiz for the New York Jets and their fans – what is four minus one?   Can’t wait (get it?)  for the answer?  The difference in Super Bowl Titles between the Giants and Jets.  Pretty simple Jets fans:  Your team hasn't won a championship in 43 years - SHUT THE FUCK UP and never pollute the air by spewing your ignorant takes ever again!  I swear, if Jet fans were ever smart enough to shut the sewers under their noses, I guaran-damn-tee you that pollution in NYC and especially Long Island drops 33%!

Oh, and before I forget, screw you New York!  You know you bastards in the Rotten Apple are far bigger Jet fans than you are Giant fans - don't even try to play it off that because the Giants won New York won.  That would be like the White Wine Sippers out here in 49er land claiming they're Parole Violater (err, Raider) fans.  The Giants are an afterthought in your minds.  

NFL – HOF Selections.  Congrats to Jack Butler, Demontti Dawson, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Curtis Martin, and Willie Roaf.   But some things here just don’t seem right. 

Look, I’m tired of the WR diva act too, but to continue to penalize Tim Brown of all the WR candidates?  I can understand why the Raiders have conspiracy theories running rampant.

Cris Carter?  Jerry Rice was right Sunday when he asked, what exactly is the criteria to get into the HOF?  Good lord, just exactly who has Carter pissed off?  Look, we all know that CC wasn’t exactly a choir boy in the beginning, but neither was Michael Irvin and he got in.  Is it his lack of Super Bowl participation?

Parcells gets the door slammed in his face?  Whatcha gotta do?  I have to believe that his acts in Dallas and Miami have cost him dearly.  But then again, the guy did coach in three Super Bowls, winning two.  Oh, and Mike Lupica, you're doing your boy Parcells no favors so get off his knob.  As Nigel Gruff said in the Replacements:  "That'll do pig."...

Pro Bowl.  Thanks to Sheriff Goddell for getting pissed about that “performance” at the Pro Bowl.  He says the NFL is going to talk about finally flushing this turd that’s been circling the drain forever and that he's gonna have a chat with the NFLPA.  I never expect flat out ass-busting in this game, but if the players don’t care enough to give at least some effort, then let’s stop rewarding their ungrateful asses by giving them trips to Hawaii.  Ass-clowns.

Rant of the Week.   Reports are that a certain much-hated piece of trash that has some ridiculous TV show with her sisters, and who recently had a 72 day marriage is making a run at one Tim Tebow.  Look hag, you ruined your rep on your very own (with help from Mom Cruella), but now you want to try to fix it by involving Tebow?   Memo to “KK”, Tebow may be many things, but I think it's safe to say that he isn’t down with helping you make money off mindless sheep, nor your ignorant "drama".  Don't even try to drag him into your sewer that you call "reality".  Memo to Mr. Tebow – I know you’re a nice guy, but tell said publicity whore to go to Hell and not pollute your space. 

To butcher the concept of one of the great philosophers of the day Jeff Foxworthy, if you have anything at all to do with “KK”, you might be an idiot!

MLB.   Many in MLB are concerned about the lack of blacks playing or even having an interest in Baseball.  If I was the Commissioner of MLB and wanted to generate some interest, why not use February's Black History Month and tell the story of the Negro League?  I think that these great players could be an inspiration to some youth that rock the jerseys yet have no idea what the history might signify.  Yeah, we hear about Satchel Page, but what else was do we really know about?  This being Black History Month AND with a new season within site, why not honor the Negro Leagues and introduce kids to one heck of an athletic history? 

I was amazed to learn that age 44, Smokey Joe Williams struck out 27 Kansas City Monarchs in a 12-inning win.  I hope to continue to look into this and learn more…

Music of the Week – Soul Train.  Friends, I know most here don’t particularly care for soul and R&B music but that genre lost a legend this week when Don Cornelius, the host of Soul Train was found dead of a gunshot wound.  The music on that show brought a lot of people together, and for that he should be recognized.  I don't care what the circumstances were of his death, and in honor if Mr. Cornelius, no video this week.  Hey Don, may you find love, peace, and soul!  

NBA.  Gotta love Charles Barkley.  This dude went out and flat out said that he’s ashamed of the product the NBA is putting out and how many teams suck (his words).  

Bonus Rant of the Week – Twitter.  If you've ever worried about the youth and future of America, then exhibit one to bolster that worry should be what I call Twitter Twats.  No Gabbers, I’m not talking about you but have you ever wondered about “twitter trends”?  All I see is moronic idiots who speak of Bieber, Taylor Swift, and that trash I spoke of earlier as some kind of God-like creatures who exhibit unbelievable mind control over swaths of kids.  Hey brats, back away from twitter and open up a book or go outside and get some fresh air because somebody is polluting your minds.

Happy Freaking Tuesday!!!

Ive got two of these and Peyton's got only one!!! Nyah-Nyah!!!

Greetings from the Hoodwood, the locals are already suffering from football withdrawal.

Its an anniversary…Musings from  the Hoodwood, celebrates a year at Yougabsports.com!!!

Well last night was the capstone of another great season for the NFL. A thrilling Super Bowl and the New York Football Giants are kings for the pro football world for the 2^nd time in four years. Clown on Eli Manning all you want, but the youngest of the Manning boys is fast cementing his place as one of the better quarterbacks of our generation. My boy Jonesie dogs him relentlessly and I still say he looks like he couldn’t get past the doorman at most nightclubs. You have to give him dap, twice now outdueling the redoubtable Tom Brady for a Super title. Now the wonks are starting to rail on Brady and Belichick having not won a Super Bowl since the spygate incident and many like my homie Jinx are getting louder with the phrase If you cant beat ‘em cheat ‘em. I think its an unfair tag, and unlike the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings the Pats have Super Bowl rings to show to counter the four losses that they have.

To be sure the Pats had their chances and you know that tough drop by Wes Welker in the 4th will haunt Pats fans for awhile, but real talk here. The Giants played the same formula that they have in winning 4 Super Bowl, a grind it out offense that limits the opposing offense and a punch you in the mouth defense. The G-Men didnt pound Brady like they did four years ago but they hit him enough to make him uncomfortable. Give credit where its due the G-Men are the Champs

First Spec of the Season

Yeah, yeah I know it’s a little late getting started but here we are a little over a month out from selection Sunday, the day where the 68 NCAA dance tickets are officially issued. So the time has come for the now legendary Tournament Speculation Update. Or Spec Sheets, I break down by conference who I think will qualify for the NCAA tournament. Of the 50 schools Power, Major, & Mid-Major conferences that qualified last year I correctly picked 50 of them. Since its still early I break the teams into two categories. Teams listed as solid are on a good course to make the tournament those with Work to Do are teams that need to get some resume building wins or simply bust out an extended win streak. Keep in mind that this list is speculation for now, the predictions on who gets in won’t be till March. Lets get started

Atlantic Coast 
(Conference Class-Power) 
Solid: Duke, North Carolina, Florida State 
Work to do: North Carolina State, Miami, Virginia 
Skinny on the ACC: Duke got caught looking ahead to their showdown with UNC and their vaunted home winning streak went by the boards with a stunning loss to Miami. The Canes will need a few more wins like that to solidify their status. The Noles and Heels are cruising along. The Wolfpack and Cavs aren’t doing anything to hurt themselves but hitting 20 wins before Valentines Day would look real good on the resume 
Key Game: Duke at North Carolina Wendesday 9p (ESPN) If I have to explain why, move on from reading this blog now.

Projected Bids: 5 

Atlantic Ten 
Conference Class-Mid Major 
Solid: Temple, Saint Louis
Work to do: Xavier UMass, Lasalle 
The A-10 Spec is: Temple is the only team on this list with any real street cred, a win agains Duke as their shiny bauble on their resume. The Billikens are a tough squad to figure but have some credible wins over ACC and Big 12 teams to boast on. Xavier is in all kinds of trouble 7-8 since their brawl with crosstown rival Cincy the Muskies are in real bubble danger and a loss to Memphis did them no favors. UMass and LaSalle lack marquee wins since beating X carries less weight than in years past

Key Games: Saint Bonaventure at UMass Wednesday 7:30 The Bonnies want to get into tourney talk a road win at a tough venue is a good way to get noticed

Projected Bids: 2 

Big East 
Conference Class-Power 
Solid: Syracuse, Georgetown, Marquette, Louisville, Notre Dame, Cincinnati

Work to do: South Florida, UConn, West Virginia 
Big East Skinny: It’s the same ole same old here. Dominant team at the top in the ‘Cuse and then a morass of good but not great teams beating each others brains out like crabs in a barrel. Lunardi of ESPN has 9 teams coming out of here, but truth be told after Cincy Im not sold past six and my beloved Bearcats are tottering. The Blazers, Huskies and Mountaineers all have some shaky patches  

Key Game: Georgetown at Syracuse Wendesday 7p The Cuse is on top and will stay there win or lose, but the Hoyas could really make a big splash with a win in the Carrier Dome

Projected bids: 7 

Big Ten 
Conference Class-Power 
Solid: Michigan State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Indiana 
Work to do: Illinois, Minnesota, Purdue
The word on the Big Ten is: Ohio State leads the pack after a tense win at Madison and Michigan State hot on their heels after beating Michigan. Weep not for the Badgers and Wolverines as they are very much in the picture. Indiana has looked shaky at times but that win over #1 Kentucky will get them massive mileage. Is it me or does Illinois have permanent residence on the bubble, whining about respect but playing down to their competition will get them no love here. Losing four of five aside from an brutal to win watch slugfest over Michigan State doesn’t help. The Boilers and Gophers lack a signature win and

Key Game: Wisconsin at Minnesota Thursday 7p (BTN) The Gophers as mentioned before lack a signature win, beating their despised eastern neighbor would do very well to that end

Projected Bids: 6 

Big 12 
Conference Class-Power 
Solid: Kansas, Baylor, Missouri 
Work to do: Iowa State, Kansas State 
Skinny from the heartland: The Tigers, Jayhawks, and Bears are pretty much safe as long as they don’t drop too many. Iowa State is the one to watch, they have big wins over Kansas and have a leg up on the Wildcats whom they’ve already beaten.  
Key Game: Kansas at Baylor Wednesday 7p (ESPN2) The Bears got housed in Allen Fieldhouse last month and are itching for payback but the Jayhawks, stung by a shootout loss at Mizzou needs a bounceback. 
Projected Bids: 5 

Conference USA 
Conference Class-Major 
Solid: None 
Work to do: Tulsa, Southern Miss, Memphis 
Oh Say Can You C-USA Spec: Southern Miss is the leader here and with 20 wins are the team to beat, Memphis, as is their wont, hangs around the top though they lack a real resume booster, especially with the win over Xavier not carrying as much weight and losing at the aforementioned Golden Eagles last Wednesday. 
Key Game: Southern Miss at UAB Wednesday 8p The Eagles had better take care going into Bartow is never a fun assignment, the Blazers are always tough at their quirky loud venue.

Projected Bids: 1 


Horizon 
Conference Class-Mid Major 
Solid: Cleveland State 
Work to do: Valpo, Wright State,
Spec on The Horizon: Always a favorite of mine, the Horizon is a fun league to watch. Unfortunelately Butler is a long shot at best to be around much longer than a token win or two in the Horizon tourney this year. Cleveland State is the bully on the block this year and though Valpo is contending it’s the Vikings title to lose. 
Key Game: Valpo at Cleveland State Thursday 7p Valpo knocked off the Vikings earlier last month and stands a half game out of first in the Horizon a win in Cleveland gives them a crucial tiebreaker

Projected Bids: 1 

IVY 
Conference Class-Small 
Solid: Harvard 
Work To Do: Princeton 
Spec on the Ivy Vine: Harvard is ranked getting close to bulletproof. If the Yalies or Quakers cant slow them down soon the auto bid might be locked up without much more of a fight 
Key Game: Harvard at Penn Friday 7p Expect the historic Palestra to be at its rockin’ rowdy best with the ranked Crimson in town.

Projected Bids: 1 


Missouri Valley 
Conference Class-Mid Major 
Solid: Creighton 
Work to do: Wichita State,
Missouri Valley Skinny: Another of my favorite conferences has a ranked team at the head of its class though the BlueJays took a stunning pratfall at UNI and though they are still ranked have a hard charging Shocker team even with them in the standings now. I still think both teams are tourney worthy.

Key Game: Northern Iowa at Wichita State Wednesday 8p The Panthers fresh off their upset of Creighton are the Shockers problem now.

Projected Bids: 2 


Mountain West 
Conference Class-Major 
Solid: San Diego State, UNLV 
Work to do: None 
Spec from the Mountains: Without a certain Mormon squad casting a shadow the MWC is a two team struggle.  
Key Game: San Diego State at UNLV Saturday 4p A super huge matchup, winner gets inside track on MWC top seed 
Projected Bids: 2 


Pacific 12 
Conference Class-Power 
Solid: Washington, Cal, Colorado, Oregon, Arizona
Work to do: Stanford, UCLA, Oregon State 
Spec from the left coast: This is a messy situation as usual. Though unlike years past there are at least a a couple teams that are good enough to make the tourney without a host of snickers from the peanut gallery…maybe.The Huskies are grinding out ugly but effective wins. As soon as you get sold on the Bears they take a stupid loss, witness losing 2 of three winnable home games. Colorado is new to the Pac12 mess but they fit right in with puzzling play and a tendency to play bad on the road. Arizona? Well…they are in the mix for now…but stay tuned. The working teams in the Cardinal, Bruins and Beavers need to string some wins together to stay on this list

 Key Games: Washington at Oregon  11p (FOX Sports) Thursday The Huskies head into the woods to take on a Ducks squad needing a signature win. 
Projected Bids: 5



Southeastern 
Conference Class-Power 
Solid: Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Florida, Mississippi State 
Work to do: Arkansas, Alabama Ole Miss, 
Spec is Down South: The Wildcats looked almost bored in thumping South Carolina and are pretty safe right now. Beyond Florida, the SEC looks pretty humdrum though the Commodores and Bulldogs haven’t done anything to not be included on the Solid list but Vandy had better right itself fast.

Key Game: Florida at Kentucky Tuesday 7p (ESPN) The Gators are maybe one of the few SEC teams that could stop the rampaging Wildcats…maybe. 
Projected Bids: 4


Western Athletic 
Conference Class- Major 
Solid: Nevada
Work to do:  New Mexico State,
Spec on the WAC: Nevada took its first loss since since Thanksgiving but is still in pretty good shape, though the Aggies are still very much in the hunt 
Key Game: Nevada at Hawai’i Friday 1a (ESPNU) The Wolfpack head to the Big Island with a big target on their backs.

Projected Bids: 2 

West Coast 
Conference Class- Mid Major 
Solid: St. Marys 
Work to do: Gonzaga, BYU 
West Coast Spec: The Gaels are the bully this year and have been playing like it. The Bulldogs and Cougars are jostling for a 2^nd spot here. 
Key Game: St. Mary’s at Gonzaga Thursday 11p (ESPN2) The Gaels are heading into an extremely hostile venue in the Kennel

Projected Bids: 2 

There are others in the mix to be sure. Teams from the always dangerous Colonial and Big South always are in the mix and can send multiple teams. Of course the champions from the following conferences get an automatic bid: Amer. East, Atlantic Sun, Big Sky, Big West, MAC, MAAC, MEAC, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Patriot, Southern, Southland, Sun Belt, Summit, and SWAC 

Since this is still early spec, nothing here is solid and we haven't even brought up the possibility of upsets. But those never happen, right? 

Next Spec on Friday!

Phat Dap Head Slap

Phat Dap

To Knicks Guard Jeremy Lin, who had enough to overcome being Asian-American playing basketball but also coming out of Harvard (Harvard???) he scored a career high 28 points to lead the Knicks to a win Monday night as he filled in for Amare Stoudamire who had to leave the team due to the death of his older brother (condolences to the Stoudamire family) Dap to Lin for perserving and becoming a possible new option for the Knicks offense off the bench.

Head Slap

Never a favorite of mine, Steelers LB James Harrison leading those that were chortling about the Pats loss in the Super Bowl. Saying "I told you, Cheaters never win."  Ummm im sorry, Mr. Harrison were you there...oh thats right your team got Tebowed and were out the first round. Do the sporting world a favor and keep your yap shut unless you are winning Super Bowls you have no place to shot call

Until Next Post Fellow Sports Fans!

What's up everyone? Did you enjoy the Super Bowl? I'm sure our resident Massholes weren't too happy with the end result, but honestly I can't complain. It was a good football game and the better team won. At least the game went down to the wire and wasn't a blowout. So, at least there's that. (And yes, I know that doesn't make the Patriots fans feel better, but oh well -- it is what it is.)

Once again the halftime show sucked balls. Madonna isn't Super Bowl worthy anymore, and I don't know why the NFL thought she would be quality entertainment. This isn't 1987. The NFL needs to get over themselves and start putting good music in the halftime show instead of all these washed up hacks. The "wardrobe malfunction" was almost 10 years ago...it's time to get over it NFL.

The commercials were again a major let down. The only commercials that got a laugh from me were the Pepsi commercial with Flava Flav and The Voice commercial with Betty White. I chuckled at the Bud Light commercial with the dog named We Go that fetched beer every time someone said "Here We Go", and I yawned at pretty much every other commercial. It's gotten to the point where it's not even worth watching the commercials anymore, because they get worse and worse as the years go by. Whatever happened to making commercials that were actually funny? Is it just me, or are these commercials just stupid wastes of time? I don't think it's just me...and I think that something needs to change, and change quickly, before we're stuck with no entertainment value in the Super Bowl at all.

Now that the Super Bowl is over it's time to turn our focus to baseball. (Or, if you're like me, keep your focus on baseball. I've been focused on baseball for two weeks now.) We're less than a month away from the start of spring training, and I can't wait to sit down and watch a baseball game again...it's been way too long. 

Over the next few weeks my plan is to focus on each division and make some predictions that will be totally wrong by the end of the year. I'll probably start with a "who got better and who got worse" post to examine the free agent signings over the past few weeks, and speculate on where any remaining free agents might end up once the season starts. 

While I'm on the subject of baseball I'll briefly cover my feelings on the whole Josh Hamilton situation. I know Beeze covered this the other day (at least I think he did), so I'm not going to go in-depth on it, but I will say that a) I feel somewhat bad for Hamilton who is still battling his demons (and will probably battle them for the rest of his life), and b) I wish the media would leave him alone. His relapse is none of our business. It's a private family matter, and honestly I don't understand the point in making it a story. He had a few drinks. It's not like he went on a three day coke binge and killed five hookers in a gas station on the outskirts of Yuma. Come on people...let the man live his personal life, and let him try to fight his battles without sticking your nose where it doesn't belong.

Alright, with that I'm going to go and get some sleep, because I feel like shit and I'm tired. If you have any thoughts you'd like to share, feel free to add them in the comments section.

Until next Monday...

Well signing day came and went and the same faces were welcoming the top recruits to the top programs.  This year's greatest turnaround was at a school where there were recruiting was on the downslope,  free-falling as no time in the recent past.

​BUT!!   Urban Meyer's health improved!   He got the Ohio State job and has been flipping recruits like a grill person flipping burgers at a fast food restaurant.  Lord only knows what he offered.    

​Rumors have  been flying that hostesses have done more than fluffed their pillows,  if you know what I mean?   That said,  I really don't begrudge Missouri fans for keeping Dorial Green-Beckham in state.   Afterall,  he was a last weekend kind of thing and the most recent visit can create that lasting impression.  

​What I find most interesting is the complaints coming by the Michigan State and Wisconsin head coaches.    Bleacher Report implied that the Big Ten has a gentlemen's agreement,  not to poach verbal-signees.   The response by Urban Meyer is basically like,  boo-hoo!  Prove it!    Myer has effectively brought the SEC kind of recruiting to another conference.

Now,  the same type of complaint is coming from the Pac-10 about Kiffin and USC.  The same USC that has had violations and probation already.   Maybe that is why the current Boise State coach is satisfied with the conference he is in.   With his recruiting classes,  he is doing quite well, considering the talent level there is no where close to that the SEC.   He will keep winning.

​I guess, ultimately, he either selects the right job at maybe Georgia or Auburn for better money,  with a proven product product or just stays put.  At Arkansas,  they picked up a 3-4-star recruit that Alabama didn't sign.    He was committed since last September and even had the hat ready to go,  but the problem was a better player signed with Sabin and the DE didn't even get a call telling him there was a change of plan.  Good for the Hogs maybe but not so much for Dairus Philbin.

 When Beckham did sign with Missouri,  Petrino was unhappy but he is still recruiting well,  when you consider his success the last two years. (21-5).    He did well at Louisville too.  And by the way, the Falcons and their players can go jump off a cliff,   because those guys got rich with football and so should Petrino.   And who is being true anymore?

​And with that in mind,  the Razorbacks picked up some more receivers who will be game-changers.   He won't recruit players who don't like to work.   Now he has a few players that will go to the NFL and star,  like WR Joe Adams and Jarius Wright,  who had 282 yards receiving in one game.   And they will be ten deep at WR and about 5 deep at RB.   Their tight end will be a high round draft pick and he will be replaced effectively.

​This thing with poaching can cripple a soft-state.  But a great coach can bring the best out in your players and make those marginal stars,  great.  Greg Childs comes to mind.   

​The gist of all this though,  is the dirty tactics  being used to take players away from other teams and realistically Wisconsin had done well considering their recruiting class rankings have been traditionally low.  Good for them.   It will take CFB to take this seriously and even the playing field a bit.   One thing is for sure,  a lot of those top players never get the chance to show off their skills,   become some teams are stockpiling players to the detriment of small schools.

Fast Facts about the Super Bowl after 46 games.

There has never been a shutout or overtime. The Dolphins 3 points in the 6^th game and the Vikings 6 in the 9^th game the lowest totals and the only time a team has been held without an offensive touchdown. The Patriots won two of their three Super Bowls on last second field goals to avert overtimes.

The two combatants have played in 12 of the past 26 Super Bowls (Giants 21, 25, 35, 42, 46) Patriots (20, 31, 36, 38, 39, 42 & 46)

This is the 5^th Super Bowl Rematch (Mia-Was, Pit-Dal 3x, SF-Cin, Dal-Buffalo)

There have been a number of kickoff and interception returns for touchdowns, but never a punt return.

Super Bowl 46

NFC Champion New York Giants (12-7) vs. AFC Champion New England Patriots (15-3) for the NFL Championship and the Vince Lombardi Trophy

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis 6:30 (NBC)

Favorite Patriots by 1½

Coaches NY: Tom Coughlin 81-57 in 8 seasons in New York 153-121 overall in 16 seasons in Jacksonville and New York 1-0 in Super Bowls

NE: Bill Belichick 153-58 in 12 seasons in New England 202-103 in 16 seasons with Cleveland and New England 3-1 in Super Bowls

How they got Here

New England: AFC #1 seed 13-3 AFC East Champions

Earned First Round bye as AFC’s top seed

Defeated AFC West Champion Denver Broncos 45-10 in Divisional Round

Defeated AFC North Champion Baltimore Ravens 23-20 in Conference Championship

New York:  NFC #4 seed 9-7 NFC East Champions

Defeated  NFC Wild Card Atlanta Falcons 24-2 in Wild Card Round

Defeated  NFC North Champion Green Bay Packers 37-20 in Divisional Round

Defeated NFC West Champion San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in OT in Conference Championship

Fast Facts NE: Only the third team to reach the Super Bowl without beating a team with a winning record in the regular season (74 Steelers, 99 Rams who both won their respective Super Bowls)  NY: Coach At 65, Tom Coughlin is oldest to coach a Super Bowl

Key Players:  NE: Tom Brady 5235 Yds Passing 39 TDs, Rob Gronkowski 90 Rec 1327 17 Rec TD , Wes Welker 122 Rec 1569 yds, Vince Wilfork 52 Tackles 3.5 sacks Andre Carter 10.5 sacks, Jerrod Mayo 95 tackles

NY Eli Manning 4933 Yds Passing 29 TDs , Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz 82 Rec 1536 9Tds, Jason Pierre-Paul 16.5 sacks, Justin Tuck 5 Sacks 37 Tackles

Last Meeting (regular season) Giants won 24-20 in week 9, (Super Bowl) Giants beat Patriots 17-14)

When the Patriots Have the Ball

Without question, Tom Brady is the heart and soul of the Pats offense, his deft touch, strong arm and leadership are what makes the high powered offense run. The two tight end set is a real headache to plan for but with Gronkowski hobbled with a high ankle sprain a key cog is slowed. The fearless and dependable Welker seems to always make the clutch catch. The Pats have no real burner threats as the again Deion Branch and little used Chad Ochocinco have been little used. The Giants have a solid pass rush with the freakishly athletic Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and run clogger Osi Umenyiora providing push up front. The Giants will employ much of the same strategy that they did in their Super Bowl meeting four years ago. Hit Tom Brady as often as possible, knock him down make him as uncomfortable as possible

When the Giants have the Ball

Eli Manning has shed the “little brother” status and has stepped into his own as a bona fine big money quarterback. He doesn’t look the part to be sure, but time and time again he makes the big plays, hits the key throws and has become the indispensible part of the Giants offense. In any other year his nearly 5000 yards passing would be lionized and celebrated. But with the exploits of Rodgers, Brees and his counterpart Brady; Manning has toiled in the shadows. As many shadows as can be as a New York QB. But in the playoffs he has sparkled and with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw giving him a decent running complement, the Giants offense while not flashy can put points on the board. The Pats defense while much maligned bends deeply but doesn’t break often. Vince Wilfork is a dependable run clogger while Jerrod Mayo and Andre Carter have become solid defenders in their own right. It’s easy to point at the frightening amount of yardage the Pats defense gave up in the regular season at north of 400 yards a game. But in two postseason contests they have given up a more tolerable 325 yards per contest

Coaching

Bill Belichick seems to keep coming up with a winning formula, aside from Brady you can shuffle players in and out and the Pats machine keeps rolling with it laconic almost brooding coach. A win here will only solidify his position as this generation’s best coach. Tom Coughlin always seems to be under fire for his job but unlike his preening grinning jeering Gotham coaching counterpart, can win the big games and steal the thunder.

The Final verdict

Contrary to the records this is a fairly even matchup. Both teams have big game quarterbacks who have won this before. Both are fairly veteran laden teams who have experienced the hubbub of footballs yearly Holy Grail, the question is which teams defense will step up. The Giants defense has been stellar over the playoff run but they have that tendency to turn in a snoozer in games you expect them to play big. The Pats defense hasn’t been that much to write home about themselves but seem to hold up just enough to allow Brady and the offense to cover the points. Conventional wisdom is playing up the Giants being the underdog again, but I’m not buying it. Manning is far from the wide-eyed QB he looked to be in the last Super Bowl matchup. Brady is looking to join a very exclusive fraternity with a fourth Super Bowl win. I’m seeing a tight duel between two of the league’s best QB’s against defenses that while serviceable can be strafed. Whoever gets last licks may take the hardware home. Flip a coin as this one is really too close to call but for some reason the Manning winning a trophy in the house his brother built seems a little too hokey and storybook. Just on straight gut my pick is…

Patriots 27 Giants 23

Strat-O-Matic.com to be taking over SOM Online 
Big news! This spring, Strat-O-Matic Baseball Online will be moving from SportingNews.com to Strat-O-Matic.com, and Strat-O-Matic Media will officially own and operate all aspects of the game going forward. 
Full announcement here on the forums!"

Yet another service at sportingnews.com...

Bites the Dust...

What a shock!!!

What a surprise!!!

What incredible management!!!

If ya wanna do something right...

Ask the SportingNews management...

Then do the opposite...

dvt

http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/stratomatic/home_good.html

Well Gabbers its Super Bowl Sunday, and while most of you are at home getting ready for the game I am working until 3:30 this afternoon doing what I do best serving the public by providing their meals to eat during the big game between the Giants and the Patriots. Sure, I will be home before kickoff, probably already sitting in my chair getting ready to watch Madonna sing "Like a Virgin," what a lie. But anyway, here are my thoughts about the game and few of its key players.

I would love to say that I am rooting for either team but I am not, I am sitting here jealous of the Patriots and Giants fans on the Gab wishing it was my Lions instead of the Giants playing on this day. It may happen one day, my dad was the last person to see the Lions win a championship against Beezer's Brownies 50+ years ago, it was both of those teams last taste of real success..........

I have to be honest with you, I am rooting for the key players like Tom Brady (Michigan roots), and Eli Manning (because how could you not root for him)? I am not predicting who will win the game on Sunday, as not to offend. But I will say this, the Giants have one thing going for them, and that is their defense. But they also have the key to victory once again, ELI.....

Truth be told, he is  the key for the Giants winning the Super Bowl today, their defense will keep this game close enough for them to win as long as he does not make any mistakes......

So while I am taking care of a little business here on the Gab, I thought I would share this BTO video with you. Guys I think you will like this version of this song. I had to turn it off before "Little Stormin" seen it, he is 6 and already likes these kind of things..........

I know its Super Bowl Sunday, but I thought I would share this video with you. This one is a classic Top 10 Hockey Fights Knockouts. Enjoy it, there were a lot of repeat offenders in this one, and a visit from "The Grim Reaper."

I have to admit that I am a "Crue Head, so here is a little Carnival of Sins music.......

And another........

I sure hope this Super Bowl does not turn out to be as dull and boring as I believe the Giants defense may turn it into, and the offenses do take a "Walk on the Wildside." I sure hope the offenses open up, and Tom Brady and Eli Manning are able to put on an offensive show that we will remember for a long time to come...........

No offense to anyone on the Gab, but I am glad that football season is finally over. Now we can move on to baseball, NASCAR and the NHL playoffs. Thanks for reading my post

This is the GAB what where you expecting a picture of Vince Wilfork

It’s Superbowl eve, all has been said about this game that possibly can be said. All that can possibly be bet on from mid driffs to what shade of Red Tom Coughlin will turn if things go bad.

We know the just front4 or the group they call Nascar are good Of course npbody has mentioned the other 7 guys on that defense aren’t that good,, We know that Patriots defensive backs are overmatched by the Giant receivers .But nobody has mentioned how good the Patriots Defensive front 4 is.,.We know that Eli is the second coming of Peyton .Of course we overlooked the guy Peyton wants to be Tom Brady We know the Giants are the hottest team in Football winning 6 in a row. Of course nobody has mentioned the Patriots have won 10 in a row.

Save your Superbowl sanity throw out any prediction athlete in another sports makes ditto for an actor or entertainer including singers dancers, rappers, comedians and especially actors and actresses. Any of them picking anything to do with the superbowl is the equilvilent or maybe worse then them making some statement in politics. Throw out any predictions made by politicians . presidential candidates, and or any other poltical figure s. throw out any prediction made by any animal including horses, dogs, snakes(see politicians above).But not excluding cats, pigs, goats , alpaca’s llamas and igunias.

Throw out any predictions made by radio hosts that don’t have sport talk shows. Please include any radio host that where’s a team Jersey. Let’s face it there guess is as good as yours.

Let’s see I talked to people all day about their party plans. I’ll be spending my Superbowl attending Youth basketball and Hockey Games and enjoying every minute of it. I’ll be in my chair with the High DEf TV and the Surround sound going at 6:30 in my easy chair with my faithful companion, No not the mrs. My ten pound malti peeka cocka poo. I’ll sit back watch Tom Brady skillfully drive the Patriots down the field to score. I’ll watch Eli torch the Patriot secondary only to be foiled by a great play by Julien Edelman.

I’ll watch game go back and forth and forth than back again. As my emotion go from joy to anger from happiness to sadness and back to happy again as the Patriots will be once again on top and winning their fourth Lombardi trophy. No David Tyree, No helmet catch no Asante Samuel missing an easy pick no last minute drive by Eli. At least I hope. It will be another rolling rally through the streets of Boston with Gronkowski sore ankle and all leading the Duck Boat that may actual enter the unfrozen Charles.

Ok , You all know were I’m coming from and since I’m not a politician , actor, animal, or radiohost, I can make my prediction and I have the Patriots win by 10. Ok a predicted that early in the week. I maybe totally off but what the hell it’s only predictions.

Of course this blog was written through my Patriot Colored glasses. Yes, I have lived through the good, the bad, and the ugly of New England Patriots and I’m staying on this joy ride for as long as the powers at Patriot Place can continue the winning formula. So I don’t care who picks the Giants, I don’t care if Kelly Clarkson’s bellybutton shows, I don’t care if Madonna gets on stage with her walker and has a wardrobe malfunction. All I want is a damn good football that is close but not to close. I want the Hoodie and the models hubby to win. But most of all I want this win for Mr. Kraft as well. He has He has provided me and this region with a lot of good football since 1993 and he deserves to go to the top one more time.

I find it a bit ironic that, when comparing quarterbacks Tom Brady and Eli Manning, Brady is revered as a lock for the Hall of Fame once that his illustrious career has ended, yet it is being insinuated that Manning will not be joining him unless he wins a second ring in the Super Bowl on Sunday.  You see Brady has won three rings already and Eli only one, as if that has anything to do with how great a quarterback is.  Football sportswriters tend to ignore that the Super Bowl has only been around since 1967, and that there are a slew of great quarterbacks who retired long before there ever was a Super Bowl.  It is also ironic that, if the Giants do win tomorrow, Manning will have won both of his rings by besting Brady and thereby making Brady 0-2 when facing Eli Manning. 

Speaking of 1967 and the Super Bowl, it means that tomorrow’s game will be the 46^th one ever and that I have the dubious distinction of having witnessed each and every one of them.  I do not know if this makes me a true football fan or if it just means that I am really getting old.  For the record, my favorite game ever was Super Bowl III, where Joe Namath and his AFL New York Jets upset the heavily favored NFL Baltimore Colts, thereby leading to the merger of the two leagues.  It was an event of distinction especially to me because I lived in Houston at the time and was a fan of the then almost ignored American Football League, the league that was the little step-sister until after Super Bowl III.  As an aside, we AFL fans knew that the Jets were going to win that game because we knew how good the AFL teams had become, and we realized that Namath was confident that his team was going to win.

While we are discussing Joe Namath, look at his statistics and you will wonder how the former University of Alabama quarterback ever made it into the NFL Hall of Fame.  That one Super Bowl victory changed the face of professional football so much that Namath had to be admitted no matter how weak his career statistics actually were.  His victory in Super Bowl III was the real milestone in the development of today’s NFL.

Monday morning will be sad but also ultimately glad because, while it marks the end of the football season, it also will usher in the beginning of baseball and spring training (which starts the end of February).  As an aside, I can remember every World Series since 1959, so baseball has been in my life even longer than football.  Have a great time watching Super Bowl XLVI, and may your favorite team prevail and earn their rings.

This from Ben Maller @ Yahoo!

Nobody wants to hear a rich man whine, but this NFL star brings up a pretty good argument.

Adrian Peterson hatched what seemed like a good plan on Twitter to change his Minnesota Vikings uniform number from 28 to 23. That was last week. Now the star running back has changed his mind, blaming the power brokers behind pro football merchandise sales for spoiling his idea.

Peterson told his 212,000-plus Twitter followers that he "received a call" from an unnamed source informing him he'd have to buy all the jerseys that have been made with his No. 28 on them if he wanted to change his number. The Vikings star tweeted the amount of money"blew my mind!!!!!"

How much would it cost?

A cool $1,000,000 -- according to Peterson.

That's when the franchise running back unloaded on what he feels is an injustice to star players. Pointing out to his cyber minions that he's among the leaders in NFL jersey sales, Peterson complained that he doesn't "even get paid a million dollars" from his individual Nike sponsorship deal.

​Sorry, Adrian...

​Sorry, Ben...

Not a good argument...

​Obviously neither of you have run a business...

​I have...

​It doesn't work like that...

​The NFL and its retailers invested a million bucks in #28...

​You wanna change your number...

You can eat the jerseys...

​Not bad with a little ketchup...

​dvt

http://ladiesdotdotdot.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/adrian-peterson1.jpg

​http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/dish/201202/vikings-stars-controversial-rant-against-nfl-uniform-rules

http://media.heinz.com/media/ourfoods/products/1280x1024/ketchup_1.jpg

As I sit here watching the Red Wings and Canucks play tonight, wondering how the hell the score is only 2-1 in favor of the Wings with the way they are dominating the Canucks in their own building. I thought I would give Pavel a little love. Here is an absolutely amazing goal from earlier this year against the Black Hawks......

I wonder to myself if he is ignored for consideration of the Hart Trophy, partly because of the long run of playoff appearances by the Red Wings? Could it be that the Wings have set the bar too high for themselves, and it is just expected of him?

Here are some more reasons why I think he should receive Hart Trophy consideration, he is third in the league in scoring. Without him the Wings would not contend year after year for the Stanley Cup. He is truly a better two way player than anyone who plays the game, but yet his peers show him no love. He also has a temper, as you will see in my next video. I remember watching this fight against Corey Perry, I was both shocked and amazed at how well he handled himself against Perry.......

So lets show Pavel a little love this year, and give him the Hart Trophy he deserves. The league always seems to give it to someone that may not deserve it as much as the next person for whatever reason.

Parity is a huge buzz word for Major League Baseball. Regardless of a lack of salary cap system, baseball is arguably the most balanced of the four professional sports teams, almost in spite of itself. The big fish still buy command the star power, but the implicit spending of money has done nothing to guarantee a championship.

So it is almost comical to see the way team approaches changed this offseason. Sure, Tampa held its course, knowing that their unendng stream of young talent would again step in and make them a post season contender without having to break their budget by invading the free agent market.

Other teams, and some surprising ones, decided to take that plunge.

The Marlins for instance, spent much of the Winter Meetings splurging on the likes of Jose Reyes, Mark Buerhle, and Heath Bell, not to mention making a solid run at Albert Pujols. Now, apparently still looking for another outfield bat, are heavily involved in the bidding for Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes. For a team that has coincidentally placed both 26th or worse in attendence and also 24th or worse in team payroll for 12 of the last 13 years.

Then there is the Washington Nationals, a team rebuffed in its efforts to add the big bat it wanted in Prince Fielder, but did pull off one of the best trades of the winter when they acquired Gio Gonzalez from Oakland. They have since added Edwin Jackson on a decent one-year deal, making them have one of the most solid rotations in the National League. They still need that big bat, but given the quality of their pitching staff and the chance of uber-prospect Bryce Harper may win a job out of spring training, that may be a moot point.

The good folks in Texas were previously following the example set by the Rays. After years of making ill-advised high-money deals, the Rangers returned to the model of developing their own talent and making good, high-reward trades. They've crafted that strategy into back-to-back appearances in the World Series. Yet, after losing C.J. Wilson to the rival Angels, this team just a few years removed from bankruptcy made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason, dropping $51 million plus on a posting fee for Yu Darvish and then a $60 million contract to lock him up for the next 10 seasons. 

So why the big push to climb into baseball's salary race?

The Marlins have an obvious need to generate fan interest in a team moving into a new stadium. They, and Jeffery Loria in particular, have been so maligned by fans for their cheap ways, that they've actually done more to hamper their fan following. Now, with the new stadium in pocket, they have to prove that the taxpayer money for a new park will make them relevant again. Like the Nationals, they are a team that is looking for a bump in popularity and competitiveness. Also like the Nationals, they play in a very tough National League East division. The Rangers splurged on the Darvish signing and also have to lock up Josh Hamilton, but with the Arte Moreno and the Angels spending Disney type money again, the Rangers may not even make it out of their own division this year.

That all said, if there has been any lesson learned in baseball over the last 15 years, buying in doesn't always guarantee that elusive banner on the outfield wall. For every Red Sox and Phillies championship, the Giants, Cardinals, and even the Marlins have defied the odds and come home with a championship in hand instead of just on paper.

In the end, the dollar is the king during the offseason and may grab you the headlines you want, but the bat and ball bring home the championship.

On the seventh day, God rested...

And on the eighth day...

He created the Super Bowl...

You see...

There was absolutely no life prior to the Super Bowl...

At least...

That’s what the NFL would like you believe...

The Patriots and Giants meet Sunday in Super Bowl XLVI...

Apparently...

There were no prior championships prior to the Super Bowl...

This is all we have, isn’t it???

Oh yeah...

There was football before the Super Bowl...

But no championships, right???

Just the regular season, right???

Then they just stopped playing, right???

Until next year, right???

Nothing mattered back then, did it???

Did they even keep stats back then, did they???

I heard they had some pretty swell players...

But they really don’t count, do they???

It was just a rehearsal, right???

After all...

Even if they did have championship games back then...

Since they weren’t SUPER BOWL titles...

They don’t count in the overall total...

At least that is what the NFL would like you to believe...

And what the media would like you to believe...

I never hear them talk about the good ole days...

The only things that are count are...

Super Bowl titles...

And Super Bowl appearances...

So and so has the most Super Bowl titles...

Such and such has the most Super Bowl appearances...

Detroit has never been to a Super Bowl...

And I guess that means they have zero titles, right???

Those games in ‘35, ‘52, ‘53, and ‘57...

They were just post season scrimmages, right???

Practice games, right???

We talkin’ ‘bout practice...

Not a game...

Not a game...

Not a game...

We talkin’ ‘bout practice...

Okay...

‘Nuffa dat...

And in one of those practices...

Way back before Pearl Harbor...

In ‘40...

The Chicago Bears bombed the Washington Redskins, 73-0...

But that didn’t count...

‘Cus it wasn’t in the Super Bowl...

And they were just messin’ around, weren’t they???

They even had a scrimmage go into overtime...

That was back in ‘57...

I think it was some actor named Don Ameche...

He scored the “so-called” winning touchdown...

And they stopped playing just like that...

But it didn’t matter, did it???

Because the game wasn’t named the Super Bowl...

Nobody cares about that stuff back then any more...

‘Cus sacking the quarterback was legal back then...

Now you can only pull the flag attached to his belt...

So just like the old AAFC and AFL...

Those games are pigments of our imaginations...

Yes, I said pigments...

As in pigskin...

But I guess if you count those scrimmages...

Or practice games...

The Packers have...

Thirteen championships...

But nobody really counts that high, do they???

And da Bears have nine...

But the first eight were insignifcant...

I guess we can’t give credit where credit is due...

Cus’ they weren’t in “The Big Game”...

That’s right...

I don’t think I can legally say...

S-p-r B-wl...

Cus I didn’t pay the NFL to say it...

I guess I don’t count either...

dvt

http://censorshipinamerica.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/super-bowl-i-patch.jpg

http://www.fanfestsports.com/store/images/sammy%20baugh%20(Small).jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVEu23_Azxk/Tt5Xtj9Q5MI/AAAAAAAAAlg/rBxbdv5Zgw8/s1600/ameche.jpg

http://www.813area.com/images/content_featured/medium/the-big-game-xlvi.jpg

Oldharry and Shorty's unbiased Supah Bowl preview

The way the Giants have been playing it is obvious they are at least the hotter team if not the more talented. Tom Coughlin has the Giants peaking at just the right time, much the way he did in the post season leading up to SB 42. This team has better receivers and a much better QB in seasoned veteran Eli Manning. The 2007 version of Eli was good, this version is, dare I say it….elite!

The Giants 9-7 regular season was an up and down affair with a solid 6-2 start including a 24-20 win over the Pats in Foxboro. Eli lead his team down the field late in the 4^th quarter for the win.

The Giants had to scramble at the end to win the division and grab the 4^th seed but they were in and hosted a Falcons team and won impressively 24-2 .

A very impressive win in Green Bay over the once beaten Packers 37-20 put them in the NFC Championship game with San Francisco. The Giants continued the roll to the Super Bowl with that hard fought  20-17 OT win in the rain.

and now the Giants have won 5 straight.

The Patriots earned a first round bye and in the Divisional round sent Denver home  45-10

The AFC Championship was a war with the Pats avoiding OT when Myra Kraft tip the FG attempt sending it wide left, giving the Pats a 23-20 win

Overall the Giants numbers look like this 12-7 record, points per game, scoring 25 while giving up 23

The Patriots numbers look like this, 15-3 record , points per game, scoring  32 while giving up 21

Common foes were , Jets, Buffalo, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington, Dallas

The Giants record vs the common foes was 6-3 with 2 losses to Washington and one to Philadelphia

The Patriots record vs common foes was  8-1, the loss to Buffalo

That’s all for stats, Black Bandit did say earlier in the week that he was bring history and Stats in his preview and I don’t think I can compete with his objectivity.

That being said I give you Oldharry and Shorty’s surprising SB picks

-The Patriots will win the toss and defer.

-Eli will throw the ball 45-50 times for 300+yds and 3 TD’s as the Patriots choose to take away the run and play deep safeties forcing Eli to dink and dunk while hoping he makes a mistake or two.

-Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis will rush 20 times for 80 yds and a TD

-Tom Brady will work the middle with the no huddle for 280 yds and a pair of TD’s

-Wes Welker and Victor Cruz will each have 10 catches.

- the Patriots defense will score a TD

Laurence Tynes will miss a 51 yard FG.... wide left, with under a minute to play and the Patriots will escape with a 28-27 win

Tom Brady will be the MVP because QB's are usually the MVP,

Robert Kraft will cry and lift the Lombardi high and say, "This is for you Myra"

and a blond will say,"Gosh....it's only a quarter!"

thanks for reading, commenting and indulging the homerism

Super Bowl XLVI marks the 5^th Super Bowl rematch and the third rematch of Super Bowl Quarterbacks.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys have matched up three times – with Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach meeting two of those times.  The Cowboys have met the Bills twice – with Troy Aikman meeting Jim Kelly twice.  There have also been two each of Dolphins/Redskins and Bengals/49ers tilts.

The news for Tom Brady is not good.  In the first two rematches of Super Bowl quarterbacks, the same man won both games: Bradshaw and Aikman won.  For the man with 3 Super Bowl rings, the thought of losing another Super Bowl to Eli Manning – the man who has a ring already against Brady’s 18-1 Patriots – must be as much a driver as the pursuit of his favorite ring, “the next one.”

On the other hand, the news for the Patriots is not quite as grim, albeit not good.  Of the rematches, the Cowboys have won 1 of the 3 games, and the Dolphins and Redskins each split.  The Cowboys victory in  Super Bowl XXX was the most recent split of rematches.  So there is some hope.

Overall it shakes down like this:

Pittsburgh  2 (Bradshaw – 2) – Dallas 1 (Staubach – 0)

Miami 1 – Washington 1

Dallas 2 (Aikman – 2) – Buffalo 0 (Kelly – 0)

San Francisco 2 – Cincinnati 0

We forget how dominant the Bills of the early 1990’s were because they just couldn’t seal the deal – their first visit a 1-point loss to the same New York Football Giants the New England Patriots will face in Super Bowl XLVI.   And here is where history repeats itself.  But for an improbable sequence of events in Super Bowl XLII, the Patriots would be coming into this rematch with history on their side and an historic season behind them.  Had Scott Norwood placed a kick true to the posts in Super Bowl XXV, the Bills would have done down as the 1990’s most dominant teams and they would have 1 Lombardi trophy to show for their remarkable run. 

In a game pairing the game’s best teams, the slightest error in judgment or execution over the course of a 60-minute game can be the deciding factor.  Will this third matchup of Super Bowl quarterbacks have a different result?  This is why the game is played.