Parker Gabriel- Managing Editor
(Resident office Packers' fanatic)
These two guys sat behind me at the UW basketball game against Purdue Tuesday night and ran through about twenty different situations that could result in a Packers win Sunday. Included were two interceptions and two sacks from Charles Woodson, 120 yards and three touchdowns from James Jones, something about Tim Masthay being good at punting and maybe one about Clay Matthews boxing against Mike Tomlin. ? ?Here's the bottom line: If Pittsburgh is within six points with five minutes left, the Steelers will win. If Ben Roethlisberger is on top of his game, the Steelers will win. He's too good in the clutch. Call it wishful thinking, but I bet the Packers D rattles him. ? ?
Packers 33, Steelers 24
Ryan Evans – Sports Editor
(Minnesota Packers fan)
I see Super Bowl XLV playing out in the Packers' favor. Led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the league's best receiving core, the Packers should be able to exploit the Steelers' secondary for big yards through the air. The Steelers' vulnerable secondary is one of the best kept secrets in the NFL— just look at what Tom Brady did to them earlier this year. Look for A-Rodg and the Pack to do the same on Sunday.
The Steelers prevailed in last year's meeting at Heinz Field between the two teams due to Roethlisberger's ability to pick apart the Packers' pass defense, but I believe the Packers secondary has improved exponentially since that game and should be able to contain Big Ben.
One thing to keep an eye out for: the Packers have to keep Rodgers upright. The Steelers boast arguably the league's best pass rush, so protecting Rodgers and giving him time to deliver the ball to his receivers will be key for a Packer victory.
Packers 35, Steelers 24
Emma Roller- Editor in Chief
(She doesn't really know much about sports)
The Packers will win because, simply put, they are God's team. They are also Lil Wayne's team. I'm not sure if that's a coincidence but I'm not about to take it as one. The Packers will also win because they are from where I am from and where I am from is the best place anyone could ever be from. The Packers will also win because they are used to the cold so when they are in the heat in Dallas the players' blood will boil to a fever pitch of rage that will catapult them into the Steelers' groins like a thousand Roman candles of manliness. The Packers will also win because if they don't everyone I have to work with will be sad and will be too busy crying and scrawling WHYYY on the wall in Sharpie to work and then I will be the one with the boiled blood. The End.
Packers in straight sets
Max Sternberg- Men's basketball writer
(He really doesn't give a shit about the NFL)
My bold prediction for Sunday is that once the game is over, Brett Favre talk will immediately turn into Alex Rodriguez talk as the seasonal morphing of Ed Werder into Buster Olney takes place.
But since I have been informed that said game actually means something to some people, I guess I have to offer an explanation for why I believe that the Packers, hailing from some little known city northeast of campus, will win.
First of all, Ben Roethlisberger's beginner's luck is about to run its course. Two appearances in the Super Bowl have led to two victories and as they say, the third time is the charm. Roethlisberger may be a savvy-minded player, but against a defense as talented as the Packers', his tendency to make throws that are mediocre at best will catch up with him.
Aaron Rodgers, on the other hand, is unquestionably the more physically gifted of the two quarterbacks. After having to deal with questions about his ability to perform in the clutch and his readiness to ascend to the role of premier QB, I think he is ready to win a title. Having proven that he can think football with the best of them, Rodgers will have an opportunity to showcase his talents on Sunday afternoon and finish the day with Joe Buck kissing his ass like he does with Tony Romo.
Packers 21, Steelers 17
Adam Wollner- News writer
(Why isn't he working for sports?)
The Packers will look to get their passing attack going early in this game. Considering the roof on ""Jerry's World"" will be closed Sunday, Aaron Rodgers should have a huge game through the air, as he typically does when playing in a dome. Green Bay must balance the pass with their newfound run game, however, which will not be easy against the top run defense in the league. The Steelers will rely on their defense to create turnovers by pressuring Rodgers and to provide good field position for the offense.
The Packers seem to be the team of destiny this year. They have won five elimination games in a row and have played their best football of the year during that streak. They will make it six in a row this Sunday, with Rodgers taking home MVP honors.
Packers 24, Steelers 17.
Danny Marchewka- Former Photos Editor
(He's more into biking)
Sure this year's NFL season started in August, but for me it started the last two weeks of the regular season when I first watched an entire Packers' game. It was the football equivalent of sudden death. Without winning out the season, the playoffs would have to wait until next season. The Green and Gold got their act together and have been in playoff mode since, outscoring their opponents 145-70 and with some exceptions in the NFC title game against the Bears have played near perfect football. The Packers will continue this intensity into Dallas this Sunday and upend the Steelers. Despite Roethlisberger's success in key games, you still have to go with the Packers. Anyway, Cheeseheads are far better than Terrible Towels.
Danny doesn't keep score in life
