Fantasy Guru 37

Image of the Week

2011-06-06T12:42:00.000-04:00

This week's image depicts Alex Burrows of the Vancouver Canucks viciously biting the finger of the Boston Bruins' Patrice Bergeron in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The incident occurred during a scrum in front of the net, a very common occurrence in this series.

Bergeron later showed his finger to the referees, who seemed to have no idea how to react. Burrows was not immediately penalized for his despicable act, leading many to believe that he would be disciplined by the league. Surprisingly, the NHL's Head of Discipline, Colin Campbell, took no action against Burrows.

Instead, the biting belligerent was allowed to play in Game 2, and his impact was felt. Burrows opened the scoring midway through the game with a one-timer that caught Boston goalie Tim Thomas off guard. He later contributed to the Canucks' goal near the end of regulation that tied the game and sent the match into overtime. And finally, eleven seconds into the extra period, the controversial forward stepped around Zdeno Chara and embarassed Thomas once more with a wraparound goal that gave Vancouver the victory.

This series has been noted for its increased physicality, a trend that will likely continue with the bad blood drawn, with much malice, in the opening game. Vancouver holds a two game lead in the Finals, but Boston is far from eliminated. Keep an eye on, and your fingers away from, Burrows as the series continues and as always, marvel in the prognostic powers of the guru.

Image of the Week

2011-05-26T20:26:00.001-04:00

bleacherreport.com

This week's image depicts an unchallenged Manny Pacquiao strutting away from an overpowered Shane Mosely in the pair's welterweight title bout on May 7th. Billed as the fight of the year, the match left most fans bitterly disappointed as Pacquiao easily defended his WBO welterweight title.

It has become clear that Pacquiao is completely unrivaled in the boxing world. He has yet to be challenged by any of his recent competitors, who are considered to be the top contenders. Those who have gone toe-to-toe in an attempt to defeat Pacquiao has been pulverized. Those who seem content to survive the fight and extend their careers without making an attempt at victory, such as Mosely, have left boxing fans yearning for a real challenger.

It is no secret that boxing is rapidly falling out of favor as a prime time sport. Promoters have long been awaiting a savior, an athlete talented enough to recapture the attention of the masses. This messiah has taken shape in the form of Pacquiao, however his unequaled talent may be the worst thing for the sport.

Pacquiao is so head and shoulders above the competition that his fights are boring. Pitted against the best in the world at a wide range of weight classes, the Filipino appears to be a man fighting scared children. His opponents have abandoned conventional fighting styles; they simply try to survive the fight and receive their paycheck.

Each time Pacquiao steps into the ring, his bouts are touted as must-watch TV, leaving fans disappointed as it quickly turns to hugfest. Unfortunately, we may never be able to see how great this generation's premiere fighter truly is because he may never be forced to reach his true potential.

While Pacquiao dominates the lighter weight classes, the heavyweight division is also lacking in glamour. The sport's premiere division has not seen a true legend in quite some time. Cog, who has written for this blog before, believes this is due to boxing's dwindling fan appreciation.

His theory is that the elite athletes who used to turn to boxing are now enjoying alternatives, such as professional football. Imagine if linebackers such as Ray Lewis or James Harrison laced up the gloves instead of the cleats. It seems as though boxing's talent pool is being sucked away by more glamorous sports that not only pay better, but are also safer. It appears as though this phenomenon is a cycle that will continue to take the cream of the crop away from the ring, leaving us with a watered-down generation of boxing.

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2011

2011-04-13T18:24:00.001-04:00

As a general rule, I avoid picking the President Trophy winners as the Stanley Cup champions, but it's hard to find a weakness on this Vancouver squad...My decision to select Phoenix over Detroit may surprise many, but in 2010 the Coyotes took the Wings to Game 7 without Shane Doan. The Desert Dogs are no pushover...I had a tough time eliminating Nashville in the first round, but Anaheim finished the season as the hottest team in hockey. Pekka Rinne has the talent to carry the Predators a long way...Do I think Washington will lose because they have a history of poor playoff performance? No, but a close examination of the statistics shows that the Rangers have a better goal differential than the Capitals. New York is better than their seed indicates and you have to like Henrik Lundqvuist over the Neuvirth/Varlamov duo...We have seen Russian rookie goaltenders shine in the playoffs before (Varlamov in 2010), but reigning Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller is as good as they come. If Buffalo can stay healthy, their defense is more than capable of shutting down the Flyers' attack...Boston has two solid goalies, which is usually a recipe for disaster. But there is a clear-cut starter and veteran leadership throughout the roster. This team has the depth to do some serious damage...Best of luck to all contestants in the 2011 Fantasy Guru 37 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Pool.

Image of the Week

2011-03-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

pittsburghpenguins.com

Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby returned to the ice today for the first time since sustaining a major concussion in early January. Crosby skated for about fifteen minutes, participating mainly in light skating drills. The appearance has Penguins' fans rejoicing, but they should temper their expectations.

Crosby was able to exercise only because he had gone a few days without any concussion symptoms, meaning that over the course of the last two months he has been plagued with headaches. While Crosby said afterwards that he felt good during the skating session, another one of his comments should concern Penguins' fans.

The captain was quoted as saying, “Typical every day things have gotten a lot better.” While this indicates improvement, it also sends shivers down the guru's spine. Crosby indirectly admitted that he has struggled with common tasks, a symptom that infers his brain has taken heavy damage. Unconfirmed reports stated that Crosby was unable to drive a full month after sustaining the concussion.

Recently, the guru wrote a research paper examining sports concussions. While he is by no means an expert on the subject, he received great insight on the matter. The fact that Crosby struggled with such simple tasks is a cause for concern.

Hockey is an incredibly fast-moving sport that requires players to make decisions instantaneously. Crosby excelled at making correct reads faster than everyone else on the ice, which translated into his tremendous success. After sustaining such significant brain damage, it is not unfair to assume that his decision-making process will slow down, taking away his greatest strength.

Without the ability to think faster than everyone around him, Crosby will return to the pack in terms of talent. After a season in which he dominated the NHL, it is a tragedy that we may never see Crosby play at his full potential ever again. Everyone here at the Fantasy Guru 37 Studio wishes Sidney Crosby a safe recovery back to his previous form, however we are all skeptical that he will ever produce near the pace he did this season.

A Closer Examination of Concussions in Sports

2011-03-06T11:28:00.000-05:00

From talk shows on major cable networks to the sidelines of midget football games, more and more people are discussing concussions in sports. The topic has taken the sporting world by storm, but most people seem to be uninformed. A closer look into the research reveals some startling statistics.

Sports concussions constitute the majority of brain injuries in the United States (Sosnoff). In fact, each year 300,000 Americans sustain a concussion while playing sports (Tyler and Nelson). The majority of these injuries occur in high-contact sports such as football and ice hockey (NHL players sat out 760 games with concussions in 2006-07 (Maich).), but concussions have been reported in almost every type of athletic competition (Maich). Across the country, leagues are taking action to reduce the number of concussive blows their athletes suffer.

Nowhere is this more crucial than in high school athletics. Doctors have long been alarmed with the astronomical number of teenagers who suffer concussions. It is estimated that 47% of high school football players sustain some sort of brain injury (Maich). Doctors link this increased susceptibility to neck muscles that have not fully developed (McCollum). A concussion is defined as “an acceleration or deceleration injury resulting from biomechanical forces transmitted to the cerebral tissues from impacts to the head or torso” (Sosnoff). Medical experts believe that neck muscles still in development do not resist this acceleration as well as those of adults.

sciencedaily.com

Increased susceptibility is also found in previously afflicted individuals. People with a past concussion are four times more likely to suffer a concussion than the general population (Tyler and Nelson). This “second impact syndrome” (SIS) is what has neurologists worried. SIS occurs when someone sustains a second brain injury while the brain is still recovering from the initial injury (Tyler and Nelson). Alone, the second impact may be relatively mild, but if it strikes a brain still recovering from an earlier blow, brain pressure increases rapidly and death results approximately 50% of the time (Tyler and Nelson).

The physical effects of concussions are frightening. Blood flow to the brain decreases immediately, causing disorientation, memory loss, unconsciousness, and even death (McCollum). Speaking with a concussed athlete is one of the most worrisome things imaginable.

However, the long-term effects of concussions are much more severe. Those with three or more past concussions are three times more likely to suffer from depression symptoms than the general population (Guskiewicz). But depression is only the tip of the iceberg. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and psychosis are found at a much higher rate in former NFL players than the rest of the American public (Maich). Most suspect that this abnormally high percentage results from the many impacts to the head these players absorb. It has been proven that repeated concussions result in decreased mental performance, dementia, and brain atrophy (Tyler and Nelson). Doctors examining the brain of a forty year old boxer during an autopsy compared the specimen to that of an eighty year old man. “[The brain] looks like Swiss cheese. It literally has holes in it, and we now recognize these as Alzheimer-type plaques associated with trauma,” said Dr. Charles Tator, a neurosurgeon from Toronto (Maich).

The frightening path many former players have taken is putting pressure on doctors and scientists to develop better methods of concussion detection. However, they are faced with a daunting task. Many concussions cannot be detected by X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs (McCollum). Diagnoses are generally given based on the presence of certain symptoms that include dizziness, memory loss, and disorientation (Tyler and Nelson). Relying on these symptoms makes diagnosing concussions very difficult. One must assume that many concussions go undetected, submitting the afflicted patient to the lethal second impact syndrome.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have created a test that measures brain function in different regions of the brain (McCollum). Athletes take the test before participating in sports to act as a baseline. Should a player be suspected to have sustained a concussion, he or she retakes the test. Doctors compare the results of the two tests and can accurately determine whether or not the player is concussed and which region of the brain is affected. Players may return to action once the test yields similar results to the baseline. Many high schools across the country are requiring all athletes to take the test before they are allowed to step onto the playing field. The NHL has a similar screening tool in place for all players (Tyler and Nelson).

However, many times diagnoses are made on the field, far away from a computer. Often, coaches and players make their decisions about a potential concussion based on the shaky system of symptoms discussed earlier. Without the concrete proof of a baseline test, many concussed athletes return to action, exposing themselves to the high risk associated with SIS. Concerned with this potential disaster, researchers have begun developing portable devices to detect concussions on the field (McCollum). Early prototypes have been handheld or helmet-mounted.

Others find it more useful to attempt preventing concussions rather than simply detecting them after the fact. Helmet manufacturers around the world are striving to create safer equipment for athletes in all sports. More and more players are wearing mouth guards that act as shock-absorbers (Tyler and Nelson). The idea is to reduce the acceleration of the head and keep the brain safe.

Across all levels of competition, rules are being implemented to safeguard the health of participants. In high-contact sports such as football and ice hockey, hits directed to an opposing player’s head have been made illegal. After seeing many of their players enter early retirement due to repeated concussions, the NHL and NFL have cracked down on hits deemed dangerous. Increasingly common and severe suspensions have been handed down by commissioners for headshots as the league attempts to promote player safety.

espn.go.com

Across the country, sports fans are beginning to realize the importance of concussion prevention and detection. As new evidence amounts proving that repeated concussions are very hazardous to player health, sports leagues are implementing rules to protect their players. The proof brought forth by the autopsies of former players is finally giving this brain injury the attention it deserves.

Works Cited

Guskiewicz, Kevin M. "Recurrent Concussion and Risk of Depression in Retired Football." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 39.6 (2007): 903-9. Wilson OmniFile Full Text Select Edition. Web. 20 Jan. 2011.

Maich, Steve. "The Concussion Time Bomb." Maclean's 120.41 (2007): 46-8. Wilson OmniFile Full Text Mega Edition. Web. 14 Jan. 2011.

McCollum, Sean. "The Invisible Injury." (2003). Wilson OmniFile Full Text Mega Edition. Web. 13 Jan. 2011.

Sosnoff, Jacob J. "Biomechanical Properties of Concussions in High School Football." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 42.11 (2010): 2064-7. Wilson OmniFile Full Text Mega Edition. Web. 20 Jan. 2011.

Tyler, Jeffrey H., and Michael E. Nelson. "Second Impact Syndrome: Sports Confront Consequences of Concussions." USA Today [New York City] 2000: 72-4. Wilson OmniFile Full Text Select Edition. Web. 14 Jan. 2011.

March Madness Bracket Pool 2011

2011-03-03T17:05:00.001-05:00

March is here, meaning that there is a new way to qualify for the blog's expert league! Regardless of what sport you prefer to watch, you can't call yourself a sports fan unless you fill out a March Madness bracket. In fact, the addiction is so strong that experts estimate the American economy misses out on $1.7 billion of productivity as workers fill out brackets and watch the games. Be a part of that wasted time and enter the bracket pool sponsored by the blog.

Why, you ask, should I enter this particular bracket pool? Because if you win, you are invited to play in the blog's fantasy football expert league! That means you get to compete head-to-head with the guru himself in a league consisting of the best fantasy football players on the face of the planet. If for some crazy reason that doesn't entice you, the winner also receives a Dick's gift card! Plus, it's absolutely free to enter.

Any individual with an email address is eligible to compete. To enter, simply send an email to with the following information: an alias/pen name (optional), your picks, and a score for the Championship Game. I would appreciate it if you formatted your picks in the following way to make scoring easier. List every team you predict to advance from the first round in one paragraph, preferably in a logical order. Do the same for each subsequent round until only one team is remaining. Indicate that this is the team you predict to be the National Champions. Include a score for the Championship Game, in which you indicate the scores for both the winning and losing teams.

You will receive 1 point for each correct team in the first round, 2 for the second round, 4 for the regional semifinals, 8 for the regional finals, 16 for the semifinal, and 32 for correctly predicting the National Champion. Tie-breaking procedures are as follows:

1. Closest to the total score (sum of home and away scores) for the Championship Game.
2. Closest to the score of the winning team for the Championship Game.
3. Closest to the score of the losing team for the Championship Game.

*The formula for determining the closest to the scores is as follows:
X=/(actual score) - (predicted score)/

There is no charge to enter the pool. Sending money will not increase your chances of winning. Only one entry per email address. In the case of multiple entries, only the first entry will be scored. All entries are due by 8:00 AM on the morning of March 15, 2011.

The winner will receive a special invitation to compete against the guru himself in a highly competitive fantasy football league. Good luck to all challengers. Remember, only the best and brightest gain access to the FG37FFEC.

The Hundredth Post

2011-02-27T16:20:00.001-05:00

It seems all too long ago that this blog was created. A boy genius, fresh off of numerous fantasy championships, decided to chronicle the world of sports. Here we are, one hundred posts later, celebrating the history of the world's premier fantasy sports analyst. Sit in your most comfortable chair, consume a beverage or two, and enjoy a recap of the guru's brightest moments.

It took a decent bit of time for people to start appreciating the guru's fine work. The inaugural posts received only a handful of views, but before long, the blog became a hit. The viewer explosion coincided with the publishing of an article regarding Alex Ovechkin's attempt to fight Steve Downie. At the time, it was one of the hottest topics in sports, as self-proclaimed experts from around the world emerged from their quarters of incompetence to give their two cents on the matter. Fortunately for society, the guru was there to offer an accurate representation of the event.

A few posts after the Ovechkin-Downie Incident, the guru took a short absence. Blog followers' spirits were crushed. People around the globe were left uninformed. Mayhem quickly ensued. As an apology for the unintended posting hiatus, the guru composed a song for blog viewers. It is a parody of Taylor Swift's "Love Story," and is definitely worth a click.

Let's face it, NBC is a horrible partner for the NHL and the great sport of hockey in general. After sitting through far too many poorly broadcasted games, the guru decided to take action. In a series of three posts, blog followers were made clear of the network's ineptitude. The first post can be found here. Shortly after, the second article in the series was published, sparking an interesting debate in the comments section. It wasn't long until NBC proved once again why they are the epitome of journalistic incompetence. Of course, the guru was there to set things straight.

After reading a handful of serious posts, you may be looking for a laugh. I encourage you to browse the Image of the Week posts, particularly the ones here and here. Certain ones are quite comical and a great way to spend time during a break from your homework. As always, if you see a story that you find interesting, let the guru know. Send him an email at FANTASYguru37@gmail.com and you may be lucky enough to see him opine on the subject.

As much as the guru likes to have fun, he understands that this blog is a serious matter. He performed in-depth research on the subject of labor disputes in pro sports, writing one of the Internet's most thought-provoking works on the topic. If by chance you find yourself on Google, search the phrase "effects of lockouts." You can even remove the quotation marks, and you will find the guru atop the rankings. People all across the world are reading what the guru has to say about lockouts and strikes. Shouldn't you?

Again, the labor dispute post is a very sobering topic. Those of you looking for something more light-hearted should take a look at the By the Numbers series. They offer an entertaining format for followers to quickly catch up on sports news, while providing interesting statistics and plenty of comical content.

This recap of the blog's best moments would not be complete if it did not contain any discussion of the Triple Option Podcast. From time to time, the guru publishes articles written by fellow experts. Occasionally, the group gets together to discuss hot topics in the world of sports. Of course, they record their musings and the ensuing beauty is posted on the Internet for all to hear. For a link to the inaugural podcast, click here.

As you can see, the guru has enjoyed a long and successful blogging career. It is his deepest wish that you enjoyed the one hundredth post and return to the blog to be enlightened again. The posts mentioned above are just highlights of the many great articles published on this blog. To view any post at any time, browse the archives on the right-hand side. The articles are divided by year and month, allowing viewers to return to the past and relive the greatest moments in the history of Fantasy Guru 37.

All the Rage: Goalie Fights

2011-02-22T20:29:00.002-05:00

Three years have passed since Ray Emery and Martin Biron engaged in the decade's last NHL goalie fight. (Both soon signed with the Flyers.) In the past three weeks, hockey fans have been treated to three more. Considering the low frequency of goalie fights, the guru felt obliged to discuss the matter.

It all got started near the end of a matchup between the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. With less than a minute remaining, Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro left his net to clothesline Pittsburgh forward Matt Cooke. As skaters from both sides entered the ensuing melee in the corner, Penguins goaltender Brent Johnson made his way down the ice to avenge DiPietro's cheapshot of Cooke. To everyone's surprise, the goaltender duel was much more than a hugfest. Johnson unleashed a powerful left handed blow that caught DiPietro's cheek, fracturing the orbital bone in the injury-prone New York goaltender. It was DiPietro's second NHL fight, and judging by the outcome, probably his last.

One week later, tensions boiled in a Northeast Division game. Original Six Rivals Boston and Montreal combined for an NHL record 192 penalty minutes. At one point, there were six Bruins in the penalty box. Midway through the second period, goalies Tim Thomas and Carey Price squared off in what quickly became the center of attention in a line brawl.

Nine days after the DiPietro-Johnson bout, the Islanders and Penguins met again. In a series of nauseating actions, another major fight broke out between every player on the ice. This time the goalies stayed out of it, or so it appeared. After tangling with Max Talbot, New York forward Michael Haley skated to the opposite end of the ice to instigate a fight with Johnson. Pittsburgh forward Eric Godard left the bench to intervene in the duel, which attracted the attention of several other players.

So after a three year long drought, goalies around the NHL are scrapping again. It certainly has given the league added attention, but a return the lawless days of old time hockey is something commissioner Gary Bettman wants to avoid. Look for strict punishments coming for any infraction in the coming weeks as the league attempts to calm the players.

The Real Top Coach

2011-02-15T21:06:00.001-05:00

The following article was written by fellow expert BirdofPrey18. The opinions expressed below do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the guru himself.

When it comes to discussions about the NFL’s best coach, people mention names like Belichick, Ryan, Payton, and Tomlin. But those people are wrong.

When all aspects of résumé are taken into account, the man who may be least competent in appearance is actually the most competent in execution. Andy Reid, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles since 1999, is the best coach in all of the NFL. Reid has taken his team to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl, a remarkably impressive record. Though he has not won any championships, his personnel decisions and superior offensive system speak for themselves. While his teams have had distinct weak points, Reid has managed to overcome the flaws and make his team a contender nearly every year.

It’s easy to look at DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, who are stars at their positions, and say that the Eagles roster has been loaded with offensive talent recently (and hence, that Reid is only winning because of his roster). What we fail to keep in mind is that Reid was responsible for bringing in much of this talent himself. He was in charge when the team drafted Jackson out of Cal, and he took the risk of signing Vick. Furthermore, Reid was the one to coach these two from potential gems to NFL superstars.

The best example of Andy Reid’s genius is his decision to trade away Donovan McNabb last offseason. Many football fans condemned this move as preposterous, given that McNabb had been the quarterback that led the Eagles to all their success in the past decade. I admit that I was one of these fans. Looking back, though, it only highlights Reid’s abilities as a personnel manager, talent assessor, and offensive mastermind. After a season in Washington, every NFL fan has seen Donovan McNabb for the inaccurate passer he is. There are two possible explanations: perhaps McNabb was never particularly talented and only looked like a star quarterback because of Reid’s vastly superior offensive system (which is still running at an elite level without McNabb), or McNabb suffered a drastic decline recently and Reid was quick enough and intelligent enough to realize it while it was happening. Either way, Andy Reid made a brilliant personnel move in trading McNabb before he lost value (especially because he made the trade with an unsuspecting division rival, who suffered as a result).

Unfortunately, it is impossible to ignore Andy Reid’s occasional clock mismanagement. Any fifth grader who plays Madden should have an adequate understanding of managing the clock. However, it must be said that Reid would never be in position to worry about mounting a comeback or protecting a lead were it not for all the other skills he brings to the Eagles. The team can afford a stupid loss or two in exchange for his expertise, which has made the Eagles the NFC powerhouse they are.

All things considered, Reid deserves far more credit than he gets. While you may not agree that he is the league’s top coach, it is impossible to ignore his ingenious decisions. Some of his mistakes are frustrating, but the Eagles would have a lot more frustration without him.

written by BirdofPrey18
edited by Fantasy Guru 37

Image of the Week

2011-02-07T20:01:00.000-05:00

sportslogos.net

Look! Up in the sky! What's that? Is it Superman? No! Is it the Flash in a new color scheme? No! Why, it's the new Tampa Bay Lightning logo...yikes.

Members of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization recently revealed their new logo that will take over as the primary logo to be worn on the front of Lightning players' sweaters when the 2011-2012 season begins this October. Although the Lightning will finish the current season wearing their current logo, the logo representing the future for the organization will immediately be seared into the culture in and around the Tampa area. Fans attending the Lightning game on Friday, February 4th will be treated to a complimentary t-shirt featuring the franchise's redesigned logo.

The new logo symbolizes the new direction in which the Tampa Bay organization is moving after a new ownership group led by Jeff Vinik bought the team last year. The new ownership team is hoping the new logo will be emblematic of the group's long-term vision which consists of making the Lightning known as a "world-class organization that wins at the highest level and unifies Tampa Bay through the power of Lightning hockey and other legendary events."

The team certainly has the pieces to make their team successful for the next half-decade or so. Veterans Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis are having a great season with other star players like Steven Stamkos and Pittsburgh native Ryan Malone. The Lightning are in a groove right now that includes a 6-game win streak and has sprung the Lightning to first place in the Southeast division and what would be the second seed in the East if the playoffs began today. The Lightning have a solid nucleus for long-term success and if new general manager, Steve Yzerman, can continually give these stars a talented supporting cast, Tampa Bay will win in the NHL for years and years to come.

The new logo itself has a superhero logo-like quality to it that makes it look a bit juvenile. The simplicity of the logo is nice but it does look like the flash decided to switch it up from red and yellow to blue and white instead. Maybe it will give all of the Lightning players a speed boost. MARVEL Comics should have a chat with Vinik about joining their art staff.

written by Mac Attack
edited by Fantasy Guru 37

Super Bowl XLV

2011-02-01T13:46:00.003-05:00

sportslogos.net

Almost a year ago, we began preparing for the game that will be played this Sunday. As soon as the last piece of confetti rained down on Bourbon Street, Americans turned their attention to Super Bowl XLV, next in the line of hallowed games. This year's matchup should not disappoint, as two of the league's most storied franchises will square off in what will surely go down as a tremendous game.

But what will happen exactly? Will Ben Roethlisberger, already the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, take the next step to greatness and capture a third title? Or will the gunslinging Aaron Rodgers make Green Bay fans forget about Brett Favre and give the city its first taste of glory since 1996? Read on for an in-depth look at the individual matchups that will determine the outcome of Super Bowl XLV...or just skip to the bottom and see the prediction. It's up to you.

On the surface, these two teams appear to be very similar. Both squads run a 3-4 defense in which their linebackers thrive in pass-rushing roles. Both have quarterbacks that can extend plays with their feet. And both have tremendous players in the secondary. But a closer look will reveal just how different these two teams actually are and why one team has a massive advantage over the other.

In just his third year as a starter, Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers has done more than live up to expectations. After injuries decimated key components of the offense (The Packers have more players on Injured Reserve than any other team in the league.), Rodgers put the team on his back and has carried them to Dallas. Against a defense yielding the second lowest QB Rating Against (second only to the Packers), some expect Rodgers to struggle, especially when they consider the Steelers led the league in sacks. Yes, the Steeler pass defense certainly looks imposing with their 15:21 TD:INT ratio, but the guru still anticipates a big day from Rodgers.

Fans may recall the Super Bowl XLIII matchup between the Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals had ridden to the game on the backs of quarterback Kurt Warner and wideout Larry Fitzgerald. But as the game progressed, many were left wondering what had become of Arizona's vaunted aerial connection. Long story short, Troy Polamalu happened. He had been assigned to Fitzgerald and successfully locked down on him for most of the game. Expect Green Bay wide receiver Greg Jennings to receive the same treatment. Left alone, Jennings will have his way with cornerback Ike Taylor, forcing defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau to dedicate his most valuable defensive piece to the Packers' top receiving threat.

While this assignment will likely neutralize Jennings, it removes Pittsburgh's most versatile player from the equation. Polamalu will not be able to line up all over the field and create confusion as he normally does. As a result, Rodgers will look to his other capable wide receivers, Donald Driver, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson. Should he avoid the Steelers' pass rush, a tall order despite his scrambling abilities, Rodgers will be able to complete passes to his secondary and tertiary targets. And because I refuse to dedicate a paragraph to it, forget Green Bay's rushing attack. Despite the recent emergence of James Starks, the Packer's ground game will be nonexistent on Sunday. The 2010 Steelers are the third best run defense in the modern era. Case closed.

On the other side of the ball, we are again faced with crucial individual matchups. The official NFL Injury Report (link located in the sidebar on the right) has not yet been released for Sunday's game, but a major question mark surrounds Steelers' center Maurkice Pouncey. In the AFC Championship game, he left in the first half with an apparent ankle injury. He did not return and was seen on the sideline with crutches. He is an integral part of the Steelers' offense, widely considered their best lineman. Lining up directly across from the center will be nose guard BJ Raji, the Packers 337 pound (officially 337, more like 360) behemoth. He has a special ability to clog up running lanes and still get to the quarterback. You may recall his touchdown in the NFC Championship. The Steelers certainly don't want to defend Raji with a backup, or worse, a limited Pouncey. Check the injury report for an update, but expect Raji to have a field day against Pittsburgh's already devastated offensive line.

When the line inevitably breaks down, we know Roethlisberger will be able to extend the play. It's what he is known for. But he may have trouble finding an open receiver. The guru has a connection with a very successful cornerback. This anonymous corner played with Tim Tebow in high school, captured a Florida AAAAA state championship, and has two NCAA Championship rings to his credit. It was he who told the guru that Ike Taylor is not what he is cracked up to be and it was he who played against Sam Shields in high school. Shields was a high school receiver and played the position at first in college. He was recruited by Miami solely as an athlete, and after struggling as both a wideout and a corner at the collegiate level, he went undrafted. He latched on with Green Bay primarily because of his, wait for it, athletic ability. He has since flourished with the Packers and will face a crucial assignment on Sunday. Expect him to square up with Pittsburgh speedster Mike Wallace, one of the fastest wideouts in the league and the Steelers' leading receiver. The anonymous corner anticipates that Shields will successfully defend Wallace, allowing Pro Bowlers Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams to shut down the rest of the Steelers' receivers.

Roethlisberger will look early and often to tight end Heath Miller. The big target will likely see more balls thrown his way than usual as Big Ben attempts to avoid the Green Bay pass rush, second only to the Steelers in sacks. Expect the Steelers to lean on the run; the Packers yield a generous 4.7 YPC, ranking 19th in the NFL. Rashard Mendenhall will likely see an excess of 20 carries as offensive coordinator Bruce Arians tries to keep Rodgers on the sideline.

In the end, this game should go down to the wire. We are all aware of Big Ben's penchant for game-winning drives, but expect the Packers to hold out. The guru has made his official prediction:

Green Bay 27 Pittsburgh 23

Image of the Week

2011-01-26T17:47:00.000-05:00

The secret needs kept no longer. Dion Phaneuf is the guru's favorite hockey player. A defenseman as versatile as the Edmonton native is rare. Blessed with immense offensive ability, Phaneuf has the skills to do the incredible while still playing shutdown defense. And he makes hits like the one above. How can you not love a guy like Dion Phaneuf?

By the Numbers: Holiday Season

2011-01-26T17:03:00.000-05:00

The "By the Numbers" segment is one that has been swept under the rug in recent months. After consuming more Christmas cookies than he would like to admit, the guru has decided to brush the dust off of this wonderful setup.

86
percent of blog readers who wish to see a playoff instituted in Division 1 FBS football. The vote was conducted on the blog's new Polls Page.

5
consecutive years that the BCS National Championship has been won by a team from the Southeastern Conference after the Auburn Tigers defeated the Oregon Ducks in this year's game.

$1
salary earned by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in 2011 should the upcoming season be cancelled. Goodell pledged to reduce his salary to quiet rumors that owners will lockout games this fall.

2007
the last season the New England Patriots won a playoff game. So much for the "team of the decade."

113,411
fans in attendance for the Big Chill at the Big House, an outdoor hockey game contested between in-state rivals Michigan and Michigan State. The game broke the record for the largest outdoor crowd to ever spectate a hockey game.

larrybrownsports.com

0
the number of fantasy football experts who defeated the guru in 2010. As expected, the guru took the crown in the inaugural season of the blog-sponsored expert league.

16
players the Packers have placed on injured reserve this season. No team in the NFL has lost more players to injury than the NFC Champions.

3,000,000
dollars charged for a 30 second ad airing during Super Bowl XLV. NBC surprisingly has a plethora of partners willing to buy commercials at this rate.

The Return of the Podcast

2011-01-23T12:58:00.000-05:00

The guru is joined by fellow expert BirdofPrey18 to discuss the NFL Playoffs, the concussion sustained by Sidney Crosby, and a recap of the BCS National Championship among other prominent sports topics. The podcast can be found here. For those of you who want to learn more about podcasting, visit the blog's Podcast Page.

Image of the Week

2011-01-17T20:36:00.003-05:00

Last weekend's AFC Divisional Round matchup paired two teams that don't like each other very much. When the Jets came to Foxboro Sunday, few people gave them any chance. Yet they continued to run their mouths in the week leading up to the game. The Patriots responded.

So the table was set for a bloodbath, which ensued. To the surprise of many "experts,"the Jets prevailed. And backed up their talk. After Jets running back Shonn Greene rumbled into the endzone to put the game away late in the fourth quarter, he unveiled an original touchdown celebration, which you viewed above. The underdog sticking it to the upset favorite, a beautiful thing in sports.

Live Football Chat

2011-01-12T19:16:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to add exciting features to the blog, the guru has spent a great portion of the last month combing the Internet for interesting activities for his loyal followers. He has dedicated a page to let readers express their feelings on hot topics, sponsored another challenge, begun tweeting, and even recorded his first podcast. However, the most intriguing feature has come to him.

Not long ago, he received an email from a representative of LiveChatConcepts. The email discussed an innovative idea, a place for sports fans to convene and chat live about particular games. Further research revealed how awesome this website is. Fans gather at the site and enter a chat room with other dedicated fanatics. Each room is designated for one specific game, meaning that the conversation remains focused.

The chat rooms open 30 minutes prior to the start of every game. From that point all the way up until 30 minutes after the game ends, users are able to discuss the game with other hardcore fans. LiveChatConcepts manages 12 different sites, with more arriving in the upcoming year. They serve fans of football, hockey, NASCAR and many more sports. Registration is free and can be done at their website.

They offer many more exciting features that can be discussed in the future. The company has certainly captured the guru's interest. In fact, he will be on from time to time to shoot the breeze with fans. If you're interested in having a personal conversation with the guru himself, be sure to check back and see when he plans to enter a chat room.

College Bowl Pick 'Em Challenge Winner

2011-01-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

Now that Auburn has won the BCS National Championship, bowl season has come to a close. Thirty five games have been played, giving fans plenty of football to enjoy. The real fanatics never let the bowl season pass without getting involved in competitions. This year, the guru sponsored his own College Bowl Pick 'Em Challenge, open to all contestants. As always, the winner receives an invitation to play in the blog-sponsored expert league.

And your 2010 champion is... Dobby! Congratulations, you are a winner. Dobby correctly chose the winner in 26 of the 35 games, finishing in the 99th percentile of Yahoo! users. What a fantastic performance! The guru looks forward to competing against you in the 2011 expert league.

For those of you looking for more information on the expert league, click on the tab at the top of this page. The link will take you to the Expert League page, where you can find the 2011 invitees and details on how to qualify yourself.

College Football Rankings Discussion

2011-01-11T17:19:00.000-05:00

The final game of the 2010 season has been played, anointing the Auburn Tigers as the 2010 National Champions. Playoff system aside, it is tough to argue with Auburn's title. Yet there are a few glaring mistakes in the final rankings, or at least the guru thinks so.

First and foremost, Oregon fell to #3 in both the AP and USA Today polls. Rose Bowl champion Texas Christian leapfrogged (get it?) the Ducks in both sets of rankings. I understand the enthusiasm for the Horned Frogs, I truly do. But how on Earth can you justify knocking Oregon down a peg? They may have lost a game, but it was to the newly crowned champions. They held Auburn to just 22 points, their lowest total since September 9th. Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton was limited to 46 rushing yards on 22 carries. More importantly, the game was as tight as it could have possibly been. The teams were tied with literally two seconds remaining. The championship was decided on the final play, a game-winning field goal by Auburn kicker Wes Byrum. So Oregon's only loss of the season comes to the national champs by the slimmest of margins on the game's final play...and they get bumped in the rankings. Absolutely ridiculous.

Could someone please explain to me why Central Florida is ranked 20th in USA Today and 21st in the AP poll? Sure, the Knights won eleven games, but against who? Their signature win came against a Georgia team that finished under .500. In fact, none of their victories came against an opponent with a winning record. And they are ranked ahead of teams like South Carolina? Absurd.

Also absurd: UCONN played in a BCS game. I understand that the Big East has one automatic qualifier, but this is beyond ridiculous. The Huskies ended the season unranked in both the USA Today and AP polls. In fact, to find Connecticut in the final rankings, one must view the complete standings, where they can be found at #33 in USA Today and #34 in the AP poll. They never played a game against a ranked opponent in the entire regular season, and when they finally faced off against one in the Fiesta Bowl, they lost by four touchdowns. It is clear that Boise State, #7 in the according to USA Today, was more deserving of a BCS bid than a team that went 5-2 in the Big East.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Is this ranking system a joke? Should a playoff be instituted? Is TCU better than Oregon? Where does Boise State fit in? How awful are the Connecticut Huskies? Let your voice be heard in the comment section by clicking on the link that reads "# comments, (click here to add yours.)"

Image of the Week

2011-01-11T16:33:00.000-05:00

As you are all aware, the Auburn Tigers defeated the Oregon Ducks last night to claim the BCS National Championship. It was a fantastic game, showcasing two of the most exciting teams in college football. And in a contest in which there was a safety, a fake punt, a fake extra point, and a last-second, game-winning field goal, the play of the game was clearly Michael Dyer's fourth quarter run.

Taking a handoff from Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, Dyer scampered to the right, where he appeared to be tackled by Oregon safety Eddie Pleasant. But a careful review showed that Dyer managed to keep the play alive by rolling over Pleasant. His body never touched the ground.

The official NCAA rules state that a play is ruled dead when "any part of the ball carrier's body, except his hand or foot, touches the ground." As the replay shows, Dyer's body never came in contact with the turf, enabling him to continue down the sideline and set up Wes Byrum's game-winning field goal.

2010 Bowl Season Preview: Part X: The BCS National Championship

2011-01-10T16:42:00.000-05:00

newsfirst5.com

Finally, the game is here. The moment we have all been waiting will happen tonight. Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will lead his Auburn Tigers against Lamichael James' Oregon Ducks. These two men last met in New York City one month ago, when Newton captured the award. Tonight they will face off again, battling for the BCS National Championship.

Surely, by now you have heard the hype surrounding these two teams. Between improper benefits scandals, Heisman Finalists, unstoppable offenses, and terrific coaches, the media coverage has not stopped. You have certainly had time to ponder whether Oregon's fast tempo will wear out the Auburn defense, how the Ducks will try to block defensive tackle Nick Fairley, how the Tigers will attempt to contain James, how many highlights Newton will produce, and finally, will these two teams combine for 100 points?

I am not here to expound on these discussions. I have new statistics for you. As great of a team as Oregon is, they will lose tonight. The Ducks offense is among the best in history and their defense is very strong, yet there is no answer for Cam Newton.

Not exactly a radical idea, but consider the following. Despite being known for his running ability, Newton leads the nation with a passer rating of 188.2. His yards per attempt is a ridiculous 10.52, meaning that every time the junior passes, he averages a first down. He has thrown for 28 touchdowns, while tossing only six interceptions. And if you lock down his receivers, you have to tackle a man who stands 6'6" and weighs 250 pounds. This becomes nearly impossible when you factor in his speed and elusiveness. As interesting as the other matchups may be, Auburn will win tonight for one simple reason: Cam Newton cannot be stopped.

The Inaugural Podcast

2011-01-08T16:27:00.000-05:00

As a new medium for enlightening the masses, the guru has moved into the world of podcasting. Teaming up with fantasy experts BirdofPrey18 and Mac Attack, he has joined the Triple Option, a talk show hosted by three of the world's premiere sports analysts. The inaugural episode was recorded this afternoon. The trio discussed the NFL Wildcard Round, the Winter Classic, and the BCS National Championship. A link to the podcast can be found here.

2010 Bowl Season Preview: Part IX

2011-01-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

This evening, we will be fortunate enough to view the Orange Bowl. The game will be played between two teams, Virginia Tech and Stanford, that are among the best in the country. Both possess offenses capable of racking up points and defenses that can shut down opponents. It should be one of the most competitive games of the bowl season.

It is impossible to discuss Virginia Tech without mentioning their 0-2 start. After a season-opening loss to Boise State, the Hokies fell to FCS school James Madison. With their expectations dashed, Frank Beamer led his squad to an eleven game win streak and an ACC title.

After a remarkable turnaround, the Hokies find themselves playing against another elite team. The Cardinal's only loss this year was to Oregon, who will play in the BCS National Championship. Led by quarterback and Heisman runner-up Andrew Luck, Stanford has averaged over 40 points per game.

Comparing the stats is futile because both teams are dominant statistically. Instead, the guru has examined how these two teams have performed against opponents similar to the ones they will face in the Orange Bowl.

As mentioned, the Hokies opened the season against Boise State, an elite team with a pocket passing QB. Virginia Tech lost by just three points, but they allowed Broncos QB Kellen Moore to throw for 215 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. Forget that the Hokies lead the nation with 22 INTs. Against a high caliber QB, they were unable to force turnovers.

Stanford's only game against a high-powered option offense came in their aforementioned matchup with Oregon. The Ducks style of play is very similar to that Virginia Tech. Despite the 52 points conceded, a careful observer will note that the Cardinal did a decent job of containing the Oregon offense. Stanford led at the half, falling at the end due to fatigue. Oregon's fast tempo has been a hot topic this season and it's clear that Stanford's defense simply wore down. Virginia Tech will be unable to drain the Cardinal defense like the Ducks did. Instead, the Stanford D will be on the sideline resting while Luck moves the chains against the Hokies secondary.

The guru selects Stanford with 18 confidence points.

2010 Bowl Season Preview: Part VIII

2010-12-30T13:36:00.000-05:00

The guru is back for today's second segment. After Kansas State and Syracuse wrap up their Pinstripe Bowl, North Carolina will do battle with Tennessee. Following that matchup will be Nebraska and Washington.

After having seven players suspended for the entire season, the Tar Heels season took a nosedive. The lone bright spot was senior QB TJ Yates, who holds 31 school records. UNC completed 67.5% of their passes this season, a very impressive number. Tennessee has been known to yield yardage through the air, but they have picked off 17 passes against just 13 TDs in 2010. If the Volunteers can limit the damage done by Yates, they will be in a position to succeed as the Tar Heels struggle in the rushing game. UNC totaled the second fewest rushing yards in the ACC and average a paltry 3.6 YPC.

At the helm of the Volunteer offense is freshman QB Tyler Bray, who has thrown for more yards than any freshman in school history, including Peyton Manning. The Vols 56.4% completion percentage is the third lowest in the SEC, but they still manage to accumulate 250 yards per game through the air. UNC has a decent secondary, allowing 19 TDs against 16 INTs. If the Tar Heels defensive backs are sharp, the team should have success because Tennessee also has a weak rushing attack. Their 116.1 rushing yards per game and 3.7 YPC are both by far the worst in the SEC.

In a game with two strong passing attacks and two anemic rushing offenses, the winner may be decided on special teams. UNC averages 9.2 yards per punt return, while Tennessee averages just 3.6. This may be the deciding factor of the game.

The guru selects UNC with 21 confidence points.

Tonight's Holiday Bowl between Nebraska and Washington should be one-sided. The Cornhuskers were one win away from a BCS bid, while Washington became bowl-eligible only after scraping past Pac-10 bottom-dweller Washington State 35-28 in their season finale. Nebraska defeated Washington 56-21 in Seattle earlier this season. Two seasons after going 0-12, the Huskies will be no match for the 'Huskers.

The guru selects Nebraska with 35 confidence points.

2010 Bowl Season Preview: Part VII

2010-12-30T10:39:00.000-05:00

Today's slate presents us with four games, the most of any day thus far. Southern Methodist and Army kick off the action at 12:00 EST in the Armed Forces Bowl, while Nebraska and Washington close out the day at 10:00 EST in the Holiday Bowl. With game previews from the guru, there is no reason to leave the house today. Just sit back and enjoy the action.

SMU and Army bring two contrasting styles of play to Dallas. The Mustangs, playing in their home stadium, love to air it out, putting up 273.8 passing yards per game. On the other hand, the Black Knights prefer to pound their opponents into submission. Their 678 rushing attempt are the third most in the FBS. Which philosophy will prove superior in the teams' first meeting since 1967? Read on to find out.

As mentioned, SMU makes their hay throwing the football. On the surface, it appears Army has a strong pass defense, but one must look further. They yield just 190.5 aerial yards per game, a respectable number, but opponents attempt less than 25 throws per game against them, meaning the Black Knights allow 7.8 yards per attempt. For those of you unfamiliar with this stat, that's not very good. Army's ball-control offense drains the clock and reduces the number of plays per game, giving the illusion they have a stout defense. That's not the case. Forcing opposing defenders to drop back into coverage, the Mustangs have gashed their opposition for 4.8 YPC. While the SMU offense may not get enough stats to produce monster stats, they will have success when they are on the field.

Like most service schools, Army utilizes a triple-option offense. But they may encounter some difficulty running the ball on SMU. The Mustangs allow just 3.7 YPC. Should Army fall behind early, a likely scenario against the SMU offense, they will struggle to catch up. They don't pass because they can't. They are the only team in the country who failed to eclipse 1,000 passing yards in 2010.

The guru selects SMU with 31 confidence points.

Playing in the Pinstripe Bowl, contested in the new Yankee Stadium, will be the Syracuse Orange and the Kansas State Wildcats. This should prove to be an interesting matchup of two teams who will run the ball down each other's throat. Kansas State RB Daniel Thomas has a bright future and will likely be playing on Sundays. Syracuse uses a two-back rotation with Delone Carter and speedster Antwon Bailey.

Offensively, the Wildcats rely on the abilities of Thomas. The senior averages over 20 carries per game and still runs for 5.3 YPC. He will undoubtedly rip off some highlight reel runs against an Orange defense that has played surprisingly well this season. Syracuse has allowed the fifth fewest yards per game in the nation, but they will struggle to contain Thomas. With the sad state of the Wildcats' passing attack, expect the Orange to stack the box with regularity.

Syracuse hasn't produced gaudy numbers on offense this season, but the stats don't do them justice. While they won't light up the scoreboard, they are capable of moving the ball efficiently, especially against a Kansas State run defense ranked 118th of 120 FBS teams. The Wildcats have been unable to stop anyone on the ground in 2010. They yield 229.1 rushing yards per game and a pitiful 5.9 YPC. Cupcake schools North Texas and Missouri State combined for 464 rushing yards against the Wildcats. Carter and Bailey will be licking their chops to gash the Kansas State front seven.

The guru selects Syracuse with 20 confidence points.

2010 Bowl Season Preview: Part VI

2010-12-27T19:35:00.000-05:00

After an embarrassing miscall on the Hawaii Bowl and getting burnt by a last-second, game-winning field goal in the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl, the guru was very displeased with himself. He followed up the two misses, the only two of the bowl season, by ignoring the Independence Bowl. Yes, the early start time on a weekday was missed by the guru, who started his analysis at halftime. No excuse for this, totally unacceptable.

But he is hoping to bounce back with a solid prediction for the Champs Sports Bowl, which pits North Carolina State against #22 West Virginia. The game will be played Tuesday night in Orlando, far from the storm that ravaged the Northeast. Fans and players should be able to enjoy warm weather in the Sunshine State.

The Mountaineers will bring a stout defense to Orlando. They are second in the FBS in scoring defense and surrender the third least yards, allowing just 12.8 points and 251.3 yards per game. West Virginia yields only 81.5 yards per contest on the ground. Their 2.7 YPC is tied for the lowest in the country, while the three rushing touchdowns they allowed this year are only half of those allowed by second place Alabama and Clemson. The Mountaineer pass defense is equally potent. Their 10:12 TD:INT ratio is astonishing, as is their ability to stop both the run and the pass. NC State will have a tough time putting points on the board, even with their powerful offense. They led the ACC with over 280 passing yards per game, utilizing the abilities of sophomore QB Russel Wilson. However, they logged just 3.5 YPC and 125 yards per contest on the ground. Expect the Wolfpack to throw early and often against WVU.

The Mountaineers offense is an impressive unit. QB Geno Smith completed 65.0% of his passes this season for 23 TDs and only 7 INTs. Yet they prefer to move the ball on the ground. Their 501 rushing attempts are 41 more than UCONN, who rushed the second most times in the Big East. The Wolfpack secondary isn't particularly daunting. They allowed 20 touchdowns in 2010 against just 8 interceptions. Their strength lies in their run defense, which yields just 113 yards per game and 3.3 YPC.

The crucial matchup is Smith vs the NC State secondary. If the Wolfpack can contain the Mountaineer passing attack, then they should be able to stay in the game, assuming their run defense holds strong. After a poor stretch, the guru is ready to bounce back. He doesn't foresee Smith being held under 200 passing yards and a touchdown.

The guru selects WVU with 25 confidence points.