Frank Robertson's Blog

Like most of us, my interest in this Sunday's Super Bowl is heightened by the presence of Tony Dungy on the Colts' sideline and Lovie Smith on the Bears' side of the field. How can you root against either one of them? They are both class guys, but I guess my sentiment is stronger for Coach Dungy says he's been at it longer and presided over the Bucs' transformaton from perennial losers to championship contenders.

I must hasten to add, however, that allegiances to either coach have nothing to do with the how the game will turn out. I realize that the oddsmakers have made the Colts a touchdown favorite. I recall another Super Bowl when the Colts were a prohibitive 17 point favorite over Joe Namath and the New York Jets. You may remember how that turned out.

So, here's my argument for why Chicago may end up winning the game. DEFENSE! If memory serves me, the Bucs were underdogs to the Raiders four short years ago. Ultimately, however, the NFL's number one offense was no match for the league's number one defense.

It will take more than solid "D" for the Bears to win though. They also have to establish an effective running game which I believe they can with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson. Until the playoffs, the Colts looked very soft against the run.

If, on the other hand, this comes down a match up between the two quarterbacks, Peyton Manning and the Colts clearly have the upper hand. No disrespect Gator fans, but Rex Grossman doesn't have the experience yet to take over a game. In fact, I think his objective should be not to lose the game by turning the ball over.

No matter who you're pulling for, remember there are no guarantees unless your name is Joe Namath. He made good on his promise that his Jets would beat the Colts 38 years ago. By the way, that game was played in Miami.