Brokeback Mountain II – Big Ben Rodgers Bush

Come on. I managed to get Cowboys, rape allegations, the two starting quaterbacks and a Green Bay Cornerback in to the headline.

So who you got? I closed my eyes, saw the game unfold and have made my prediction which is 31-24 Steelers. Even though I have made that prediction though, I like the odds on this being a high scoring game. Bill Simmons on his BS Report podcast (31/1/2011) was talking about the value in the odds on the game producing 71 plus points (you can currently get 50/1 at Sportsbook.com). I quite fancy that as a bet, and even the girlfriend fancies a bit of that too.

I really think the been there done that angle could be the all important factor in this years’ game. Preparation is key, but I suppose there is no way you can prepare yourself fully for what might be thrown at you out there on the field. I have also heard commentators say that having experience of the big game in recent years as Pittsburgh have, could make them nonchalant and complacent. I don’t see Steelers’ Head Coach Mike Tomlin letting anyone rest on their laurels though, and I anticipate that they will be extremely well drilled. Their recent record speaks for itself, and it is that which I believe gives them the edge.

The MVP is there for Rodgers or Roethlisberger to claim and this really could be that high scoring game with both of them trading blows for four quarters. Rodgers without doubt has Big Ben’s talent, but it will be interesting to see how he reacts should he really be under the cosh and need to grab his team by the scruff of their jerseys late in the game. We know you can never write-off Roethlisberger until the last second runs out, but all the hype is about Green Bay’s offence. Rodgers will need to come through the biggest test of his career for that offence to win out.

photo credit: chad davis