The Cinderella Story Will Continue: The Cardinals will win the Super Bowl.

This time last year, everyone was telling the New York Giants that there is no shame in being second-best. The New England Patriots were the universal favorites, widely assumed to stomp all over the G-Men en route to an undefeated season. When Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and company fielded questions from the media, they were asked if they had already booked their flights to Disney World. When it was Eli Manning's turn, he was told that he could always borrow brother Peyton's Super Bowl ring, so there was no need to worry. Then the game began, and the Giants went on to shock the sports world by beating what many believed to be the greatest team of all time. New England spent the whole week prior to the big game repeatedly hearing how awesome they were. New York spent the week listening to how they didn't stand a chance. That is the power of being an underdog.

If the Arizona Cardinals were to win Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday in Tampa, it wouldn't be as massive an upset nor as big a surprise as the Giants' victory over the Pats. However, this Super Bowl has a lot in common with last year's big game. Pittsburgh has been complimented over and over this week about how their defense resembles the Steel Curtain and how they are one win away from a franchise sixth Vince Lombardi trophy. Meanwhile, Arizona has been largely viewed as a cute Cinderella story. Really, it's nice that they have come this far, but they will get their lunch handed to them by the Steelers, right? Think again. Being an underdog certainly does not guarantee a win, but it can provide a team with a jolt of energy. The Cardinals, much like the 2008 champion New York Giants, have adopted an us-against-the-world attitude that has Ken Whisenhunt's team determined to prove everybody wrong. This makes them incredibly dangerous, especially considering that they already come into the game with enormous momentum.

Sunday's game will be a thriller. In order for Arizona to pull off the upset, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Edgerrin James all need to continue their strong play, and Kurt Warner needs to keep the ball out of the hands of the intimidating Pittsburgh defense. The offensive line for the Cardinals needs to have the game of their lives, and Adrian Wilson and the much-maligned Arizona defense needs to apply the pressure on Ben Roethlisberger. It will not be easy, but I think Arizona will achieve all of the above. Because when you are David in a David vs. Goliath matchup, you have the psychological edge, which can lead to an actual advantage on the football field.

SUPER BOWL PREDICTION: Cardinals-23, Steelers-17

Here's what I wanted to hear on Media Day

Media Day at the Super Bowl is always a ridiculously silly guilty pleasure, with a multitude of irrelevant questions with little to do about football. Yesterday in Tampa, players from the Steelers and Cardinals gamely stepped to the podium to answer queries like, "What is your favorite food?" Sometimes, as Tom Brady can attest, players often field wedding proposals. Keeping with the theme of Media Day inanity, here are some questions and comments that I expected to hear yesterday at Raymond James Stadium:

"This next question is for Troy Polamalu's hair."

"Big Ben, Big Ben, what were your parents thinking when they decided to name you Big?"

"Mr. Fitzgerald, since you are a receiver who can jump sky high to make a catch, will you ever consider a second career as a kite?"

"Coach Whisenhunt, would you beat Coach Tomlin in a staring contest while on stilts?"

"Okay, folks, it's time for another round of Kurt Warner so old jokes."

"This next question is for the refs. I hear that you're idol is Tim Donaghy. Is this true?"

"Hey, everybody, it's Pacman Jones speaking. Anybody want to hit the strip club?"

"Edgerrin James and Willie Parker, you are two really fast dudes. How do I know that you're not just Usain Bolt in disguise?

"Ummm, Mr. Rosenhaus? Nobody is talking to you, so why do you keep saying 'Next question'?"

"I am sorry Mr. Madden, nobody can understand what the heck you're talking about. I think you were saying something about Brett Favre and chicken wings."

"I hear Bruce Springsteen is going to be playing at halftime. Any idea what team he'll play for?"

"Santonio Holmes??? Since when did San Antonio have a one-man NFL team, and why is he playing for the Steelers?"

You get the drift. And by Media Day standards, these are considered hard-hitting sports questions of great journalistic integrity.

Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---It's Arizona and Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII. Can the Cards shock the world once more?

---I'll post my official prediction later this week, but let me just say that I would not be surprised if Arizona prevails. They have proved me wrong for three straight games, and they have earned my respect.

---And they are underdogs once again. It makes sense that Big Ben and the Steelers are favored, but by a touchdown? That's just too big a spread.

---Dick LeBeau's Steeler defense will be expecting Kurt Warner and the Cardinals to pass-pass-pass, so it's important for Todd Haley's offense to keep the D honest by utilizing the running game with Edgerrin James.

---My top four Super Bowl MVP candidates for the Steelers are Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu, Willie Parker, and Santonio Holmes. For the Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald, Kurt Warner, Edgerrin James, Adrian Wilson.

---Ken Whisenhunt's heart is obviously with the Cardinals, but there has to be a part of him that wants to win so he can seek vengeance against Pittsburgh for hiring Mike Tomlin instead of him two years ago.

---The big game will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Something tells me Jon Gruden will not be in attendance.

---Firing Jon Gruden was a risky move by the Bucs. Sure, it was warranted, but I wouldn't want to be the one to piss off Jon Gruden. They call him Chucky for a reason.

---Great article by "Late Show" writer Bill Scheft on the comic talent of Peyton Manning in the recent edition of Sports Illustrated. A breezy, entertaining read.

---So Scott Linehan turns down the offensive coordinator job for my Niners because he didn't want to move his kids from St. Louis. A week later, he takes the same job in Detroit. Huh???

---Oh, my Warriors, can you sink my heart any farther than it has already fallen? I was fortunate enough to see my W's blow away the inept Wizards in person on Monday. Our next two games, however, saw us lose to the Thunder and Cavs on heartbreaking buzzer-beaters by Jeff Green and LeBron James. Please lord please, can we have the luck for a change? Our three losses on this homestand have come in the final seconds.

---Both losses were excruciatingly painful, but as Stephen Jackson said after the Cleveland game, it's easier to swallow a game-winner from the game's best player in LeBron James. Jeff Green is another story. His bank shot felt like a stab in the stomach.

---The good news is the return of Monta Ellis. He looked fantastic in his debut, and once Golden State gets fully healthy, with a backcourt of Monta and Jamal Crawford, we can put some wins on the board. The playoffs are out of the picture, but even with a dismal record of 13-31, there is optimism to be had.

---The Orlando Magic turned in the most disappointing performance of any NBA team this past week. Following a win at the Staples Center a week earlier, Stan Van Gundy's team had a chance to make an even louder statement when they hosted the Celtics on Thursday night. But by looking flatter than an anorexic supermodel, the Magic simply added more fuel to their skeptics' fire.

---Speaking of the Magic, Dwight "Superman" Howard received the most All-Star votes in NBA history, earning over three million. Well deserved. Howard is the best center in the game, and he has a joyful, Shaq-like charisma that sets him apart from guys like Tim Duncan. I love Duncan-----he's a first ballot Hall of Famer-----but it's not as if people see his personality and say, "Wow, he's hilarious!!!!!"

---The Pistons have benched Rip Hamilton in favor of Allen Iverson. Bad move. I'm a fan of The Answer, but Detroit has foolishly toyed with their championship chemistry this season, and that does not bode well for them come playoff time.

---Best NBA game of the weekend: Spurs @ Lakers.

---One of the best debates in sports right now is the argument between the ACC and the Big East in college basketball. Who's better? Well, I agree with Jay Bilas' assessment. If you're judging by the conference as a whole, then the Big East is better. If you're judging by the teams at the top, then the ACC is better. No matter how you slice it, both leagues are tremendous. Heck, the elite eight may consist of North Carolina, UConn, Duke, Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, Notre Dame, Clemson, and Louisville.

---Jeff Kent has called it a career. One of the best second basemen baseball has ever seen, Kent spent his finest seasons by the bay with my beloved Giants. However, when he left (going on to Houston and eventually to the hated Dodgers) he made some nasty, bitter remarks about San Francisco, disrespecting the franchise and the fans that were so good to him. Thus, he always received the loudest boos of any opponent when he came to AT&T Park. So I have mixed emotions. He was a spectacular Giant, and he will likely go to Cooperstown wearing the black and orange. But I think I speak for the majority of Giants fans when I say that I really can't stand the guy.

---Speaking of Cooperstown, I know I'm a little late on this, but congratulations to Jim Rice and Rickey Henderson!

---The word on the street is that Tiger is having some setbacks in his rehab, leading many to believe that he will lay a goose egg in majors this year. Think again, and mark my words: Tiger Woods will win more than one major this year.

---I'll end on a sad note. Kay Yow, legendary coach of NC State women's basketball, and one of the most successful coaches in sports history, lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 66. Her legacy will never be forgotten.

Who's going to Tampa? Picking the AFC and NFC Championship Games

Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Philadelphia are left standing, the Vince Lombardi trophy well within reach. One game is a battle between two veteran quarterbacks seeking redemption. Once left for dead, Donovan McNabb and Kurt Warner have proven that they are both forces to be reckoned with. The other game is a collision between two bruising, dominating defenses. In one corner, you have Troy Polomalu and James Harrison. In the other, you have Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. The Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles are two equally hot teams that have shocked and impressed the sports world with their success in the playoffs. Which coach will craft a winning game plan, Andy Reid or Ken Whisenhunt? Which freak athlete will be more freakish? Larry Fitzgerald or DeSean Jackson? In the Steel City, which offense will be able to withstand the mighty defense? Will rookie Joe Flacco continue to be Joe the Unflappable? These questions will soon be answered. Come Monday morning, two ecstatic teams will be off to Tampa, while two disappointing squads will be resigned to watching the Super Bowl in the comforts of their home.

Okay, now it's time for my picks. I haven't exactly been prophetic in my postseason predictions up to this point, but here it goes: The Ravens prevail in a game that defines the term smash mouth, while Flacco continues to play with poise, with help from running backs Le'Ron McClain and Willis McGahee. The Eagles outgun the Cardinals in a thriller that comes down to a David Akers kick. The trend of road dominance continues.

So, will my predictions come true, or will my picks continue to be about as impressive as a Rascal Flatts song?

Coach Dungy rides off into the sunset, proving that nice guys can indeed succeed in the NFL.

In football it's common to hear people yap about how nice guys finish last, especially in coaching. They say that if you lack the sneer of Bill Cowher or the growl of Mike Ditka, you have no shot in the NFL. When a coach hollers with furor at the quarterback after he pulls a Jake Delhomme and turns the ball over, it's viewed as a sign that the coach has control of his team. But when a coach tries to console his QB after an ill-advised interception, oh no, that's unacceptable. That means that the coach is weak, having lost the respect of his players. This popular wisdom is one of the biggest myths in American sports.

Don't get me wrong: Intensity is good. As a 49ers fan, I love having Mike Singletary roaming the sidelines, a guy that defines the word intense. And I am not defending passivity as an effective coaching tactic. It's always nice to see coaches rip into their team once in a while, for it can be a successful motivational technique. Wade Phillips, for instance, should have expressed frustration during the Tony Romo-Terrell Owens-Jason Witten soap opera, instead of staying as silent as Mark McGwire during a congressional hearing. Tough love is a necessary trait in a coach. Paris Hilton becoming a college professor and Donald Trump becoming a hair stylist are more likely occurrences than Bill Parcells giving a compliment, but Parcells is one of the greatest coaches the game has ever seen. So yes, it can be good to be one tough cookie. However, coaching success does not depend on personality. You can be the meanest, maddest soul on earth, and you can still be a terrible coach. You can be the kindest, most angelic creature the world has ever seen, and you could be the second coming of Vince Lombardi. In other words, the idea that a nice coach is a weak coach is fundamentally wrong.

Tony Dungy serves as proof that good guys can win in the National Football League. Everyone should strive to be as decent as Coach Dungy. Here's a guy who has suffered through incredible hardship in his personal life, yet he always has a smile on his face, always treats everyone with respect. And the guy knows his football. Dungy is the first coach since the 1970 merger to reach the playoffs in ten consecutive seasons, the last seven coming as boss of the Indianapolis Colts. He led the Colts to a victory in Super Bowl XLI, becoming the first black coach to ever win the Super Bowl. Some say that Dungy is overrated. I guess some people are impossible to please. I guess some people don't understand the difficulty of making the playoffs in ten consecutive years. Tony Dungy is not overrated. In fact, he may be underrated. His generosity leads some to believe that he is not a top-notch coach.

Tony Dungy is a top-notch coach, and the announcement of his retirement today comes as bittersweet news. His presence on the sidelines will be missed. Dungy's legacy is remarkable for a multitude of reasons. His legacy is proof that nice guys can finish first.

Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Congratulations to the Florida Gators, champions of the college football world. Well, sort of.

---Yes, Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, and the Gators beat Oklahoma in impressive fashion in last night's title game. But, until we get a playoff system, the true best team in college football will never be known.

---Florida obviously has a great case as to why they are deserving champions. Then again, so does USC, Utah, and Texas.

---BCS: Braindead Computer Stupidity.

---Warning to NFL scouts: You underestimate Tim Tebow at your own peril.

---This weekend offers fantastic divisional playoff games. I'll take the Ravens to go into Tennessee and knock off the Titans. I like the Giants, Panthers, and Steelers to win at home.

---I wouldn't be completely shocked if Donovan McNabb and the Eagles walk out of the Meadowlands with a victory. Number 5 is playing superb football, and Philly seems to have the momentum. With this being said, I am confident that the defending champs will prevail. The Eagles seem to be the trendy pick, and the G-Men will use that as motivation. The Giants are still my pick to win the Super Bowl.

---I think San Diego's Cinderella story comes to an end this weekend at Heinz Field, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Darren Sproles and his stunning wild-card weekend performance against the Colts. He's football's Muggsy Bogues, and he was an unstoppable force against the Indy defense.

---Not only do I like Baltimore this weekend, I like them to go to the Super Bowl. Giants-Ravens. You heard it hear first.

---Christmas is over, so why was Chad Pennington handing out so many presents to the Ravens defense over the weekend? Bah-dum-bum. Thank you so much, I'll be here all week. Enjoy the veal, and don't forget to tip your waitresses!

---I admit that I was totally wrong about the Arizona Cardinals. I thought they would get beat rather handily by Matt Ryan and the Falcons. I was impressed by the Cardinals' performance. But I'm still not sold. I'll take the risk of being wrong again: Carolina blows away Arizona tomorrow.

---Happy New Year is not something the Boston Celtics want to hear right now. After losing six of their last eight, KG and company wish they could turn the clock back to 2008.

---And they are in jeopardy of losing again tonight against an outstanding Cavs team. Cleveland is a whopping 18-0 at Quicken Loans Arena, and they will be ready to roll come game time.

---The Celtics will be fine, but it is important that they play well tonight. This is a statement game for both teams. A Celtics win would show that their recent woes are just temporary, and that they remain the team to beat. A Cavaliers win would give Mike Brown's team a legitimate argument for being top dogs in the East.

---Speaking of statement victories, Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets convincingly defeated Kobe and the Lakers in La-La land on Tuesday. Call me delusional, but I believe that the Hornets will be representing the West in the Finals.

---If you haven't fainted already, here is another bold prediction: I think the Hornets will be playing the Utah Jazz in the Western conference finals.

---Yes, I know that if the playoffs were to commence today, Jerry Sloan would be coaching from his couch. But the season does not end today, and the only reason the Jazz are currently out of the playoff picture is because of early season injuries to Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, their two best players. When they are fully healthy, look out.

---There is no such thing as a good loss, but I liked the effort I saw out of my shorthanded Warriors in our last two games, tough losses against Utah and the Lakers. Now, Golden State needs to make sure we hold those leads down the stretch.

---I hope I'll be seeing a Warriors victory when I see them play in person on Jan. 19 against the Wizards.

---Sad news: Charles Barkley is taking a leave of absence from TNT following his DUI arrest. In no way do I condone Sir Charles' recent brush with the law, but he will be sorely missed. Barkley is far and away my favorite personality in all of sports broadcasting.

---Speaking of great sports broadcasters, Dicky V did an awesome job calling NBA action, and Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson did a great job working college. I hope ESPN does this announcer swap thing more often.

---Favorite Dicky V line during the Heat-Nuggets game came after a spectacular Dwayne Wade play: Oh, get him out of this league!!!! He's too good!!!! He's too good!!!!

---Can anyone explain the mystery that is Boston College athletics? First, Al Skinner's hoops team upsets North Carolina in Chapel Hill, only to lose at home to Harvard two nights later. Then BC fired head football coach Jeff Jagodzinski, simply because he interviewed with the Jets. Huh???

---Manny by the Bay? Unlikely, as sources say the slugger's demands are too pricey for the Giants. Fine, but I only have one request. Please, Manny, do not go back to the hated Dodgers. Either get out of the division or come to 24 Willie Mays Plaza.

---As a diehard Giants fan, I would love to see Manny sport the orange and black. Yes, he is a drama queen who causes several distractions. But if we can handle the distractions created by the great Barry Bonds, we can handle anything.

---One final thought: Matt Millen? NBC analyst? Is he going to reveal the top ten ways to flush a team down the toilet?

Picking the Winners in Wild Card Weekend.

Falcons @ Cardinals

• The Falcons win if..............Matt Ryan and Michael Turner have dominant games.
• The Cardinals win if...............Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald have the games of their lives.
• PREDICTION: Arizona limped into the postseason. The Falcons roll, 28-14.

Colts @ Chargers

• The Colts win if..................Dwight Freeney and the Indy defense is just as effective as Peyton Manning and the Indy offense.
• The Chargers win if................LaDanian Tomlinson is the LT of old.
• PREDICTION: The best game of the weekend is won by the Colts, 28-25.

Ravens @ Dolphins

• The Ravens win if.................Ed Reed and Ray Lewis shut down running back Ronnie Brown.
• The Dolphins win if.................Chad Pennington limits mistakes and continues to make great decisions.
• PREDICTION: Baltimore's D is intimidating, but it just feels like destiny: Dolphins, 20-14.

Eagles @ Vikings

• The Eagles win if.............Brian Westbrook has a big game.
• The Vikings win if..................Minnesota's defensive line can put pressure on Donovan McNabb.
• PREDICTION: Close, but Philly pulls away in the fourth. They win, 23-13.

Another display of Trojan dominance at the Rose Bowl, another scream for a playoff.

You watch the Rose Bowl for the classic tradition, the spectacular atmosphere, and the priceless venue. You watch the Rose Bowl for the school bands at halftime. You watch the Rose Bowl just to hear Brent Musberger utter with his usual raspy verve the words, "the granddaddy of them all." You don't, however, watch the Rose Bowl hoping to see a riveting clash between two evenly matched college football powers. Because in recent years, the outcome has been common knowledge before the game even commences. Year in and year out, USC effortlessly destroys their Big Ten opponent. Whether it be John David Booty or Mark Sanchez behind center, the Trojan offense drives down the field with ease, making the opposing D look as hopeless as John Daly's liver. And then there's the dominant SC defense, which is always the best defensive unit in the game. New Year's Day 2009 was no different, as the Trojans made quick work of Joe Pa's Penn State Nittany Lions, 38-24. The score was not indicative of the lopsided butt-kicking that the Trojans handed out.

Even coach Pete Carroll, who normally subscribes to the ancient quotes that all coaches follow by saying things like, "Oh, I really shouldn't comment on the BCS system. Whatever happens happens", was uncharacteristically candid following yesterday's game. Caroll responded to a reporter's inquiry by saying that he does not believe anybody can beat his team at this stage of the season. He then quickly added that he meant no disrespect to Florida and Oklahoma, but his point was well taken. Carroll's words were a forceful indictment of the Bowl Championship Series.

Perhaps there are teams that could beat USC. Perhaps Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow would light up the USC defense. Perhaps Florida and Oklahoma truly are the two best teams, and USC does not have a legitimate gripe. Perhaps. But shouldn't the outcome be played out on the field and not be determined by computers? Shouldn't USC have a chance to show that they are indeed the best team? After watching USC kill Michigan, hammer Illinois, and dominate Penn State in three consecutive showings on the Rose Bowl stage, it is obvious that the Trojans are one of the best teams in the nation, if not the best.

Supporters of the BCS all fall back on the same argument, saying that the BCS system makes the regular season more relevant. While the college football regular season is very exciting, this argument is based on faulty logic. If the regular season makes or breaks a team's championship aspirations, then why did Oklahoma get the nod over Texas, when Texas beat Oklahoma in the regular season? Many argue that USC does not deserve to be in the championship discussion because of their regular season loss at Oregon State. But wait a minute, Florida is in the title game, and they lost in the regular season too, at home to Ole Miss. And if Ole Miss met Oregon State, who's to say the Beavers couldn't win? So yeah, the BCS places more emphasis on the regular season. Excuse me for a moment, I'm going to take a ride in my flying car, followed by a trip in my time machine.

Back to reality: The BCS does not make the regular season more relevant. That is a complete myth. What the BCS does do, on the other hand, is cause otherwise logical people to be totally illogical. Let's use ESPN college football analyst Trevor Matich as an example. Today on "ESPN First Take", Matich summed up his pro-BCS stance by saying that the best team should not win, causing sports fans across the country to wonder if Trevor Matich was up all night partying the new year away. The best team shouldn't win. Hmmmmm, okay, then next year, let's have Washington State and Wyoming battle for the championship. I'm sure that would make perfect sense to the brilliant wizards that run the BCS.