X factors: X questions about Super Bowl XLV

In a mere VII days, II teams with rich histories and a combined XVIII NFL championships will meet in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Here are X questions to ponder as the NFC champion Packers (13-6, No. VI seed) get ready to face the AFC champion Steelers (14-4, No. II seed).

10 Which team will have the "home-field" advantage?

We know gold will be the prominent color of choice among fans. But will there be more green and gold or black and gold throughout the expected record crowd of more than 105,000?

Steelers fans took over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., two years ago. But Arizona Cardinals fans were no competition for possibly the league's most rabid and well-traveled fan base. Cheeseheads could make it a different story this time. But it won't be cheap.

Tickets can be found. But usually only people with NFL connections can get them for face value, which is $600-$800 for upper-bowl seats, $900 for lower-bowl seats and $1,200 for club seats.

As of Thursday, StubHub.com had 2,901 tickets for sale. They ranged from $2,049 for an upper-bowl corner seat to $22,223 for a lower-bowl seat at midfield. There were four available at the latter price, but we do caution you that parking is not included.

9 Which franchise will add to its storied history?

The first meeting was Oct. 15, 1933, at City Stadium in Green Bay. It was Pittsburgh's first road game. The Packers won 47-0 to kick off a series they now lead 18-14.

The Packers have won a record 12 NFL championships, three during the Super Bowl era. The Steelers were a league laughingstock until the Super Bowl era began. But since then, they have won a record six Super Bowls. Their eight Super Bowls ties the Dallas Cowboys for the most appearances.

8 McCarthy or Tomlin?

If you passed through the Allegheny Valley exit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike from midnight to 8 a.m. in the summer of 1989, chances are you handed toll fare to Mike McCarthy, who's now the Packers' head coach.

McCarthy had returned to his native Western, Pa., to start his coaching career after playing tight end for Baker University in Kansas. To support his unpaid graduate assistant job at the University of Pittsburgh, McCarthy worked Exit 5, located about 30 minutes outside Pittsburgh. And, yes, he grew up a Steelers fan.

7 Which defense wins the championship?

They say defense wins championships. But which defense?

The Steelers led the league in points allowed (14.5 per game), rushing yards allowed (62.8) and sacks (48). The Packers were second in points allowed (15) and tied for second in sacks (47).

Both teams use a 3-4 defense that emphasizes extreme pressure with an array of zone blitzes designed to confuse the quarterback. Defensive coordinators Dom Capers (Packers) and Dick LeBeau (Steelers) were together on Bill Cowher's Steelers staff from 1992 to '94. Capers was the defensive coordinator, and LeBeau was the defensive backs coach. LeBeau succeeded Capers from 1995 to '96 and returned for a second stint in 2004.

6 Will offenses party like it's 2009?

Ben Roethlisberger became the first quarterback in Steelers history to throw for 500 yards (503). Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 383 yards. Together, they had six touchdown passes and no interceptions.

5 Which team has had a tougher journey?

The Steelers had to play the first four games without Roethlisberger, who was suspended for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The Packers had a league-high 91 games lost by starters due to injuries.

The Steelers lost starting offensive tackles Willie Colon (Achilles) and Max Starks (neck) in June and November, respectively, and also might have to play the Super Bowl without rookie Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey (ankle). Meanwhile, the Packers put 15 players on injured reserve throughout the season.

Both teams overcame adversity. The Steelers started 3-1 without Roethlisberger, and the Packers ended the regular season with two elimination games before becoming the first No. 6 seed from the NFC to make the Super Bowl.

Rodgers is the better pure passer. Roethlisberger is the 28-year-old with two Super Bowl rings and a 10-2 postseason record.

Both are mobile. Rodgers is more likely to run for longer gains, but Roethlisberger's size allows him to withstand a tremendous beating while waiting that extra second for receivers to break free.

Given enough time to throw, the deep ball will be in play. Rodgers is No. 2 in yards per pass attempt (8.3), while Roethlisberger is No. 3 (8.2).

3 Can Starks run on Pittsburgh?

Packers running back James Starks has been the breakout performer of this year's playoffs. A rookie sixth-round draft pick that missed his senior year at the University of Buffalo because of a shoulder injury, Starks had only 101 yards rushing in three regular-season games. He then opened the playoffs with 123 yards on 23 carries against the Eagles. He's now the NFL's leading rusher of the postseason with 263 yards and a TD on 70 carries (3.8 average).

2 How fine is the line in NFL?

Fine. Very fine.

Example No. 1: The Lions had lost an NFL-record 26 consecutive road games when they went to Tampa and won 23-20 in overtime in Week 15. Had the Buccaneers won, they would have made the playoffs instead of the Packers.

Example No. 2: The Giants were the first team in NFL history to lose a game on a punt return for a touchdown as time expired in their Week 15 game against the Eagles. Had the Giants not blown their 31-10 fourth-quarter lead in record fashion, they would have made the playoffs instead of the Packers.

Example No. 3: In Week 12, Bills receiver Steve Johnson dropped what would have been a game-winning touchdown in the end zone in overtime against the Steelers. Had the Steelers not won that game, they would have had to win three road playoff games as a No. 6 seed to reach the Super Bowl. Instead, they had to win only two home games as a No. 2 seed.

The Steelers' banged-up offensive line is cause for alarm, especially if Pouncey can't play. But look for the Steelers defense to be a little better stopping the run and getting after Rodgers.