As I write this, we're little more than 24 hours away from the start of the Super Bowl pre-game show. We've endured two weeks of stories that have taken away a bit of steam from the festivities. There was the Michael Vick story, whatever the facts actually were. We heard updated reports about the continuing story surrounding Reggie Bush and the possibility of improper benefits. We read about the problems experienced by former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson. And the Cowboys continue to search for a coach.

But, those stories will be put on the back-burner for a 30-hour celebration of what is right with the NFL and its players. We will welcome the unveiling of a new Hall of Fame class any minute now, with Bruce Matthews and Thurman Thomas among this year's favorites. As we reflect on the achievements of these individuals, our minds will drift toward the game to be played tomorrow, a game that has been somewhat lost in the enormity of the event.

There have been three primary stories regarding the teams in the game over the past two weeks. Did Peyton exorcise any post-season demons by vanquishing the Patriots, or does he need a ring as well? What does it mean to the sport and society at large to have two African-American coaches in the game (they're great coaches, period.)? And finally, fill in the blank with your question about Rex Grossman.

To answer them briefly:

1. Peyton Manning is one of the all-time greats at the position whether he wins a Super Bowl or not. And, unfortunately, he'll be victimized in the press on Sunday night if the Colts lose, no matter how it occurs.

2. It's a great day for progress in the league and will certainly help open doors in the future. The days when a player or coach's race appears in a headline is coming quickly to a close. We saw Warren Moon enter the Hall of Fame after a prodigious career under center. Progress is slow, but the breakthrough is coming.

3. Grossman has been treated as unfairly as Manning. He's been phenomenal at times, and made the mistakes you'd expect from any quarterback in their first full NFL season. Remember, Grossman hadn't played much in those first three years because of injuries. And, the Bears still ended the season at 13-3 with many of his interceptions coming when trying to hit the home run ball. I still marvel at the amount of ink slung over the victory against New Orleans, citing his completion rate. Didn't they throw the ball deep against Fred Thomas about eight times before the Berrian touchdown? The stat line doesn't always tell the story.

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Anyway, let's take a brief look at the game.

I'm expecting a factor other than the quarterbacks to decide it.

The Colts have one of the most prolific offenses in the game, and Tony Dungy's increased reliance on Joseph Addai has paid big dividends down the stretch. I expect the Bears to be able to contain the run game. Certainly, the Colts will move the ball, but I expect Chicago to limit them primarily to Adam Vinatieri field goal tries. The Bears will find a way to force the ball out of Manning's hand to disrupt the timing of pass plays.

The Bears will look to break the string of Indy success against the run. Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson will pile up over 100 yards combined and keep the Bears offense on the field. Injuries in the Colts secondary (or are they playing possum?) will allow Grossman to take shots deep.

But for all the talk or quarterbacks and Brian Urlacher and the Bears defense and the season-long struggles of the Indy run defense, I believe Chicago wins this game because of field position and special teams. The Colts allowed 220 return yards to Ellis Hobbs, and the electrifying Devin Hester should have a similar impact. Hester must make good decisions on his returns, something that has been an issue at times, and shorten the field for the offense. The player who might have the most impact other than Hester is Brad Maynard. His leg could spell victory for Chicago.

I'm going against the popular choice in predicting a 27-23 Chicago victory. My MVP choice for the game is the aforementioned Hester.