It's not as simple as Frank Gore vs. Ray Rice when it comes to trying to decide which team in Super Bowl XLVII has the better running attack.
Both running backs have carved out terrific careers to date in the NFL, and both have shown they still have a lot left in the tank this season.
But San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick's brilliance running the ball in his short career as a starter has to be factored in.
And while Aldon Smith and the rest of San Francisco's defence likely aren't too worried about Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco and his 430 career rushing yards, Rice's backup Bernard Pierce has been making a name for himself these playoffs and certainly adds to an at times potent Baltimore ground game.
If we're looking strictly at statistics, the 49ers hold the edge. San Francisco was fourth in total rushing this season with 2,491 yards, a 5.1-yards-per-attempt pace. The Ravens finished 11th in the league in rushing, some 500 yards behind and almost a yard less per average attempt. The 49ers are also averaging more than two yards per carry more than the Ravens in the post-season.
But there is a reason Rice was a top three pick in most fantasy football drafts this September. The 26-year-old former second-round pick has averaged 4.6 yards per carry and more than 10 touchdowns per season over the last two years. Rice also leads all runners with 247 yards this post-season.
Add in Pierce, who is averaging more than six yards per carry with his limited touches these playoffs, and this Sunday has the makings of a potential heavyweight tilt on the ground.
Of course, if Kaepernick goes off for another 181-yard, two-touchdown performance like he did against Green Bay in the Divisional Playoffs, the game could be all but over.
Kicking off Super Bowl Week we want to know, which team holds the edge in the running game? As always, it's Your! Call.
