OVAC coaches and media members have spoken.
And a majority expect Jim Harbaugh to prevail in a historic Super Bowl battle of brothers tonight in the Big Easy.
The annual Times Leader Super Bowl Poll give a relatively decisive edge to San Francisco's 49ers who will capture the franchise's sixth Lombardi Trophy with a victory in New Orleans' SuperDome.
In addition to area coaches and media types, a pair of special guests are included in this year's poll - Buckeyes John Simon and Zach Boren, both of whom appeared locally Saturday at the Ohio Valley Mall.
Let the commercials roll:
RUDY VAVROCK, Bridgeport - San Francisco rates an edge defensively and I like Colin Kaepernick's mobility. 49ERS, 28-24.
JOHN DURDINES, Bishop Donahue - San Francisco's defense is younger, faster and better. Look for them to score a defensive touchdown. 49ERS, 24-10.
PHIL PEST, Buckeye Local - The question is: Will Baltimore be able to defend Kaepernick for four quarters? I don't think so. 49ERS, 27-21.
JOSH PERKINS, Caldwell - I'm a life-long AFC guy. RAVENS, 27-20.
ROB METZGER, WTOV-TV9 - I'll just say Harbaugh gets a Super Bowl ring! Oh, wait, that's the easy way out. San Fran matches the Steelers with six SB wins. 49ERS, 24-14.
SCOTT NOLTE, WTRF-TV7 - Randy Moss adds a Super Bowl victory to his outstanding career. 49ERS, 31-21.
MIKE HUGHES, Times Leader - As a New England fan, any defense that can curtail Tom Brady not once - but twice - gets my vote. RAVENS, 24-17.
SEAN BLUMETTE, Brooke - I like the way San Francisco runs its offense. Kaepernick provides a true dual-threat. 49ERS, 24-14.
MATT JOHNSON, Barnesville - I don't necessarily want Baltimore to win but I believe Ray Lewis is destined to go out with a win. RAVENS, 24-20.
JUSTIN KROPKA, Harrison Central - This is my kind of game - two great defensive teams. Should be a fun game to watch. RICK 49ERS, 24-21.
RICK DELUCA, Times Leader - As much as I don't want to go against the Steelers' big rival, I can't help but believe the Ravens' defense is too tough. RAVENS, 27-13.
JIM RODGERS, Cameron - San Francisco has a hungry defense. They'll be the difference in a close game. 49ERS, 21-17.
TODD BRADFORD, Frontier - As a long-time Browns' fan it pains me to say this: RAVENS, 28-21.
JESSE WELLS, Meadowbrook - Look for both defenses to dominate in a great matchup. 49ERS, 14-13.
TIM WEAVER, Bethany College - Since all the 'experts' and talking heads are going with San Francisco, I'm going the other way. RAVENS, 24-21.
MIKE YOUNG, Wheeling Central - Baltimore has shown the most improvement since the playoffs started. RAVENS, 30-21.
BRETT MCLEAN, St. Clairsville - Expect Randy Moss to make at least two or three big plays. 49ERS, 31-27.
SETH STASKEY, Times Leader - Since Ray Lewis announced his retirement, it's been clearly evident Baltimore is destined to get it done. RAVENS, 34-28.
ERIC SCHUMACHER, Conotton Valley - Not sure Baltimore can contain Kaepernick. Still, I think this game comes down to the wire. 49ERS, 27-21.
BJ DEPEW, Linsly - A physical Super Bowl game between two strong defenses. 49ERS, 20-10.
ERIC HUCK, Fort Frye - Colin Kaepernick brings something different to the table. He has to be difficult to prepare for. 49ERS, 27-24.
JOHN BOWERS, Morgantown - San Francisco has the best front nine in the NFL. They're the difference in a close game. 49ERS, 24-21.
DAVE BRUNEY, Martins Ferry - Joe Flacco is on a roll but I give an edge to San Francisco's diversity on offense. 49ERS, 35-28.
STEVE DALEY, Steubenville Central - Colin Kaepernick's obviously the real deal. He creates huge mismatch problems. 49ERS, 28-24.
DAVID BLOMQUIST, WWVA Radio - Look for a Baltimore win and Ray Rice as the game MVP. RAVENS, 20-17.
MIKE ANTHONY, WTRF TV7- I'll take San Fran, reluctantly, though I want Rany Moss to get his ring. Also, Kaepernick to outplay Flacco. 49ERS, 27-23.
MARK HOLENKA, Shadyside - Being a huge Steelers' fan, I can't be objective here. I'd like to see them both lose. However, 49ERS, 24-13.
IAN WHITTINGTON, Oak Glen - I'm stoked for this game. Should be very entertaining and high-scoring! 49ERS, 42-38.
LORI FIGURSKI, Times Leader Publisher - I like Coach John better than his brother. How proud their parents must be! But I have to go with San Francisco. 49ERS, 24-21.
ERIC MEEK, Toronto - Two evenly-matched teams should make for a close, competitive game. 49ERS, 24-20.
MIKE FLANNERY, River - San Franciso is deeper all-around. Also, I've always admired Jim Harbaugh. 49ERS, 37-24.
KIM NORTH, Times Leader - It's a sure-fire thing a Harbaugh will be the winning coach. But which one? I'm going with San Francisco because my oldest son is a die-hard Niners' fan. 49ERS, 29-12.
JEREMY MCELROY, Beaver Local - San Francisco has slightly more offensive weapons. 49ERS, 24-21.
JOSE DAVIS, Bellaire - Kaepernick makes the difference. He's definitely the real deal. 49ERS, 27-21.
RENO SACCOCCIA, Steubenville - Baltimore will be keying on Kaepernick. Look for (running back) Frank Gore to come up big. 49ers, 24-20.
MIKE MUKLEWICZ, Times Leader - San Francisco takes it in a shootout behind the hot hand of their cool, calm and collected young quarterback. 49ERS, 31-28.
ANDREW CONNOR, Indian Creek - Baltimore will have trouble containing San Francisco's two-dimensional running attack of Kaepernick and Gore. 49ERS, 28-20.
PAUL KANZIGG, Beallsville - I expect San Francisco's offensive line to be a determining factor. 49ERS, 31-24.
KALEB LAWRENCE, Shenandoah - Baltimore's defense makes one more play. RAVENS, 28-24.
RICK GOODRICH, John Marshall - Colin Kaepernick and his dual-threat ability will be the difference. 49ERS, 24-17.
JOHN SIMON, Ohio State Buckeyes - Because of my Youngstown connection, I have to go with San Francisco. 49ERS, 24-13.
JOHN KELLEY, University High - Baltimore seems destined to win it all. They will tonight in the first overtime game in Super Bowl history. RAVENS, 23-20.
RYAN WILSON, Clay-Battelle - I'm a Ray Lewis fan but I have to go with San Francisco. 49ERS, 28-21.
KEVIN GUNN, Cambridge - San Francisco rates an edge based on a more efficient running game. 49ERS, 24-17.
MIKE PALMER, Times Leader - Ray Lewis will spend his last four quarters 'Kaepernicking' with futility. 49ERS, 35-27
TONY FILBERTO, Weir High - Baltimore won't be able to keep up with San Francisco's multiple threat offense. 49ERS, 24-14.
ROGER WAIALAE, West Liberty University - I haven't got one right in eight years. This game may come down to a field goal. RAVENS, 24-23.
REX RUSH, Hundred - San Francisco to dominate on both sides of the ball. 49ERS, 35-7.
BRUCE STILES, Union Local - Ray Lewis and his leadership gives Baltimore the big trophy. RAVENS, 28-24.
DALE BROOMHALL, Buckeye Trail - The 'Pistol' will definitely come into play tonight which gives San Francisco the edge. 49ERS, 24-21.
DAVE SKINNER, Wellsville - San Francisco's offensive line has been dominant and will be again tonight. 49ERS, 28-21.
ZACH BOREN, Ohio State Buckeyes - Expect a big game from Kaepernick. He's going to run for over 100 yards. 49ERS, 38-24.
JAY CIRCOSTA, Monroe Central - Joe Flacco is having a great postseason and I really like Baltimore's defense. RAVENS, 28-17.
TOM WEST, Valley - It should be a highly competitive Super Bowl. Either team could win it. But, I'll give Jim Harbaugh an edge. 49ERS, 21-17.
JOHN BLACKMORE, WKKX - Baltimore wins it with Ray Lewis earning MVP honors. RAVENS, 27-17.
BRENT CROASMUN, Paden City - I really like San Francisco's young quarterback. I think he makes a play to win it. 49ERS, 24-21.
RICH GIBSON, Times Leader - Joe Flacco leads Dirty Birds to the Lombardi Trophy and adds permanent 'elite' status to his resume. RAVENS, 23-17.
Gibson may be reached at rgibson@timesleader-online.com
