POPS PROPS

POPS PROPS IX FINAL RESULTS

46: Ken Brogdon; Tony Stasiek
45: Zachery Gray
44: Peter Wentz
43: LIONS RUL
42: Andy Berthusen; Ethan Newby
41: Mr. Z Dimetros; Kyle “Kyle Drexel” Drexel; Jason Ginter; Enda McCallig;
David Waldron
40: Tim Clauss; Kevin Larson
39: Mike Allende; Chad Benestante; Luke Bieneman; Terra Dankowski;
JJ Guajardo; Jesse Guy; Matthew Mills
38: Kevin Keeker; Cousin Kay!; Hilary; Jesse Castelo; Steven Mathiesen;
Spanky D; Eric Peacock
37: Will; Tim Breeze-Thorndike; Adam Bryan; Brian Bushaw; Mark Lynch
36: Jeff Breeze; Tim Inklebarger; Tim; Brendan Quigley
35: Jill; Beth Clauss; Mary Grieb; Troy Lund; Mark Porter
34: Perry Persoff; Eric Schuh
33: Uncle Vam; Shane Doyle; Casey Grove; Marc Lampton; Holly Ostdick
32: Aunt Sue; Jane Brda; Pedro Antonio Diaz de Leon; Bethany Vogelsberg
31: POPS’ GHOST; Bev Schoonover
30: Dan; Loadbearer; Phil Huckelberry
29: Marika Brussel; Isabella Good; Ramon Romero
28: Pat Ashe; Eric Caldwell; Stacy Olver
27: Wes Winter
26: Kris; Ciara; Danielle Graven; Hannah Lager
25: Sophie Lager
24: Karen Sheehan
22: Pagan Hill
19: Tsurah August
15: Schklar!

POPS PROPS QUESTION SUMMARY

1. Who will win Super Bowl LIII?

Los Angeles!	30
New England!	45

2. How long will Gladys Knight’s rendition of the national anthem last? (The timer begins at her first note, stops when she concludes singing and rounds to the nearest second.)

Longer than 1:56!	49
Shorter than 1:56!	23
Exactly 1:56! (Bonus)	3

3. What color of dress, gown, shirt or suit will Gladys Knight be wearing when she sings the National Anthem?

Black!	23
Blue!	9
Gold!	8
Red!	11
Silver!	5
White!	6
Some other color! (Bonus)	12
Gladys Knight will not be wearing a dress.. (Bonus)	1

4. While singing the National Anthem, Gladys Knight will be…

On a moving platform!	0
Seated on a chair or stool!	3
Standing, not moving, with hand over heart!	10
Standing, not moving, without hand over heart!	54
Walking about the field or stage!	5
None of the above! (Bonus)	3

5. How long will Chloe X Halle’s version of “America The Beautiful” last? (The timer begins at their first note, stops when they conclude singing and rounds to the nearest second.)

Longer than 1:48!	39
Shorter than 1:48!	30
Exactly 1:48! (Bonus)	6

6. While singing, Chloe X Halle will be…

On a moving platform!	5
Seated on chairs or stools!	0
Standing, not moving, with hand over heart!	10
Standing, not moving, without hand over heart!	38
Walking about the field or stage!	12
Something else! (Bonus)	4
Something else!	6

7. Which team will win the pre-game opening coin toss?

Los Angeles!	47
New England!	28

8. Will the opening coin toss land on heads or tails?

Heads!	41
Tails!	34

9. The team that wins the opening coin toss will elect to…

Defer!	36
Kick!	9
Receive!	29

10. The opening kickoff will be returned…

0 yards, due to a touchback!	45
1 to 15 yards!	5
16 to 20 yards!	8
21 to 25 yards!	9
26 or more yards, but not for a touchdown!	4
Returned for a touchdown! (Bonus)	2
Fumbled, but possession will be regained! (Bonus)	1
Fumbled, and possession will be lost! (Bonus)	1

11. Which team will be assessed the first accepted penalty?

Los Angeles!	48
New England!	25
Neither team will be penalized! (Bonus)	2

12. Which team will call the first timeout?

Los Angeles!	52
New England!	21
Neither team will call a timeout! (Bonus)	2

13. Which team will cross the 50-yard line first?

Los Angeles!	30
New England!	43
One or both teams will never cross the 50-yard line! (Bonus)	2

14. Which team will score first?

Los Angeles!	33
New England!	42

15. The first points will be awarded as a result of a…

Defensive or special-teams touchdown! (Bonus)	1
Field goal!	29
Passing touchdown!	23
Rushing touchdown!	19
Safety!	3

16. Which head coach will throw the first challenge flag?

Sean McVay, Los Angeles!	17
Bill Belichick, New England!	41
Neither coach will throw a challenge flag! (Bonus)	17

17. Will the first points be scored in the first 5 minutes, 30 seconds?

No!	37
Yes!	36
The first points will be scored at 5:30 into the first quarter! (Bonus)	2

18. Will the team that scores first win the game?

No!	34
Yes!	41

19. The total number of first-quarter points will be…

0!	0
2-7!	18
8-10!	29
11-14!	20
More than 14!	8

20. Which team will lead at the end of the first quarter?

Los Angeles!	34
New England!	32
The score will be tied! (Bonus)	9

21. The first commercial after the conclusion of the first quarter will advertise…

Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages!	18
Automobiles or tires!	12
Chips, food or snacks!	16
A movie, television show or streaming service!	11
Some sort of banking, financial or insurance organization!	6
Some type of pharmaceutical!	0
None of the above! (Bonus)	12

22. The total number of second-quarter points will be…

0!	0
2-7!	12
8-10!	26
11-14!	27
More than 14!	10

23. Which team will lead at halftime?

Los Angeles!	31
New England!	36
The score will be tied! (Bonus)	8

24. Which of these songs will Maroon 5 perform first? (Performing snippets of these songs count as “performing the song.”)

Animals!	5
Girls Like You!	10
Makes Me Wonder!	10
Moves Like Jagger!	18
One More Night!	5
Payphone!	5
She Will Be Loved!	3
Sugar!	4
This Love!	4
Something else! (Bonus)	11

25. Which of these four Billboard #1 songs will Maroon 5 NOT perform? (Performing snippets of these songs count as “performing the song.”)

Girls Like You!	7
Makes Me Wonder!	4
Moves Like Jagger!	5
One More Night!	11
They will NOT play two of these songs! (Bonus)	21
They will NOT play three of these songs! (Bonus)	1
They will NOT play four of these songs! (Bonus)	1
They will play all four of these songs! (Bonus)	24

26. Which of these things will Adam Levine wear during Maroon 5’s halftime show?

A chain wallet!	5
A flannel shirt!	2
Shades!	3
Shiny pants!	12
A sleeveless shirt!	1
A tuxedo!	0
He won’t wear any of these things!	16
Two or more of these things! (Bonus)	27
Three or more of these things! (2-pt bonus)	9

27. Which of these songs will Travis Scott perform during the halftime show?

Butterfly Effect!	11
Know No Better!	7
Love Galore!	5
Sicko Mode!	11
Watch!	4
He will perform two of these songs!	29
He will perform three or more of these songs! (Bonus)	8

28. Which of these things will happen during the halftime show?

Maroon 5 will play SpongeBob SquarePants’ “Sweet Victory”!	1
Big Boi will perform an OutKast song!	20
Kylie Jenner will appear!	1
Cardi B will sing on “Girls Like You”!	9
Two or more of these things will happen! (Bonus)	14
None of these things will happen! (Bonus)	30

29. The total number of third-quarter points will be…

0!	2
2-9!	24
10-14!	36
15-20!	6
More than 20!	7

30. The total number of fourth-quarter points will be…

0!	1
2-9!	13
10-14!	32
15-20!	20
More than 20!	9

31. In which half will there be a greater number of points scored?

The first half!	12
The second half!	62
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	1

32. Which team(s) will score in the final 4 minutes?

Only Los Angeles!	12
Only New England!	12
Both teams! (Bonus)	44
Neither team!	7

33. Which team will score last?

Los Angeles!	31
New England!	44

34. What will be the jersey number of the first player to score a touchdown?

1-20!	24
21-40!	27
41-60!	7
61 or higher!	16
No one will score a touchdown! (Bonus)	0
No one will score a touchdown!	1

35. How many letters will be in the last name of the first player to score a touchdown?

1-3!	0
4-6!	26
7-9!	46
10 or more!	3

36. The total number of touchdowns will be…

0! (Bonus)	0
1-2!	0
3-4!	14
5-6!	41
7-8!	17
9 or more! (Bonus)	3

37. The longest touchdown will be..

1-15 yards!	0
16-25 yards!	7
26-35 yards!	30
36-45 yards!	24
46 yards or longer! (Bonus)	7
46 yards or longer!	7

38. The shortest touchdown will be…

1 yard!	33
2 yards!	18
3-4 yards!	16
5-7 yards!	5
8 yards or longer (Bonus)	3

39. The total number of successful third-down conversions will be…

0! (Bonus)	1
1-5!	10
6-9!	29
10-13!	25
14 or more!	10

40. The total number of successful fourth-down conversions will be…

0!	7
1!	28
2!	29
3!	6
4 or more! (Bonus)	3
4 or more!	2

41. How many accepted penalties will be assessed in the game?

0! (Bonus)	0
1-5!	15
6-9!	44
10-13!	12
14-17!	3
18 or more!	1

42. Which team will have the most penalty yards against?

Los Angeles!	50
New England!	22
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	1
The two sums will be equal!	2

43. How many interference (defensive or offensive) penalties will be assessed in the game?

0!	1
1!	5
2!	33
3-4!	30
5 or more! (Bonus)	6

44. Will there be a defensive or special-teams touchdown?

No!	37
Only defensive! (Bonus)	31
Only special teams! (Bonus)	3
Both! (Bonus)	4

45. The total number of sacks will be…

0! (Bonus)	1
1-3!	32
4-6!	36
7-9!	4
10 or more! (Bonus)	2

46. The total number of interceptions will be…

0!	1
1!	17
2!	40
3!	12
4!	4
5 or more! (Bonus)	1

47. The total number of lost fumbles will be…

0!	15
1!	38
2!	12
3!	7
4 or more! (Bonus)	3

48. Los Angeles total passing yards will be…

Less than 301!	34
More than 301!	40
Exactly 301! (Bonus)	1

49. New England total passing yards will be…

Less than 329!	38
More than 329!	34
Exactly 329! (Bonus)	3

50. The total number of passing yards in the game will be…

Less than 635!	41
More than 635!	33
Exactly 635! (Bonus)	1

51. The total number of passing attempts in the game will be…

Less than 80!	43
More than 80!	29
Exactly 80! (Bonus)	2
Exactly 80!	1

52. The total number of passing attempts by someone other than a starting quarterback will be…

0!	23
1-2!	39
3-4!	5
5-7!	5
8-10!	1
11 or more! (Bonus)	2

53. The Rams’ leading rusher will gain..

Less than 75 yards!	20
More than 75 yards!	53
Exactly 75 yards! (Bonus)	2

54. The Patriots’ leading rusher will gain…

Less than 75 yards!	35
More than 75 yards!	39
Exactly 75 yards! (Bonus)	1

55. Which team will gain the most rushing yards?

Los Angeles!	48
New England!	26
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	0
The two sums will be equal!	1

56. The total amount of rushing yards will be…

Less than 255!	48
More than 255!	25
Exactly 255! (Bonus)	2

57. The longest play from scrimmage will be…

1-15 yards!	1
16-25 yards!	5
26-35 yards!	22
36-45 yards!	27
46-55 yards!	4
56 or more yards! (Bonus)	16

58. The Los Angeles receiver that gains the most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 105 yards!	33
More than 105 yards!	38
Exactly 105 yards! (Bonus)	4

59. The Los Angeles receiver that gains the second-most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 70 yards!	46
More than 70 yards!	27
Exactly 70 yards! (Bonus)	2

60. The New England receiver that gains the most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 105 yards!	29
More than 105 yards!	44
Exactly 105 yards! (Bonus)	2

61. The New England receiver that gains the second-most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 70 yards!	44
More than 70 yards!	27
Exactly 70 yards! (Bonus)	4

62. The sum of the receiving yards by the Los Angeles and New England players with the third-most receiving yards will be..

Less than 60 yards!	15
61-70 yards!	18
71-80 yards!	15
81-90 yards!	8
91 or more yards! (Bonus)	19

63. Which player will gain the most all-purpose (receiving + return + rushing) yards?

C.J. Anderson, Los Angeles!	3
Brandin Cooks, Los Angeles!	8
Todd Gurley II, Los Angeles!	19
Robert Woods, Los Angeles!	3
Julian Edelman, New England!	23
Rob Gronkowski, New England!	3
Sony Michel, New England!	3
Cordarrelle Patterson, New England!	4
James White, New England!	6
Someone else! (Bonus)	3

64. How many times will a Los Angeles player be tackled or forced out of bounds for a loss of yards?

Less than 6!	46
More than 6!	19
Exactly 6! (Bonus)	10

65. How many times will a New England player be tackled or forced out of bounds for a loss of yards?

Less than 6!	47
More than 6!	22
Exactly 6! (Bonus)	6

66. Who will lead Los Angeles in tackles?

Mark Barron!	4
Lamarcus Joyner!	14
John Johnson II!	3
Cory Littleton!	24
Aqib Talib!	18
Someone else! (Bonus)	12

67. Who will lead New England in tackles?

Patrick Chung!	14
Devin McCourty!	18
Elandon Roberts!	4
Kyle Van Noy!	24
Someone else! (Bonus)	15

68. Which kicker will have more total points?

Stephen Gostkowski, New England!	36
Greg Zuerlein, Los Angeles!	34
Someone else! (Bonus)	1
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	4

69. Which team will make the longest field goal?

Los Angeles!	40
New England!	31
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	2
Neither team will make a field goal! (Bonus)	2

70. The longest field goal will be…

17-25 yards!	0
26-35 yards!	4
36-45 yards!	25
46-50 yards!	23
51 yards or longer! (Bonus)	22
There will be no field goals! (Bonus)	1

71. The shortest field goal will be…

17-25 yards!	47
26-35 yards!	24
36-45 yards!	3
46-50 yards!	0
51 yards or longer!	0
There will be no field goals! (Bonus)	1

72. The total number of field goals will be…

0!	0
1!	1
2!	6
3!	29
4!	22
5 or more! (Bonus)	17

73. The total number of missed field goals will be…

0!	38
1!	27
2!	6
3!	2
4 or more! (Bonus)	1
4 or more!	1

74. Which punter will have the longest punt?

Ryan Allen, New England!	17
Johnny Hekker, Los Angeles!	54
Someone else! (Bonus)	2
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	2

75. The total number of punts will be..

0! (Bonus)	0
1-4!	24
5-8!	45
9-12!	4
13 or more! (Bonus)	2

76. The total number of returned punts (non safe-catches) will be…

Less than 3!	38
More than 3!	28
Exactly 3! (Bonus)	9

77. The longest punt return will be…

0-10 yards!	5
11-20 yards!	32
21-30 yards!	25
31 yards or longer! (Bonus)	13

78. The longest kickoff return will be…

0-10 yards!	1
11-20 yards!	10
21-30 yards!	38
31-40 yards!	16
41 yards or longer! (Bonus)	10

79. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3?

[The average price (in cents) of gasoline in the United States, according to AAA] + 85!	41
The midpoint between Tom Brady and Jared Goff total net passing yards!	32
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	2

80. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3

(The price, at kickoff, of an ounce of gold in U.S. dollars) divided by 10!	36
(Brandin Cooks receiving yards) + 40!	35
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	4

81. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3?

The price, at kickoff, of an ounce of silver in U.S. dollars!	46
(C.J. Anderson rushing attempts) + 1!	25
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	4

82. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3?

(The price of a single Bitcoin in U.S. dollars) divided by 10!	22
Tom Brady total passing yards!	49
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	2
(The price of a single Bitcoin in U.S. dollars) divided by 100!	2

83. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3?

Los Angeles touchdowns!	43
(Total goals scored by Velez Sarsfield and River Plate) + 1	24
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	8

84. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3?

Total number of sacks!	33
(Total goals scored by Millionarios and Bucaramanga) + 1	31
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	11

85. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3?

Letters in the first name of the last player to score in the game!	54
(Total goals for Academia Puerto Cabello and Dep. Metropolitano) + 2	15
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	1
The two sums will be equal!	5

86. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3?

Letters in the last name of the last player to score in the game!	44
(Total goals for Zulia and Deportivo Tachira) + 3!	26
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	3
The two sums will be equal!	2

87. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3?

The final-round score of the winner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open!	29
New England’s total number of plays!	39
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	1
For some reason, the Waste Management Phoenix Open won’t conclude on Sunday! (Bonus)	6

88. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 3?

The final-round score of the runner-up of the Waste Management Phoenix Open!	29
Los Angeles total number of plays!	37
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	3
For some reason, the Waste Management Phoenix Open won’t conclude on Sunday! (Bonus)	6

89. How many total points will be scored in the game?

Less than 30!	1
31-35!	1
36-40!	4
41-45!	10
46-50!	11
51-55!	13
56-60!	14
61-65!	11
66-70!	2
71-75!	5
76-80!	1
81 or more!	2

90. Will the total number of points scored be even or odd?

Even!	27
Odd!	48

91. Who will be the MVP of Super Bowl LIII? (3-point bonus question)

Do you like sports?
* Do you dislike or feel ambivalence toward sports, but enjoy numbers?
* Do you dislike or feel ambivalence toward sports and numbers, but enjoy friendly prop-based wagering?
* Do you dislike or feel ambivalence toward sports, numbers and prop-based wagering, yet you plan on vaguely paying attention to the Super Bowl and you need something to keep you “in the moment”?
* Are you just looking for something to take your mind off current events for a few minutes?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, POPS PROPS IX is going to change your life.

Every Super Bowl since a-long-time-ago, the legendary POPS FRESHENMEYER (1942-2010), would create a 50-odd-question Super Bowl prop-bet challenge to cap off another year of our family’s gentlemanly wagers on National Football League contests. In his honor, we’re keeping the tradition alive with this 91-question challenge based around Super Bowl LIII on Sunday, Feb. 3, in Atlanta between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots.

If you’ve played before, you’ll recall last year’s competition, when Tony Stasiek conquered POPS PROPS VIII by a whopping five points (54 overall), the most resounding margin of victory in POPS PROPS history! Shane Doyle, Jesse Guy and Loadbearer tied for second with 49 points.

New for this year: POPS’ GHOST, communicating from the supernatural via fantastic bursts of ultraviolet color, found time in his busy schedule to enter POPS PROPS IX. Do you think you have what it takes to vanquish my late father’s benevolent ghost? If so, kindly fill out our free entry form by 4:30 p.m. Central time on Sunday, Feb. 3 (one hour before the 5:30 p.m. kickoff):

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsF0IcgxFLVC23_akq8flI52sdfYy4i2BvceelKFLkzU5Llw/viewform

A few notes on scoring: Most questions are worth 1 point. The write-in question for MVP is worth 3 points. All multiple-choice answers with (Bonus) will award 2 points if you choose them and they turn out to be correct.

Our ghouls are standing by to painstakingly build the spreadsheet of all entries. One entry per person. Once again, we’ll have real-time scoring, so you can see how you’re faring as the game progresses! We’ll send you a link so that you can follow along!

Of course, the winner(s) of POPS PROPS IX will have his/her name(s) added to the POPS PROPS HALL OF CHAMPIONS on the POPS PROPS CHAMPIONSHIP DRINK COASTERS. The winner(s) will be sent 6 of these coasters!

If you have any sort of problem filling out your answers, send an email to korrysk@gmail.com with, “I have a question regarding POPS PROPS IX” in the subject line. Please feel free to forward this contest to anyone you know who might have an interest. Above all, glory goes to the winner, and we thank you for your time and interest.

Cordially yours,
The POPS PROPS IX Committee For Fairness and Integrity

POPS PROPS HALL OF CHAMPIONS:

POPS PROPS IX — ?????????
POPS PROPS VIII — Tony Stasiek
POPS PROPS VII — Rob Aseron
POPS PROPS VI — Adam Andersen
POPS PROPS V — Marc Lampton
POPS PROPS IV — Eric Caldwell and Kyle Drexel
POPS PROPS III — Sue Sauder and Sara Zeller
POPS PROPS II — Matt Friedman
POPS PROPS I — Dennis Gendron

POPS PROPS VIII FINAL RESULTS

54: Tony Stasiek
49: Shane Doyle, Jesse Guy, Loadbearer
47: Naomi, Matt Friedman
46: Dan, Beth Clauss, Tim “Beam” Clauss, Tim Breeze-Thorndike
Holly A. Ostdick
44: Zach Armentrout, Jeremiah Blankenship, Ken Brogdon
LIONS SUPER BOWL LII, Eric Schuh
43: Kyle Drexel, Jason Ginter, Ramon Ramero, SpanktronJ, Peter Wentz
42: Jeff Breeze, Eric Caldwell, Jon Eckberg, Kouzin Kay
41: Jonathan, Marky P, Terra Dankowski
40: Aunt Sue, Pedro Antonio Diaz, Laura Sauer, Wesley Winter
39: Andy Berthusen, Luke Bieneman, Adam Bryan, JJ Guajardo
Hannah Lager, Kevin Larson, Mark Messier
38: James Larsen, Erin Sanders
37: Kev, Mike Allende, Tim Gilman, Danny Knipp, Sarah Mitchell
36: Scott Crouch, Leah Farzin
35: BKERN, Rachel Bayne, Steven Mathiesen, Will Muldoon
34: Brittany, Brian Bushaw, Marc Lampton
33: Alexia, LuAnne Ginter, Jake Paresky, Tim Workman
31: Kris
29: Jill, Kama Dobbs
28: Hilary Fleming
25: Pagan
19: Jason Schklar

Tony’s Stasiek’s dominant five-point triumph in POPS PROPS VIII reigns as the largest championship margin in POPS PROPS history. But it also marks the first time that a POPS PROPS champion failed to correctly pick the winning team. Stasiek thought New England would win and Tom Brady would take home the MVP. Here’s how that stacks up with past champions:

POPS PROPS I: Dennis Gendron, Packers, Aaron Rodgers MVP
POPS PROPS II: Matt Friedman, Giants, Eli Manning MVP
POPS PROPS III: Aunt Sue, Ravens, Joe Flacco MVP
Cousin Sara, Ravens, Joe Flacco, MVP
POPS PROPS IV: Eric Caldwell, Seahawks, Percy Harvin (incorrect)
Kyle Drexel, Seahawks, Russell Wilson (incorrect)
POPS PROPS V: Marc Lampton, Patriots, Tom Brady MVP
POPS PROPS VI: Adam Andersen, Broncos, Von Miller MVP
POPS PROPS VII: Rob Aseron, Patriots, Tom Brady MVP
POPS PROPS VIII: Tony Stasiek, Patriots (incorrect), Tom Brady
(incorrect)

So then, how did Stasiek do it? Let’s take a closer look:

He was the only competitor to sweep all five of the National Anthem/America The Beautiful questions: (1. PiNK’s Anthem lasted less than 1:55; 2. PiNK did/wore none of our eight options, 2-pt bonus; 3. PiNK stood during the Anthem without her hand over her heart; 4. Leslie Odom took less than 1:45 to sing America The Beautiful; 5. Odom stood, rather than sitting behind a piano or on a chair/stool)!

He correctly guessed New England would win the coin toss and the coin would land on heads!

He correctly guessed that more than 14 points would be scored in the second, third and fourth quarters, but incorrectly picked “more than 14” for the first quarter!

He correctly guessed that 11 penalties would be assessed and the Eagles would have more penalty yards than the Pats!

He correctly guessed that the total sacks would be less than 5, the total interceptions would be less than 2 and the total fumbles would be less than 2!

He correctly guessed that Brady would pass for more than 308 yards, Foles would pass for more than 278, the total passing yards would be higher than 610 and the total passing attempts would be higher than 72!

He correctly guessed that a Patriots player would be tackled for a loss less than 6 times, an Eagles player would be tackled for a loss than 6 times and Patrick Chung would lead the Pats in tackles!

He earned a two-point bonus for guessing that neither coach would throw a challenge flag!

He earned a two-point bonus for guessing that Justin Timberlake wouldn’t wear a hat!

He answered four of the five receiving questions correctly by picking the over: (Pats’ leading receiver, more than 100 yards; Pats’ second-leading receiver, more than 65 yards; Eagles’ second-leading receiver, more than 65 yards; third-best receivers for both teams, combine for more than 90 yards). Stasiek missed on the Eagles’ leading receiver, because Corey Clement tallied exactly 100 yards. Weirdly, the only two competitors to answer that correctly and receive a 2-point bonus were our two bottom finishers, Pagan Hill and Jason Schklar!

He swept all five of the punting/kickoff return questions: (Donnie Jones, longest punt; total punts, less than 8; total returned punts, less than 5; longest punt return, less than 30; longest kickoff return, less than 35)!

He won, despite only getting four of the 10 crossover questions correct!

POPS PROPS VIII QUESTION SUMMARY

1. Who will win Super Bowl LII?

New England!	41
Philadelphia!	26

2. How long will P!nk’s rendition of the national anthem last? (The timer rounds to the nearest second, starts at her first note and ends when she concludes singing.)

Longer than 1:55!	31
Shorter than 1:55!	32
Exactly 1:55! (Bonus)	4

3. Which of these things will P!nk do or wear when she performs the national anthem? (Point awarded for any correct answer.)

Boots!	8
A football jersey!	1
A gown!	1
Jeans!	2
A leather jacket!	0
Shades!	2
She’ll throw her trademark devil horns!	1
Some sort of sleeveless top!	0
Two, but not more than two, of these things! (Bonus)	26
Three, but not more than three, of these things! (Bonus)	15
Four or more of these things! (Bonus)	6
None of these things! (Bonus)	5

4. While singing the National Anthem, P!nk will be…

On a moving platform!	1
Seated behind a piano!	1
Seated on a chair or stool (but not behind a piano)!	2
Standing with hand over heart!	8
Standing without hand over heart!	43
Suspended in air! (Bonus)	2
A combination of these things! (Bonus)	4
None of the above! (Bonus)	6

5. How long will Leslie Odom Jr.’s version of “America The Beautiful” last? (The timer rounds to the nearest second, starts at the first note and ends when they all conclude singing.)

Over 1:45!	36
Under 1:45!	29
Exactly 1:45! (Bonus)	2

6. While singing, Leslie Odom Jr. will be..

On a moving platform!	0
Seated behind a piano!	6
Seated on a chair or stool (but not behind a piano)!	3
Standing!	50
Suspended in air! (Bonus)	0
A combination of these things! (Bonus)	4
None of the above! (Bonus)	4

7. Which team will win the pre-game opening coin toss?

New England!	32
Philadelphia!	35

8. Will the opening coin toss land on heads or tails?

Heads!	32
Tails!	35

9. The team that wins the opening coin toss will elect to…

Defer!	28
Kick off!	18
Receive!	21

10. The opening kickoff will be returned…

0 yards, because the ball will be kicked through the back of the end zone for a touchback!	15
0 yards, because the returner will kneel in the end zone for a touchback!	21
1 to 15 yards!	15
16 to 25 yards!	9
26 to 35 yards!	2
36 or more yards!	1
Fumbled, but possession will be regained! (Bonus)	1
Fumbled, and possession will be lost! (Bonus)	1
Returned for a touchdown! (Bonus)	2

11. Which team will be assessed the first accepted penalty?

New England!	12
Philadelphia!	50
Neither team will be penalized! (Bonus)	5

12. Which team will call the first timeout?

New England!	31
Philadelphia!	34
Neither team will call a timeout! (Bonus)	2

13. Which team will cross the 50-yard line first?

New England!	36
Philadelphia!	29
One or both teams will never cross the 50-yard line! (Bonus)	2

14. Which team will score first?

New England!	35
Philadelphia!	32

15. The first points will be awarded as a result of a…

Defensive or special-teams touchdown! (Bonus)	2
Field goal!	30
Passing touchdown!	27
Rushing touchdown!	7
Safety!	1

16. Which head coach will throw the first challenge flag?

Bill Belichick, New England!	29
Doug Pederson, Philadelphia!	22
Neither coach will throw a challenge flag! (Bonus)	16

17. Will the first points be scored in the first 5 minutes, 30 seconds?

No!	32
Yes!	34
The first points will be scored at exactly 5:30 into the first quarter! (Bonus)	1

18. Will the team that scores first win the game?

No!	32
Yes!	35

]19. The total number of first-quarter points will be…

Less than 14!	39
More than 14!	16
Exactly 14! (Bonus)	6
Exactly 10! (Bonus)	6

20. Which team will lead at the end of the first quarter?

New England!	32
Philadelphia!	23
The score will be tied! (Bonus)	12

21. The first commercial after the conclusion of the first quarter will advertise…

Alcohol!	20
Automobiles or tires!	16
Chips, food or snacks!	11
A movie, television show or streaming service!	8
Non-alcoholic beverages!	3
Some sort of financial organization!	2
A non-financial technology company or non-streaming app!	1
None of the above! (Bonus)	6

22. The total number of second-quarter points will be…

Less than 14!	27
More than 14!	36
Exactly 14! (Bonus)	4

23. Which team will lead at halftime?

New England!	36
Philadelphia!	27
The score will be tied! (Bonus)	4

24. Which of these songs will Justin Timberlake NOT perform? 

SexyBack!	4
Can’t Stop The Feeling!	1
Filthy!	4
Say Something!	2
My Love!	2
What Goes Around…Comes Around!	4
Suit & Tie!	4
Two of these songs!	25
Three or more of these songs! (Bonus)	19
He will perform all of these songs! (Bonus)	2

25. What kind of hat will Justin Timberlake wear during his halftime show?

A baseball hat!	2
A bowler hat!	1
A fedora or trilby!	17
A ski cap!	3
A top hat!	1
Some other type of hat! (Bonus)	4
Two or more of these hats! (Bonus)	10
He won’t wear a hat! (Bonus)	29

26. Will Justin Timberlake make a political statement during the halftime show?

No!	47
Yes, and he will mention Donald Trump!	2
Yes, but he will not mention Donald Trump!	18

27. Which of these things will Justin Timberlake wear during his halftime show?

Flannel!	3
A football jersey!	1
Shades!	4
A suit with a tie!	11
A suit with no tie!	10
A tracksuit!	1
A tuxedo, rather than a suit!	0
Two of these things! (Bonus)	26
Three or more of these things! (Bonus)	4
None of these things! (Bonus)	7

28. Who will make a surprise appearance during Justin Timberlake’s halftime show?

Janet Jackson!	6
Jay-Z!	4
One or more members of The Lonely Island!	1
One or more members of NSYNC!	7
Britney Spears!	4
Chris Stapleton!	2
Timbaland!	1
Pharrell Williams!	4
Two or more of these people!	16
Someone else!	15
There will be no surprise guest!	7

29. How many outfits will Justin Timberlake wear during his halftime show?

More than 3! (Bonus)	3
3!	15
2!	34
1!	15

30. The total number of third-quarter points will be…

Less than 14!	35
More than 14!	26
Exactly 14! (Bonus)	6

31. The total number of fourth-quarter points will be…

Less than 14!	26
More than 14!	36
Exactly 14! (Bonus)	5

32. In which half will there be a greater number of points scored?

The first half!	12
The second half!	51
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	4

33. Which team(s) will score in the final 4 minutes?

Only New England!	12
Only Philadelphia!	16
Both teams! (Bonus)	29
Neither team!	10

34. Which team will score last?

New England!	31
Philadelphia!	36

35. The total number of touchdowns will be…

Less than 6!	33
More than 6!	23
Exactly 6! (Bonus)	11

36. The longest touchdown will be…

Less than 45 yards!	30
More than 45 yards!	35
Exactly 45 yards! (Bonus)	2

37. The shortest touchdown will be…

Less than 2 yards!	38
More than 2 yards!	22
Exactly 2 yards! (Bonus)	7

38. The total number of successful third-down conversions will be…

Less than 12!	23
More than 12!	38
Exactly 12! (Bonus)	6

39. The total number of successful fourth-down conversions will be..

Less than 2!	29
More than 2!	15
Exactly 2! (Bonus)	23

40. How many accepted penalties will be assessed in the game?

Less than 11!	44
More than 11!	17
Exactly 11! (Bonus)	6

41. Which team will have the most penalty yards against?

New England!	15
Philadelphia!	49
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	3

42. Will there be a defensive or special-teams touchdown?

No!	35
Only defensive! (Bonus)	19
Only special teams! (Bonus)	6
Both! (Bonus)	7

43. The total number of sacks will be…

Less than 5!	34
5!	15
6!	3
6 or more! (Bonus)	15

44. The total number of interceptions will be…

Less than 2!	15
More than 2!	33
Exactly 2! (Bonus)	19

45. The total number of lost fumbles will be…

Less than 2!	41
More than 2!	14
Exactly 2! (Bonus)	12

46. Tom Brady’s total passing yards will be…

Less than 308!	24
More than 308!	40
Exactly 308! (Bonus)	3

47. Nick Foles total passing yards will be…

Less than 278!	34
More than 278!	30
Exactly 278! (Bonus)	3

48. The total number of passing yards in the game will be…

Less than 610!	37
More than 610!	27
Exactly 610! (Bonus)	3

49. The total number of passing attempts in the game will be…

Less than 72!	26
More than 72!	38
Exactly 72! (Bonus)	3

50. The total number of passing attempts by someone other than Brady and Foles will be…

More than 10! (Bonus)	2
6-10! (Bonus)	6
3-5!	3
2!	7
1!	15
0!	34

51. Philadelphia’s leading rusher will gain…

Less than 75 yards!	26
More than 75 yards!	38
Exactly 75 yards! (Bonus)	3

52. New England’s leading rusher will gain…

Less than 75 yards!	43
More than 75 yards!	21
Exactly 75 yards! (Bonus)	3

53. Which team will gain the most rushing yards?

New England!	21
Philadelphia!	42
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	4

54. The total amount of rushing yards will be…

Less than 237!	38
More than 237!	24
Exactly 237! (Bonus)	5

55. The longest run from scrimmage will be…

0-10 yards!	0
11-20 yards!	9
21-30 yards!	15
31-40 yards!	22
41-50 yards!	11
51-60 yards!	6
61-70 yards!	0
70 yards or longer!	4

56. The New England receiver that gains the most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 100 yards!	23
More than 100 yards!	41
Exactly 100 yards! (Bonus)	3

57. The New England receiver that gains the second-most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 65 yards!	26
More than 65 yards!	36
Exactly 65 yards! (Bonus)	5

58. The Philadelphia receiver that gains the most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 100 yards!	34
More than 100 yards!	29
Exactly 100 yards! (Bonus)	4

59. The Philadelphia receiver that gains the second-most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 65 yards!	34
More than 65 yards!	29
Exactly 65 yards! (Bonus)	4

60. The sum of the receiving yards by the New England and Philadelphia players with the third-most receiving yards will be…

Less than 90 yards!	43
More than 90 yards!	21
Exactly 90 yards! (Bonus)	3

61. Which player will gain the most all-purpose (receiving + return + rushing) yards?

Jay Ajayi, Philadelphia!	9
Danny Amendola, New England!	16
Brandin Cooks, New England!	3
Zach Ertz, Philadelphia!	3
Alshon Jeffery, Philadelphia!	12
Dion Lewis, New England!	12
Someone else! (Bonus)	10
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	2

62. How many times will a New England player be tackled or forced out of bounds for a loss of yards?

Less than 6!	41
More than 6!	17
Exactly 6! (Bonus)	9

63. How many times will a Philadelphia player be tackled or forced out of bounds for a loss of yards?

Less than 6!	29
More than 6!	28
Exactly 6! (Bonus)	10

64. Who will lead New England in tackles?

Malcolm Butler!	5
Patrick Chung!	16
Trey Flowers!	11
Stephon Gilmore!	6
Kyle Van Noy!	5
Someone else! (Bonus)	14
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	10

65. Who will lead Philadelphia in tackles?

Nigel Bradham!	5
Fletcher Cox!	16
Ronald Darby!	11
Corey Graham!	7
Malcolm Jenkins!	11
Mychal Kendricks!	4
Someone else! (Bonus)	6
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	7

66. Which kicker will have more total points?

Jake Elliott, Philadelphia!	12
Stephen Gostkowski, New England!	50
Someone else! (Bonus)	1
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	4

67. Which team will make the longest field goal?

New England!	33
Philadelphia!	31
Neither team will make a field goal! (Bonus)	3

68. The longest field goal will be..

Less than 47 yards!	21
More than 47 yards!	42
Exactly 47 yards! (Bonus)	4

69. The shortest field goal will be…

Less than 25 yards!	28
More than 25 yards!	35
Exactly 25 yards! (Bonus)	4

70. The total number of field goals will be…

Less than 4!	18
More than 4!	31
Exactly 4! (Bonus)	18

71. Which punter will have the longest punt?

Ryan Allen, New England!	22
Donnie Jones, Philadelphia!	40
Someone else! (Bonus)	1
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	4

72. The total number of punts will be…

Less than 8!	32
More than 8!	26
Exactly 8! (Bonus)	9

73. The total number of returned punts (non safe-catches) will be…

Less than 5!	48
More than 5!	12
Exactly 5! (Bonus)	7

74. The longest punt return will be…

Less than 30 yards!	41
More than 30 yards!	21
Exactly 30 yards! (Bonus)	5

75. The longest kickoff return will be…

Less than 35 yards!	34
More than 35 yards!	28
Exactly 35 yards! (Bonus)	5

76. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

[The average price (in cents) of gasoline in the United States, according to AAA] + 35!	37
The midpoint between Tom Brady and Nick Foles total passing yards!	27
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	3

77. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

(The price, at kickoff, of an ounce of gold in U.S. dollars) divided by 10!	28
(Alshon Jeffery receiving yards) + 40!	36
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	3

78. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

The price, at kickoff, of an ounce of silver in U.S. dollars!	32
(Jay Ajayi rushing attempts) + 1!	28
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	7

79. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

(The Henry Hub Natural Gas spot price per million Btu) times 10!	37
The distance in yards of the longest kickoff or punt return!	25
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	5

80. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

(The price of a single Bitcoin in U.S. dollars) divided by 100!	29
(Dion Lewis total rushing, receiving and return yards) minus 20!	34
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	4

81. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

Philadelphia touchdowns!	37
(Total goals scored by Racing Club + Huracan) + 1!	21
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	9

82. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

Total number of sacks!	36
(Total goals scored by Audux Italiano + Huachipato) + 1!	24
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	7

83. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

Total number of turnovers!	22
(Total goals scored by Honduras Progreso + Vida) + 1!	36
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	9

84. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

The final-round score of the winner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open!	26
New England’s total number of plays!	33
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	5
For some reason, the Waste Management Phoenix Open won’t conclude on Sunday! (Bonus)	3

85. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 4?

The final-round score of the runner-up of the Waste Management Phoenix Open!	28
Philadelphia’s total number of plays!	33
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	3
For some reason, the Waste Management Phoenix Open won’t conclude on Sunday! (Bonus)	3

86. How many total points will be scored in the game?

Less than 30!	1
31-35!	3
35-40!	10
41-45!	12
46-50!	18
51-55!	5
56-60!	10
61-65!	4
66-70!	0
71 or more! (Bonus)	4

87. Will the total number of points scored be even or odd?

Even!	27
Odd!	31
Either even or odd but also a prime number! (Bonus)	9

88. Who will be the MVP of Super Bowl LII? (3-point bonus question)

POPS PROPS VII FINAL RESULTS

50: Rob Aseron
46: Eric Caldwell
45: Kev, Korry, Kevin Larson
44: Mike Allende, Jeff Breeze, Tim Gilman, Dan Oliver
43: Mark Porter, Clayton Sanders, Aaron Suring
42: Aunt Sue, Adam Anderson, Kevin Goehler, Jesse Guy, Sudzi
41: Jill, Danny Knipp, Eric Peacock, Peter Wentz, Tim Workman
40: Tim Breeze-Thorndike, KR Brogdon, Patrick Davis, Andrew Falth
Tom Lorusso, Holly Ostdick
39: Kyle Drexel, Kama, Rob Roys, Eric Schuh, Tony Stasiek
38: Jason Ginter, Brendan Quigley
37: Zach A, Beth Clauss, Hannah Anderson Graver, Peter
36: Kris, Bethany, Bob Carter, Jonathan Fann, Matt Friedman, JJ Guajardo
Dave Hegland, Eric Morrison, Mrs. Spankdonkular
35: Andy Berthusen, Henry Plotkin, Antonio Rodriguez
Kay Sauder/King Of The Can, Laura Sauer
34: Brian Bushaw, Tim Clauss, Shane Doyle, Phil Huckelberry, Schklar
Spankdonkular, Blake Zimmer
33: Marc Lampton, Jen Maddux, Ben Zimmer
32: Terra Dankowski, Pedro Antonio Diaz de Leon
30: Aunt Bobbi, Sara Zeller
29: Marika, Rachel Bayne
28: Jay Alibozek
26: Erin Sanders, Judie Sipes
25: Pagan
24: Uncle David
16: Brittany

When Atlanta took a commanding 28-3 lead with 8:31 left in Super Bowl LI, 29 questions were answered in POPS PROPS VII and we were starting to see some contenders pull away. The top 29, at the time, were within five points of the lead and 18 of them picked the Falcons to win: 

(*–the competitor picked Atlanta to win)
17: Kevin*, Mike Allende
16: Tom Lorusso*
15: Jill*, Adam Andersen, Jesse Guy, Tim Workman
14: Kris*, Aunt Sue, Rob Aseron, Jeff Breeze, Holly Ostdick, Antonio Rodriguez, Clayton Sanders, Blake Zimmer*
13: Korry*, Bethany*, Brian Bushaw*, Bob Carter*, Matt Friedman*, Dan Oliver*, Mark Porter*, Eric Schuh, Aaron Suring*, Ben Zimmer*
12: Rachel Bayne*, Terra Dankowski*, Marc Lampton, Schklar!*
11: Andy Berthusen, Tim Clauss*, Andrew Falth, Jonathan Fann*, David Hegland*, Mrs. Spankdonkular, Tony Stasiek
10: Uncle David, Zach A.*, KR Brogdon*, Beth Clauss, Patrick Davis*, Shane Doyle*, Kyle Drexel, Hannah Anderson Graver, Pagan*, Kevin Larson, Jen Maddux, Eric Morrison*, Laura Sauer, Peter Wentz
9: Tim Breeze-Thorndike, Tim Gilman, Kevin Larson, Eric Peacock, Erin Sanders*, Spankdonkuklar*, Peter
8: Cousin Sara*, Sudzi, Brittany*, Eric Caldwell, Phil Huckelberry*, Danny Knipp, Henry Plotkin*, Rob Roys*
7: Aunt Bobbi*, Marika Brussel*, Cousin Kay*, Pedro Antonio Diaz de Leon, Kama, JJ Guajardo, Brendan Quigley, Judie Sipes*
6: Jay Alibozek, Jason Ginter

That was before the Falcons laid a big, stinky dirty-bird, and New England scored 31 unanswered points. In the end, standing alone amidst the feathery carnage, was Rob Aseron, the POPS PROPS VII champion by four points.

So then, how did Aseron do it? Let’s take a closer look:

He correctly guessed the Patriots would win, while the POPS PROPS VII field picked the Falcons by a 39-38 margin!

He tallied three of four points in the pre-game songs by correctly guessing that: Luke Bryant would be standing, not behind a piano, for the National Anthem; the Hamilton performers’ rendition of America The Beautiful would last less than 1:45; the Hamilton performers would be standing, rather than sitting on chairs/stools!

He correctly guessed that Atlanta would cross the 50-yard-line first and score first but wouldn’t win!

He correctly guessed that Lady Gaga would come out for her halftime show with blonde hair, make no political statement and not make a surprise appearance.

He correctly guessed that more than 14 points would be scored in the second quarter, less than 14 points would be scored in the third quarter and more than 14 points would be scored in the fourth quarter!

He correctly guessed that the Pats would score last, the longest TD would be more than 36 yards and there would be a defensive touchdown!

He correctly guessed that Matt Ryan would pass for less than 308 yards, Tom Brady would pass for more than 308 yards, the total passing yards would be more than 602 and there would be more than 76 passing attempts!

He correctly guessed that Atlanta’s leading rusher would gain more than 65 yards, New England’s leading rusher would gain less than 65 yards and the total rushing yards would be less than 227!

He correctly guessed that the leading Pats’ receiver would gain more than 99 yards, the Pats’ second-leading receiver would gain more than 72 yards and the third-leading receivers from both teams would gain more than 80 yards!

He correctly guessed that there would be less than 4 field goals, Matt Bosher would have the longest punt and the longest punt return would be less than 30 yards!

He correctly answered five of the 10 crossover picks!

He correctly guessed that there would be more than 61 points scored and that Tom Brady would *violently barfs* win MVP!

POPS PROPS VII QUESTION SUMMARY

1. Who will win Super Bowl LI?
Atlanta: 39
New England: 38

2. How long will Luke Bryant’s rendition of the national anthem last? (The timer rounds to the nearest second, starts at his first note and ends when he concludes singing.)

Longer than 1:58!	33
Shorter than 1:58!	42
Exactly 1:58! (Bonus)	2

3. Which of these things will Luke Bryant wear when he performs the national anthem? (Point awarded for any correct answer.)

Blue jeans!	13
Boots!	7
A cowboy hat!	1
Shades!	0
A shirt tucked into pants!	2
A suit!	1
Two of these things!	17
Three or more of these things! (Bonus)	35
None of these things! (Bonus)	1

4. While singing the National Anthem, Luke Bryant will be…

On a moving platform!	5
Seated behind a piano!	0
Seated on a chair or stool (but not behind a piano)!	4
Standing!	66
Suspended in air! (Bonus)	0
None of the above! (Bonus)	2

5. How long will the Hamilton actresses’ version of “America The Beautiful” last?

Over 1:45!	51
Under 1:45!	21
Exactly 1:45! (Bonus)	5

6. While singing, the Hamilton actresses will be…

On a moving platform!	10
Seated behind a piano!	0
Seated on a chair or stool (but not behind a piano)!	3
Standing!	44
Suspended in air! (Bonus)	0
A combination of these things!	18
None of the above! (Bonus)	2

7. Which team will win the pre-game opening coin toss?

Atlanta!	38
New England!	39

8. Will the opening coin toss be heads or tails?

Heads!	46
Tails!	31

9. The team that wins the opening coin toss will elect to…

Defer!	36
Kick off!	15
Receive!	26

10. The opening kickoff return will be…

0 yards, because the ball will be kicked through the back of the end zone for a touchback!	20
0 yards, because the returner will kneel in the end zone for a touchback!	22
1 to 15 yards!	14
16 to 25 yards!	17
26 to 35 yards!	2
36 or more yards!	1
Fumbled, but possession will be regained! (Bonus)	1
Fumbled, and possession will be lost! (Bonus)	0
Returned for a touchdown! (Bonus)	0

11. Which team will be assessed the first accepted penalty?

Atlanta!	39
New England!	37
Neither team will be penalized! (Bonus)	1

12. Which team will call the first timeout?

Atlanta!	51
New England!	25
Neither team will call a timeout! (Bonus)	1

13. Which team will cross the 50-yard line first?

Atlanta!	42
New England!	35
Somehow, neither team will cross the 50-yard line! (Bonus)	0

14. Which team will score first?

Atlanta!	36
New England!	41
Somehow, neither team will score at all! (Bonus)	0

15. The first points will be awarded as a result of a…

Defensive or special-teams touchdown! (Bonus)	3
Field goal!	36
Passing touchdown!	30
Rushing touchdown!	8
Safety!	0

16. Which head coach will throw the first challenge flag

Dan Quinn, Atlanta!	24
Bill Belichick, New England!	42
Neither coach will throw a challenge flag! (Bonus)	11

17. Will the first points be scored in the first 6 minutes, 29 seconds?

No!	20
Yes!	55
The first points will be scored at exactly 6:30 into the first quarter! (Bonus)	2

18. Will the team that scores first win the game?

No!	35
Yes!	42

19. The total number of first-quarter points will be…

Less than 10!	24
More than 10!	36
Exactly 10! (Bonus)	17

20. Which team will lead at the end of the first quarter?

Atlanta!	34
New England!	35
The score will be tied! (Bonus)	8

21. The first commercial after the conclusion of the first quarter will advertise…

Alcohol!	17
Automobiles or tires!	18
Chips, food or snacks!	16
Computers or technology!	4
Soft drinks!	8
None of the above! (Bonus)	14

22. The total number of second-quarter points will be…

Less than 14!	42
More than 14!	30
Exactly 14! (Bonus)	5

23. Which team will lead at halftime?

Atlanta!	32
New England!	41
The score will be tied! (Bonus)	4

24. Which of these songs will Lady Gaga NOT perform? (Performing snippets of these songs count as “performing the song.”)

Applause!	1
Bad Romance!	5
Born This Way!	2
Edge of Glory!	1
Just Dance!	0
Paparazzi!	5
Perfect Illusion!	4
Poker Face!	8
She won’t play two of these songs!	24
She won’t play three of these songs!	19
She won’t play four or more of these songs!	7
She won’t play any of these songs! (Bonus)	1

25. What color will Lady Gaga’s hair/wig be when she first appears during her halftime show?

Black!	2
Blonde!	31
Blue!	1
Pink!	6
Red!	1
Silver!	8
White!	10
More than one color! (Bonus)	16
None of these colors! (Bonus)	0
Some other color! (Bonus)	2

26. Will Lady Gaga make a political statement during the halftime show!

No!	16
Yes, but she won’t mention Donald Trump by name!	54
Yes, and she will mention Donald Trump by name! (Bonus)	7

27. Which of these things will Lady Gaga wear during her halftime show?

Glasses or sunglasses!	3
A hat or headdress!	10
A mask!	1
Those crazy-ass McQueen shoes!	0
Pants!	1
Wings!	2
She will wear none of these things! (Bonus)	3
She will wear two of these things! (Bonus)	42
She will wear three or more of these things! (Bonus)	15

28. Who will make a surprise appearance during Lady Gaga’s halftime show?

Tony Bennett	14
Joe Biden	0
Kendrick Lamar	6
Mark Ronson	4
Florence Welch	1
Zedd	1
More than one of these people! (Bonus)	2
Someone else!	41
No one at all!	8

29. How many outfits will Lady Gaga wear during her halftime show?

More than 3! (Bonus)	15
3!	27
2!	28
1!	7

30. The total number of third-quarter points will be…

Less than 14!	50
More than 14!	21
Exactly 14! (Bonus)	6

31. The total number of fourth-quarter points will be…

Less than 14!	29
More than 14!	45
Exactly 14! (Bonus)	3

32. In which half will there be a greater number of points scored?

The first half!	13
The second half!	61
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	3

33. Which team(s) will score in the final 4 minutes?

Only Atlanta!	16
Only New England!	15
Both teams! (Bonus)	33
Neither team!	13

34. Which team will score last?

Atlanta!	40
New England!	37

35. The total number of touchdowns will be…

Less than 6!	31
More than 6!	32
Exactly 6! (Bonus)	14

36. The longest touchdown will be…

Less than 36 yards!	9
More than 36 yards!	67
Exactly 36 yards! (Bonus)	1

37. The shortest touchdown will be…

Less than 3 yards!	59
More than 3 yards!	14
Exactly 3 yards! (Bonus)	4

38. The total number of successful third-down conversions will be…

Less than 12!	32
More than 12!	38
Exactly 12! (Bonus)	7

39. The total number of successful fourth-down conversions will be…

Less than 2!	36
More than 2!	26
Exactly 2! (Bonus)	15

40. How many accepted penalties will be assessed in the game?

Less than 12!	61
More than 12!	13
Exactly 12! (Bonus)	3

41. Which team will have the most penalty yards against?

Atlanta!	45
New England!	30
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	2

42. Will there be a defensive or special-teams touchdown?

No!	40
Only defensive!	19
Only special teams!	6
Both! (Bonus)	12

43. The total number of sacks will be…

Less than 6!	53
More than 6!	18
Exactly 6! (Bonus)	6

44. The total number of interceptions will be…

Less than 2!	24
More than 2!	21
Exactly 2! (Bonus)	32

45. The total number of lost fumbles will be…

Less than 2!	52
More than 2!	14
Exactly 2! (Bonus)	11

46. Matt Ryan’s (ATL) total passing yards will be…

Less than 308!	26
More than 308!	49
Exactly 308! (Bonus)	2

47. Tom Brady’s (NE) total passing yards will be…

Less than 308!	31
More than 308!	44
Exactly 308! (Bonus)	2

48. The total number of passing yards in the game will be…

Less than 602!	28
More than 602!	47
Exactly 602! (Bonus)	1

49. The total number of passing attempts in the game will be…

Less than 76!	35
More than 76!	40
Exactly 76! (Bonus)	2

50. The total number of passing attempts by backup quarterbacks (i.e., not Ryan or Brady) will be…

More than 10! (Bonus)	3
6-10!	3
3-5!	9
2!	2
1!	5
0!	55

51. Atlanta’s leading rusher will gain…

Less than 65 yards!	22
More than 65 yards!	53
Exactly 65 yards! (Bonus)	2

52. New England’s leading rusher will gain…

Less than 65 yards!	38
More than 65 yards!	38
Exactly 65 yards! (Bonus)	1

53. Which team will gain the most rushing yards?

Atlanta!	48
New England!	27
The two sums will be equal! (Bonus)	2

54. The total amount of rushing yards will be…

Less than 227!	52
More than 227!	23
Exactly 227! (Bonus)	2

55. The Atlanta receiver that gains the most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 99 yards!	24
More than 99 yards!	51
Exactly 99 yards! (Bonus)	2

56. The Atlanta receiver that gains the second-most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 72 yards!	47
More than 72 yards!	28
Exactly 72 yards! (Bonus!)	2

57. The New England receiver that gains the most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 99 yards!	39
More than 99 yards!	37
Exactly 99 yards! (Bonus)	1

58. The New England receiver that gains the second-most receiving yards will tally…

Less than 72 yards!	35
More than 72 yards!	39
Exactly 72 yards! (Bonus)	3

59. The sum of the receiving yards by the Atlanta and New England players with the third-most receiving yards will be…

Less than 80 yards!	31
More than 80 yards!	44
Exactly 80 yards! (Bonus)	2

60. Which player will gain the most all-purpose (receiving + return + rushing) yards?

LeGarette Blount (NE)!	6
Julian Edelman (NE)!	13
Devonta Freeman (ATL)!	17
Taylor Gabriel (ATL)!	1
Julio Jones (ATL)!	25
Dion Lewis (NE)!	7
Someone else! (Bonus)	6
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	2

61. How many times will an Atlanta player be tackled or forced out of bounds for a loss of yards?

Less than 7!	54
More than 7!	19
Exactly 7! (Bonus)	4

62. How many times will a New England player be tackled or forced out of bounds for a loss of yards?

Less than 7!	48
More than 7!	26
Exactly 7! (Bonus)	2
Exactly 7!	1

63. Who will lead Atlanta in tackles?

Ricardo Allen!	5
Vic Beasley Jr.!	18
Deion Jones!	22
Keanu Neal!	12
Brian Poole!	5
Someone else! (Bonus)	9
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	6

64. Who will lead New England in tackles?

Malcolm Butler!	11
Patrick Chung!	7
Donta Hightower!	24
Devin McCourty!	6
Logan Ryan!	12
Someone else! (Bonus)	9
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	8

65. Which kicker will have more total points?

Matt Bryant, Atlanta!	37
Stephen Gostowski, New England!	39
Someone else! (Bonus)	0
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	1

66. Which team will make the longest field goal?

Atlanta!	40
New England!	37
Neither team will make a field goal! (Bonus)	0

67. The longest field goal will be..

Less than 43 yards!	16
More than 43 yards!	59
Exactly 43 yards! (Bonus)	2

68. The shortest field goal will be…

Less than 26 yards!	45
More than 26 yards!	30
Exactly 26 yards! (Bonus)	2

69. The total number of field goals will be…

Less than 4!	36
More than 4!	28
Exactly 4! (Bonus)	13

70. Which punter will have the longest punt?

Matt Bosher, Atlanta!	50
Ryan Allen, New England!	27
Someone else! (Bonus)	0
There will be some sort of tie! (Bonus)	0

71. The total number of punts will be…

Less than 8!	38
More than 8!	28
Exactly 8! (Bonus)	11

72. The total number of returned punts (non safe-catches) will be…

Less than 5!	44
More than 5!	24
Exactly 5! (Bonus)	9

73. The longest punt return will be…

Less than 30 yards!	41
More than 30 yards!	34
Exactly 30 yards! (Bonus)	2

74. The longest kickoff return will be…

Less than 35 yards!	37
More than 35 yards!	37
Exactly 35 yards! (Bonus)	3

75. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?

[The average price (in cents) of gasoline in the United States, according to AAA] + 70!	36
The midpoint between Tom Brady and Matt Ryan’s total passing yards!	41
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	0

76. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?77 responses

(The price, at kickoff, of an ounce of gold in U.S. dollars) divided by 10!	21
(Julio Jones receiving yards) + 20	54
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	2

77. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?

The price, at kickoff, of an ounce of silver in U.S. dollars!	35
LeGarrette Blount rushing attempts!	38
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	4

78. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?

(The price, at kickoff, of a bushel of corn in U.S. dollars) times 10!	36
Taylor Gabriel receiving yards!	38
When rounded, the two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	3

79. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?

(The value of the Euro in U.S. dollars) times 100!	45
Julian Edelman receiving yards!	29
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	3

80. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?

Matt Ryan passing touchdowns!	34
(Total goals scored by Celtic and St. Johnstone) + 1!	28
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	15

81. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?

Total number of sacks!	34
(Total goals scored by Manchester City + Swansea City) + 2!	32
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	11

82. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?

Total number of turnovers!	25
(Total goals scored by Leicester City + Manchester United) + 1!	42
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	10

83. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?

The final-round score of the winner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open!	35
Atlanta’s total number of plays!	39
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	2
For some reason, the Waste Management Phoenix Open won’t conclude on Sunday! (Bonus)	1

84. Which number will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 5?

The final-round score of the runner-up of the Waste Management Phoenix Open!	29
New England’s total number of plays!	46
The two numbers will be equal! (Bonus)	2
For some reason, the Waste Management Phoenix Open won’t conclude on Sunday! (Bonus)	0

85. How many total points will be scored in the game?

Less than 61!	47
More than 61!	29
Exactly 61! (Bonus)	1

86. Will the total number of points scored be even or odd?

Even!	34
Odd!	43

87. Who will be the MVP of Super Bowl LI? (3-point bonus question)

POPS PROPS VI FINAL RESULTS

53: Adam Andersen
49: Kris, Wayne Bailey, Terra Dankowski, Brandon Roberts
48: Jen Maddux
47: Mike Allende, Jordan, Ben Zimmer
46: Jon Eckberg, Wesley Winter
45: Kevin Larson
44: S.B. Retherford
43: Kevin, KLD, Rachel Bayne, Jon Crozier, JJ Guajardo
42: Bryce Baker, Shirley Hemphill, Benji Mincy, Jeff Null
41: Marika, John Davy, Jonathan Fann, Alexia Higbee, Uncle Vampire
40: Kay, Spank, Tim Breeze, Eric Morrison
39: Zack Armentrout, Phil Huckelberry, Joe Koenen, Mark Porter
Laura Sauer
38: Brendan Emmett Quigley, Erin Sanders, Henryap23, Tony Stasiek
37: Aunt Sue, Ken Brogdon, Marc Lampton, Eric Schuh, Peter W.
36: Jafo, Hannah Graver, Annie Herriott
35: Kyle Drexel, Jesse Guy, Steven Mathiesen
34: Brian Bushaw, Mike Fournier, Dave Hegland, April Johnson
Tom Lorusso
33: Patrick Davis, Eric Peacock, Bethany Vogelsberg
32: Jill, Matt Friedman, Jason Schklar
31: Korry, Wayne Jones
30: Elena, Eric Caldwell, Jacob Curl, Rob Roys
26: Pagan Hill
M

Our score-keeping ghouls have tallied our 69 entries, and we are pleased to announce that Adam Andersen is the POPS PROPS VI CHAMPION. Making just his second POPS PROPS appearance, Andersen tallied 53 points and beat the field by four points, the largest margin of victory in POPS PROPS history. His name will now be added to the hallowed POPS PROPS HALL OF CHAMPIONS on the reverse side of the coveted POPS PROPS CHAMPIONSHIP DRINK COASTERS, which will be printed and mailed to our eight champions in mid-to-late February.

Wayne Bailey, Terra Dankowski, Kris Keeker and Brandon Roberts tied for second with 49 points. It was the second career runner-up finish for Kris, who also placed second in POPS PROPS I.

Andersen was the only POPS PROPS VI entrant to successfully earn a 3-point bonus for predicting that Denver linebacker Von Miller would win the Super Bowl MVP. Most of the field incorrectly guessed that the Carolina Panthers would win (65.2 percent), that the Panthers would cross the 50-yard line first (72.5), that the Panthers would score first (69.6), that the Panthers would lead at halftime (72.5), that Cam Newton would be named MVP (60.9) and that Bruno Mars would wear a hat (62.2) and a collared shirt (60.9) during halftime.

POPS PROPS VI QUESTION SUMMARY

Who will win Super Bowl 50? (Denver)

Carolina Panthers	45	65.2%
Denver Broncos	24	34.8%

2. What will be the total duration of the National Anthem? (Over! 2:21.7)

Over 1 minute, 58 seconds!	41	59.4%
Under 1 minute, 58 seconds!	27	39.1%
Exactly 1 minute, 58 seconds!	1	1.4%

3. What color dress, shirt or suit will the singer of the National Anthem wear? (Red!)

Black	10	14.5%
Blue	11	15.9%
Green	1	1.4%
Red	14	20.3%
Silver	13	18.8%
White	12	17.4%
Some other color!	6	8.7%
The singer of the National Anthem will not be wearing a dress, shirt or suit!	2	2.9%

4. The singer of the National Anthem will be… (Standing)

On a moving platform!	0	0%
Seated behind a piano!	5	7.2%
Seated on a chair or stool (but not behind a piano)!	1	1.4%
Standing!	60	87%
Suspended in air!	2	2.9%
None of the above!	1	1.4%

5. What will be the total duration of “America The Beautiful”? (Over! 1:50.7)

Over  1 minute, 45 seconds	36	52.2%
Under 1 minute, 45 seconds	32	46.4%
Exactly 1 minute, 45 seconds	1	1.4%

6. What color dress, shirt or suit will the singer of “America The Beautiful” wear? (Blue or red accepted!)

Black	11	15.9%
Blue	25	36.2%
Green	1	1.4%
Red	11	15.9%
Silver	2	2.9%
White	11	15.9%
Some other color!	6	8.7%
The singer will not be wearing a dress, shirt or suit!	2	2.9%

7. The singer of “America The Beautiful” will be…(Standing!)

On a moving platform!	0	0%
Seated behind a piano!	8	11.6%
Seated on a chair or stool (but not behind a piano)!	4	5.8%
Standing!	55	79.7%
Suspended in air!	0	0%
None of the above!	2	2.9%

8. Which team will win the pre-game opening coin toss? (Carolina!)

Carolina	32	46.4%
Denver	37	53.6%

9. Will the opening coin toss be heads or tails? (Tails!)

Heads!	45	65.2%
Tails!	24	34.8%

10. The opening kickoff return will be… (18 yards)

0 yards, because the ball will be kicked through the back of the end zone for a touchback	24	34.8%
0 yards, because the return-man will knee in the end zone for a touchback	23	33.3%
1 to 15 yards	9	13%
16 to 25 yards	11	15.9%
26 to 35 yards	2	2.9%
36 or more yards!	0	0%

11. Which team will be assessed the first penalty? (Denver, 15 yds for taunting!)

Carolina	31	44.9%
Denver	38	55.1%
Neither team will be penalized!	0	0%

12. Which team will call the first timeout? (Carolina, by virtue of losing the challenge)

Carolina	25	36.2%
Denver	44	63.8%
Neither team will call a timeout!	0	0%

13. Which team will cross the 50-yard-line first? (Denver, at 13:35 of the 1Q)

Carolina	50	72.5%
Denver	19	27.5%
Somehow, neither team will cross the 50-yard-line!	0	0%

14. Which team will score first? (Denver)

Carolina	48	69.6%
Denver	21	30.4%
Neither team will score at all!	0	0%

15. The first points of the game will be awarded as a result of a…(field goal)

Defensive or special-teams touchdown!	2	2.9%
Field goal!	26	37.7%
Passing touchdown!	19	27.5%
Rushing touchdown!	22	31.9%
Safety!	0	0%

16. Which head coach will throw the first challenge flag? (Ron Rivera at 7:16 in the 1Q)

Ron Rivera, Carolina	29	42%
Gary Kubiak, Denver	30	43.5%
Neither coach will throw a challenge flag!	10	14.5%

17. Will the first points be scored in the first 6 1/2 minutes? (Yes, 10:43 of the 1Q)

No	26	37.7%
Yes	43	62.3%

18. Will the team that scores first win the game? (Yes)

No	22	31.9%
Yes	47	68.1%

19. What will be the total number of points scored in the first quarter? (Under! 10)

Over 10 ½	29	42%
Under 10 ½	40	58%

20. Which team will lead at the end of the first quarter? (Denver)

Carolina	50	72.5%
Denver	13	18.8%
The score will be tied!	6	8.7%

21. The first Super Bowl commercial after the conclusion of the first quarter will advertise…(Some new Bourne movie! None of the above!)

Alcohol	17	24.6%
Automobiles or tires	20	29%
Chips or snacks	7	10.1%
Computers or technology	7	10.1%
Soft drinks	8	11.6%
None of the above!	10	14.5%

22. What will be the total number of points scored in the second quarter? (Under, 10)

Over 14 ½	25	36.2%
Under 14 ½	44	63.8%

23. Which team will lead at halftime? (Denver, 13-7)

Carolina	50	72.5%
Denver	17	24.6%
The score will be tied!	2	2.9%

24. Which song (or part of which song) will Coldplay perform first during the halftime show?

A Sky Full of Stars	15	21.7%
Adventure of a Lifetime	14	20.3%
Fix You	5	7.2%
Hymn for the Weekend	2	2.9%
Viva LaVida	19	27.5%
Yellow	6	8.7%
None of these songs!	8	11.6%

25. Pick one song that Coldplay will NOT play during the halftime show:

A Sky Full of Stars	8	11.6%
Adventure of a Lifetime	1	1.4%
Fix You	16	23.2%
Hymn for the Weekend	5	7.2%
Viva LaVida	9	13%
Yellow	24	34.8%
Coldplay will perform all of these songs!	6	8.7%

26. Will Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin be wearing a hat at the beginning of the halftime show? (No!)

No	43	62.3%
Yes	26	37.7%

27. How many total coats or jackets (including blazers and sport-jackets) will the members of Coldplay be wearing at the beginning of the halftime show? (Over! 3!)

Over 2 1/2	36	52.2%
Under 2 1/2	33	47.8%

28. How many total scarves will the members of Coldplay be wearing at the beginning of the halftime show? (Under, 0!)

Over 4 ½	9	13%
Under 4 ½	60	87%

29. What color dress, shirt or suit will Beyonce be wearing when she first appears in the halftime show? (Black!)

Black	18	26.1%
Blue	1	1.4%
Gold	33	47.8%
Green	1	1.4%
Red	5	7.2%
White	7	10.1%
None of these colors!	4	5.8%

30. Will Beyonce wear face-jewelry at some point during the halftime show? (No)

No!	51	73.9%
Yes!	18	26.1%

31. Will Bruno Mars wear a collared shirt at some point during the halftime show? (No!)

No	10	14.5%
Yes	42	60.9%
Bruno Mars will not appear!	17	24.6%

32. Will Bruno Mars wear any kind of hat at some point during the halftime show? (No)

No	9	13%
Yes	45	65.2%
Bruno Mars will not appear!	15	21.7%

33. What will be the color of the blazer/sport-jacket/suit-jacket that Gustavo Dudamel will be wearing at the beginning of the halftime show? (He will not be wearing a blazer, sport-jacket or suit-jacket!)

Black	33	47.8%
Blue	4	5.8%
Brown	2	2.9%
Gray	7	10.1%
White	5	7.2%
Some other color!	8	11.6%
He will not be wearing a blazer, sport-jacket or suit-jacket!	10	14.5%

34. What will be the total number of points scored in the third quarter? (Under, 3)

Over 14 1/2	18	26.1%
Under 14 1/2	51	73.9%

35. What will be the total number of points scored in the fourth quarter? (Under, 11)

Over 14 1/2	26	37.7%
Under 14 1/2	43	62.3%

36. In which half will there be a greater number of points scored? (First, 20)

The first half	21	30.4%
The second half	46	66.7%
The two sums will be equal!	2	2.9%

37. Which team(s) will score in the final 3 1/2 minutes? (Denver: 3:08 in 4Q)

Carolina	11	15.9%
Denver	30	43.5%
Both teams!	14	20.3%
Neither team!	14	20.3%

38. Which team will score last in the game? (Denver)

Carolina	25	36.2%
Denver	44	63.8%

39. The total number of touchdowns will be….(Under, 3)

Over 5 1/2	33	47.8%
Under 5 1/2	36	52.2%

40. The longest touchdown will be…(Under, 2 yards)

Over 39 1/2 yards	42	60.9%
Under 39 1/2 yards	27	39.1%

41. The shortest touchdown will be… (Under, 1 yard)

Over 3 1/2 yards	21	30.4%
Under 3 1/2 yards	48	69.6%

42. The total number of successful third-down conversions will be…(Under, 4)

Over 13 ½	30	43.5%
Under 13 ½	39	56.5%

43. The total number of successful fourth-down conversions will be…(Under, 0)

Over 1 1/2	39	56.5%
Under 1 1/2	30	43.5%

44. The total number of fourth-down conversion attempts will be…(Under, 0)

Over 4 ½	13	18.8%
Under 4 ½	56	81.2%

45. How many penalties will be called in the game? (Over, 18)

Over 11 1/2	27	39.1%
Under 11 1/2	42	60.9%

46. Which team will have the most penalty yards against? (Carolina, 102)

Carolina	36	52.2%
Denver	33	47.8%
The two teams will be assessed an equal number of penalty yards!	0	0%

47. Will there be a special teams or defensive touchdown? (Yes!)

No	34	49.3%
Yes	35	50.7%

48. The total number of sacks will be…(Over, 12)

Over 4 1/2	48	69.6%
Under 4 1/2	21	30.4%

49. The total number of interceptions will be…(Under, 2)

Over 2 1/2	45	65.2%
Under 2 1/2	24	34.8%

50. The total number of lost fumbles will be…(Over. 4)

Over 1 1/2	29	42%
Under 1 1/2	40	58%

51. The total number of passing yards by Cam Newton (Carolina) will be…? (Over, 265)

Over 260 1/2 yards	38	55.1%
Under 260 1/2 yards	31	44.9%

52. The total number of passing yards by Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos) will be…(Under, 141)

Over 210 1/2 yards	41	59.4%
Under 210 1/2 yards	28	40.6%

53. The total number of passing yards in the game will be…(Under, 406)

Over 470 1/2 yards	37	53.6%
Under 470 1/2 yards	32	46.4%

54. The total number of passing attempts in the game will be…(Under, 64)

Over 67 1/2 attempts	35	50.7%
Under 67 1/2 attempts	34	49.3%

55. The total number of passing attempts in the game by Denver Broncos backup quarterback Brock Osweiler will be…(Zero)

More than 3	10	14.5%
3	3	4.3%
2	3	4.3%
1	4	5.8%
0	49	71%

56. The total number of rushing yards by Jonathan Stewart (Carolina) will be…(Under, 29)

Over 80 1/2 yards	34	49.3%
Under 80 1/2 yards	35	50.7%

57. The total number of rushing yards by C.J. Anderson (Denver) will be…(Over, 90)

Over 70 1/2 yards	25	36.2%
Under 70 1/2 yards	44	63.8%

58. The total number of rushing attempts by Ronnie Hillman (Denver) will be…(Under, 5)

Over 12 ½	28	40.6%
Under 12 ½	41	59.4%

59. Who will have the most rushing yards? (C.J. Anderson, Denver)

Cam Newton (Carolina)	13	18.8%
Jonathan Stewart (Carolina)	33	47.8%
C.J. Anderson (Denver)	11	15.9%
Ronnie Hillman (Denver)	6	8.7%
Someone else!	6	8.7%
There will be some sort of tie!	0	0%

60. The total number of receiving yards by Corey Brown (Carolina) will be…? (Over, 80)

Over 60 1/2 yards	25	36.2%
Under 60 1/2 yards	44	63.8%

61. The total number of receiving yards by Greg Olsen (Carolina) will be…? (Under, 41)

Over 64 1/2 yards	43	62.3%
Under 64 1/2 yards	26	37.7%

62. The total number of receiving yards by Emmanuel Sanders (Denver) will be…? (Over, 83)

Over 67 1/2 yards	30	43.5%
Under 67 1/2 yards	39	56.5%

63. The total number of receiving yards by Demaryius Thomas (Denver) will be…? (Under, 8)

Over 50 1/2 yards	44	63.8%
Under 50 1/2 yards	25	36.2%

64. Which receiver will have the most yards receiving? (Emmanuel Sanders, Denver, 83)

Corey Brown, Carolina	9	13%
Greg Olsen, Carolina	16	23.2%
Emmanuel Sanders, Denver	14	20.3%
Demaryius Thomas, Denver	16	23.2%
Someone else!	14	20.3%
There will be some sort of tie!	0	0%

65. Which player will gain the most all-purpose (receiving + return + rushing) yards? (Someone else, C.J. Anderson, Denver, 100 all-purpose yards)

Ted Ginn, Carolina	24	34.8%
Cam Newton, Carolina	9	13%
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina	13	18.8%
Peyton Manning, Denver	5	7.2%
Emmanuel Sanders, Denver	9	13%
Someone else!	9	13%
There will be some sort of tie!	0	0%

66. How many times will a Carolina player be tackled for a loss of yards? (Over, 8)

Over 7 1/2	17	24.6%
Under 7 1/2	52	75.4%

67. How many times will a Denver player be tackled for a loss of yards? (Over, 9)

Over 7 1/2	32	46.4%
Under 7 1/2	37	53.6%

68. Who will lead Carolina in tackles in the Super Bowl? (Kuechly, 7 tackles, 3 assists)

Thomas Davis	4	5.8%
Luke Kuechly	44	63.8%
Robert McClain	9	13%
Josh Norman	4	5.8%
Shaq Thompson	4	5.8%
Someone else!	1	1.4%
There will be some sort of tie!	3	4.3%

69. Who will lead Denver in tackles in the Super Bowl?

Josh Bush	1	1.4%
Chris Harris Jr.	3	4.3%
Von Miller	29	42%
T.J. Ward	14	20.3%
Derek Wolfe	6	8.7%
Someone else!	12	17.4%
There will be some sort of tie!	4	5.8%

70. Which kicker will have more total points? (McManus, Denver, 10)

Graham Gano, Carolina	30	43.5%
Brandon McManus, Denver	38	55.1%
Someone else!	0	0%
There will be some sort of tie!	1	1.4%

71. Which team will make the shortest field goal? (Denver, 30)

Carolina	26	37.7%
Denver	43	62.3%
Neither team will make a field goal!	0	0%

72. The longest field goal will be… (Under, 39)

Over 40 1/2 yards	49	71%
Under 40 1/2 yards	20	29%

73. The shortest field goal will be…(Over, 30)

Over 25 1/2 yards	24	34.8%
Under 25 1/2 yards	45	65.2%

74. The total number of field goals will be…(Under, 4)

Over 4 1/2	31	44.9%
Under 4 1/2	38	55.1%

75. Which punter will have the longest punt? (Nortman, 61)

Brad Nortman (Carolina)	14	20.3%
Britton Colquitt (Denver)	51	73.9%
Someone else!	3	4.3%
There will be some sort of tie!	1	1.4%

76. The total number of punts will be…(Over, 15)

Over 7 1/2	43	62.3%
Under 7 1/2	26	37.7%

77. The total number of returned punts (non safe-catches) will be…(Under, 4)

Over 5 1/2	26	37.7%
Under 5 1/2	43	62.3%

78. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 7? (gas-$1.744 or 174 cents, Manning=141)

The average price in cents of gasoline in the United States	25	36.2%
Peyton Manning (Denver) total passing yards	42	60.9%
The two sums will be equal!	2	2.9%

79. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 7? (65: Will Wilcox; 83: Sanders)

The best fourth-round score in the Waste Management Phoenix Open	26	37.7%
Emmanuel Sanders (Denver) total receiving yards	42	60.9%
The two sums will be equal!	1	1.4%

80. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 7? (270, Hideki Matsuyama; 265, Newton)

The total four-round score of the winner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open	28	40.6%
Cam Newton (Carolina) total passing yards	40	58%
The two sums will be equal!	1	1.4%

81. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 7? (goals: 11; TDs: 3)

Total number of touchdowns in the Super Bowl	24	34.8%
Goals scored by the Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers	42	60.9%
The two sums will be equal!	3	4.3%

82. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 7? (Passing TDs: 0; Chelsea 1, Manchester United 1=2)

Total number of passing touchdowns	49	71%
Total goals scored by Chelsea and Manchester United (Barclays Premier League)	16	23.2%
The two sums will be equal!	4	5.8%

83. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 7 (Sacks: 12; Arsenal 2, AFC Bournemouth 0=2)

Total number of sacks	48	69.6%
Total goals scored by AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal (Barclays Premier League)	17	24.6%
The two sums will be equal!	4	5.8%

84. Which sum will be greater on Sunday, Feb. 7? (Turnovers: 6; Boavista 1, Pacos de Ferreora 0=1)

Total number of turnovers	28	40.6%
Total goals scored by Pacos de Ferreira and Boavista (Portuguese Liga)	31	44.9%
The two sums will be equal!	10	14.5%

85. How many points will be scored in Super Bowl 50? (Under, 34)

Over 50 1/2	36	52.2%
Under 50 1/2	33	47.8%

86. Will the total number of points scored be even or odd? (Even, 34)

Even	31	44.9%
Odd	38	55.1%

87. Who will be the MVP of Super Bowl 50? (3-point bonus question) (Von Miller, Denver)

Cam Newton: 42 votes
Peyton Manning: 19 votes
Ted Ginn: 1 vote
Jim McMahon 1 vote
Von Miller: 1 vote
Greg Olsen: 1 vote
Mrs. Pins: 1 vote
Ima Poser: 1 vote
T.J. Ward: 1 vote

Now is as good a time as any to look back at one of the origin stories that led POPS PROPS to evolve into the free, prop-based, universally acclaimed spectacle that it is today.

PAPU’S PROPS were written in 1216 by an anonymous author (likely named PAPU) in the Uyghur language. The props were translated into Chinese characters by Ming Dynasty scholars near the end of the 14th century and eventually rediscovered and translated for Western audiences by Russian sinologists in 1875.

The fact that we don’t know anything about PAPU isn’t surprising. We don’t know much at all about the Mongol Empire, even though it was once the largest contiguous empire in history. Historians don’t even know what Mongol Empire founder Genghis Khan looked like, even though he’s widely considered to be the most bloodthirsty leader in world history.

What we do know is that in 1216, the year of the Wood Dragon, Genghis Khan was angry that Kuchlug, the Naiman prince who eight years previously escaped the Mongols’ crushing defeat of the Naiman, was still at large. In 1208, Kuchlug was welcomed by Zhilugu, the Gur-khan of the Qara Khitai, and allowed to form a military unit.

Three years later, Kuchlug seized power from Zhilugu, and in 1213, Zhilugu died. Left in complete control of the Qara Khitai, Kuchlug (a Buddhist and formerly a Nestorian Christian) persecuted the Muslim majority and forced them to convert to Buddhism or Christianity. When Kuchlug moved on the Karluk city of Almaliq, the Karluks pleaded for help from Genghis Khan, who was more than pleased to assist.

The Great Khan dispatched one of his most-trusted military generals, Jebe, to take 20,000 horse-soldiers, kill Kuchlug and conquer Qara Khitai territory for the Mongol Empire. The following are PAPU’S PROPS, translated from the original Uyghur:

1. What do spirits inhabit?
a. The sun!
b. The moon!
c. The sky!
d. The stars!
e. The mountains!
f. The water!
g. The trees!
h. All of these things! (Bonus)

2. The universe is our…
a. Land!
b. Sky!
c. Soul!
d. Tent!
e. All of the things! (Bonus)

3. All those who accept Mongol suzerainty will be allowed to worship?
a. Buddhism!
b. Christianity!
c. Islam!
d. Shamanism!
e. Nothing!
f. Whatever they wish to worship!

4. At what rate of speed can an urgent message be transmitted by horse-courier?
a. Over 200 ½ miles per hour!
b. Under 200 ½ miles per hour!

5. Which of these things has the great Khan decreed?
a. If any man offends against the law, report him to me!
b. If any men need to be executed, I shall execute them!
c. If any men need to be beaten, I shall lie them down and beat them!
d. If you lay hands upon my guards, who were once your equals, with
hands or feet, or beat them with a rod, simply because you are now their
seniors, you shall be repaid in kind! If you beat them with a rod, you
yourself shall be beaten with a rod! If you beat them with your fists, you
yourself shall be beaten with fists!
e. Two or more of the above!
f. All of the above!
g. None of the above!

6. Which of these things is true?
a. Any person who eats in front of another without offering that person
food must be executed!
b. Anyone caught stealing anything of value may be freed after paying back
nine times’ its worth!
c. Anyone guilty of hurting a horse’s eyes must be executed!
d. A and B, but not C!
e. B and C, but not A!
f. A and C, but not B!
g. All of the above!
h. None of the above!

7. How will the opposition be vanquished?
a. By being tied to the spoke of cart-wheels in the cold-winter nights!
b. By being wrapped in birch bark during the hot summer!
c. By breaking the shining stones to pieces!
d. By parting the deep waters!
e. By smashing the ores!
f. By the necks of the powerful, the buttocks of wrestlers!
g. Two or more of the above!
h. All of the above!
i. None of the above!

8. How will Jebe pursue Kuchlug?
a. Like a mad beast!
b. Like a mad dog!
c. Like a mad fox!
d. Like a mad hare!
e. Like a mad wolf!

9. At the gates of Balasagun, how many opposition soldiers will Jebe slaughter before entering the Qara Khitan capital in triumph?
a. Over 29,999 ½!
b. Under 29,999 ½!

10. After seizing the capital, Jebe will pursue Kuchlug for 350 miles through which of these geographic features?
a. Through Kashgaria!
b. Through the Muztagh Ata mountain range!
c. Through the Pamirs to the plateau of Badakhshan at 9,000 feet!
d. To a height of 12,600 feet to get through a pass!
e. Through desolate stark peaks!
f. Through plungine ravines!
g. Through massive glaciers!
h. All of these things! (Bonus)
i. None of these things!

11. How will Kuchlug blunder?
a. By wandering into a box canyon, where he and his detachment will be
captured by local hunters!
b. By getting bogged down by unseasonable rains and boggy marshes near
the headwater of the Oxus, where he and his detachment will be
captured by local hunters!
c. By slowing down while navigating glacial moraine at the border of
Badakhan and the mountain Wakhan region, where he and his
detachment will be captured by local hunters!
d. None of these things!

12. After beheading Kuchlug, Jebe will do what with the severed head?
a. Place it on a pole and parade it all the way back to Almaliq!
b. Place it on a pole and parade it all the way back to Almaty!
c. Place it on a pole and parade it all the way back to Karamaty!
d. Place it on a pole and parade it all the way back to Urumqi!
e. Place it on a pole and parade it all the way back to Yining!

13. After beheading Kuchlug, Jebe will send how many chestnut horses with white muzzles to Genghis Khan?
a. Over 999 ½!
b. Under 999 ½!