Game 11: James K. Polk vs. Super Bowl XI

Here's what you can say about James Knox Polk: he went out there and got it done. The 11th President made the most of a single term in office, from 1845 to 1849, then waved to fans and walked off without dragging out his exit. Take that, Brett Favre. Polk established a federal treasury and opened the U.S. Naval Academy and Smithsonian Institution. During his tenure three useful states entered the union: Texas, Iowa and Wisconsin. Polk Nation won the Mexican-American War, too, nabbing California, Arizona and most of the rest of the southwest as future U.S. states.

Years later in Pasadena, the Vikings couldn't even get it done once. They lost their fourth Super Bowl. It was just getting sad. This time, the Raiders won their first NFL title, in a 32-14 romp. Minnesota didn't even score in the first half. You might say a dominating win is a great game, but game MVP Fred Biletnikoff didn't do all that much, with just four catches for 79 yards and no TDs. Seriously?

Sometimes, when you put aside all the hype, it comes down to who brings more when the game is on the line. The final answer here is clear: Polk.

Score after this match: Presidents 8, Super Bowls 3.


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