Ben Gross

NIU women’s basketball reporter

Prediction – Bears 30, Colts 27

Reason – The Colts have shown an improved defense, but the Bears defense will limit Manning. Grossman will do enough to keep the Bears in it and will give Gould the game-winning kick.

MVP – Gould, going three for three with all field goals being made from more than 45 yards (including a 51-yard winning kick as time expires) wins the trophy.

Andy Pruski

NIU women’s basketball reporter

Prediction – Bears 31, Colts 10

Reason – Peyton Manning struggles the entire game and the Bears take advantage. Thomas Jones opens up the Bears passing attack by having a good first half. Grossman makes them pay in the second half.

MVP – Desmond Clark, having eight receptions for 65 yards and three touchdowns.

Brandon Mangia

NIU wrestling reporter

Prediction- Bears 27, Colts 17

Reason – We dominate time of possession and run the ball down their throats. Our special teams comes up huge; Hester and Gould have great games.

MVP – Thomas Jones

Justin Weaver

Sports assistant editor

Prediction – Colts 27 Bears 17

Reason – Peyton Manning plays the game of his life, and Indy’s pass rush forces Rex Grossman to make critical errors. Jones and Benson run strong for Chicago, but the Colts take advantage of Rex’s mistakes.

MVP – Bob Sanders. He’ll have at least one crucial interception.

James Nokes

NIU men’s basketball reporter

Prediction – Bears 24 Colts 21

Reason – Defense wins championships!

MVP – Brian Urlacher

Andrew Hansen

NIU men’s basketball reporter

Prediction – Colts 30 Bears 24

Reason – Both quarterbacks will initially struggle, but Manning will find his game before Grossman does. And when Manning does find his game, game over Bears. The Colts’ front four pressures Grossman all day and forces him to make bad decisions, which will occasionally end up in the hands of Bob Sanders.

MVP – Bob Sanders

Sean Ostruszka

Sports editor

Prediction — Bears 27 Colts 24

Reason — Honestly, I’m biased for the Bears. But defense wins championships. And while Peyton will get his stats, the D will do enough to win the game. Plus, expect Thomas Jones to have a big day.

MVP – Thomas Jones