So much for the New England Patriots’ unbeaten season. Eli Manning and the New York Giants did the impossible on Sunday night by vanquishing the perfect Patriots 17-14 as a 12.5-point underdog in Super Bowl XLII. Totals bettors saw the combined score fall well UNDER the posted over/under total of 54.5. It’s likely safe to say that Manning is Mercury Morris’ new best friend.

Manning continued his recent playoff success with an MVP performance after passing for 255 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. That included marching the Giants down the field for the winning touchdown with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Manning hooked up with favorite-target Plaxico Burress from 13 yards out with only 35 seconds left on the clock to secure the victory. Manning paid out well on the Super Bowl MVP prop over at BodogLife at 7/2, while Burress hauling in the final TD of the game paid out at 8/1.

The Patriots’ league-leading offense stalled in the win, while the Giants’ top-ranked pass rush kept constant pressure on Tom Brady, recording five sacks and numerous hurries. Brady’s previous Super Magic evaded him as he completed 29-of-48 pass attempts for 266 yards with only one touchdown. Randy Moss caught that lone touchdown to give the Patriots the lead before Manning stormed down field.

Wes Welker was the Patriots’ best player in the loss with a Super Bowl-record 11 receptions for 103 yards. Laurence Maroney rushed for 36 yards on 14 carries and scored the Patriots’ first TD in the second quarter. Maroney scoring the first TD in the game paid out at 11/2 on the BodogLife prop list.

The Giants’ running back tandem of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw had a solid game despite seeing limited action. Bradshaw rushed for 45 yards on nine carries, while Jacobs rumbled for 42 yards on 14 carries.