The Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers have arrived in California for Sunday's Super Bowl 50 and it's time to take a look at who will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy high into the air. Will it be Peyton Manning and the resurgent Broncos, or Cam Newton's high-flying Panthers. There's only one way to find out. Who would rule on the track? 

 

We've broken the game down into five categories as we search for clues to who has the most speed when the track spikes are laced up.

 

SPEED/TRACK ABILITY: Astute track fans will remember when Ten Ginn Jr., was a high school track sensation in Ohio. As a high schooler, Ginn was a national champion in the 110-meter hurdles. He was also a standout in sprints from the 60 meters (7.98 seconds) through the 400 (46.57). Now he's a stud return man, averaging 22.9 yards per kickoff return. In the NFC Championship game against the Cardinals, he returned a punt for a touchdown.  

 

Ginn isn't the only track athlete vying for a championship Super Bowl ring this year. Panther teammate Jonathan Stewart was a sprint stud in high school and college, eventually competing for the University of Oregon. In high school he ran 10.78 for the 100 meters and in college 6.88 for the 60 meters indoors in a brief two-meet career for the Ducks. 

 

For the Broncos, Peyton Manning is more of a Clydesdale than thoroughbred. His speed doesn't come into play that often, but it is believed that he did once run 4.8 for the 40 yard dash. Living and playing at high altitude have helped increase his lung capacity, though, just like distance runners -- right?  

 

The Broncos' best return man is Andre Caldwell, a former SEC sprinter at the University of Florida. Caldwell ran 10.39 in high school for the 100, then 10.74 at the SEC Outdoor Championships. He had two receiving touchdowns this year, though only caught 12 passes between the regular and post season. It's anybody's guess whether he'll be a factor on Sunday.

 

EDGE GOES TO -- The Panthers, simply because Ginn and Stewart are key parts of the offensive game plan. And they still flash the speed often. 

 

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FANS: Both teams have proclaimed to have the best fans in the NFL. But who has the fastest fans between the Broncos and Panthers? 

 

Perhaps the most vocal Panthers fan recently has been 2:38:34 marathoner Alana Hadley. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, the 19-year-old has grown up in Panther country and attends UNC-Charlotte. Interesting tidbit is that UNC-Charlotte's mascot is the 49ers, and the Super Bowl is being played at the San Francisco 49ers stadium. Coincidence or fate?  

 

While Hadley is a passionate Panther fan, there are many, many fast Broncos fans. Aaron Braun is known to sport his Bronco jersey with pride, as are Sara and Brent Vaughn. Steeplechase sensation and 2012 Olympian Emma Coburn has tweeted her support for the Broncos. 

 

EDGE -- Broncos. Simply because of the depth and accomplishments of this group of Broncos fans, Denver gets the edge.

 

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LOCATION: Denver is known as the Mile High city, while Charlotte is the capital of NASCAR. Which is the better location for runners? Tough call. 

 

North Carolina has ZAP Fitness, home of the ultra-versatile Tyler Pennel and his strong teammates. It's also home to a group of very fast schools like UNC-Chapel Hill (among notable alumni is Shalane Flanagan); Duke (Shannon Rowbury); and NC State (current student-athletes Wesley and Ryen Frazier).   

 

However, Colorado is known for its plethora of training spots and groups -- in particular around Boulder. While Boulder is roughly 20 miles north of Denver, we are considering it a part of Bronco Country. As mentioned, Boulder has high altitude on its side, drawing a ton of talent to the Rocky Mountain state. Boulder Track Club boasts Laura Thweatt (top American at last year's TCS New York City Marathon); the University of Colorado is home to Mark Wetmore and the Buffalo cross country dynasty (including the 2014 NCAA Cross Country Champions); and last but not least are Emma, Jenny, and Kara. This Boulder-based trio is training for the Olympic Games and you can't find a more determined group in America.

 

EDGE -- Denver, hands down. The resumes speak for themselves. 

 

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DECATHLON POTENTIAL: The true test of a track and field athletes comes in the decathlon. Can you run, jump, and throw with the best?

 

Carolina's Cam Newton has put on a show this season, doing all three while at the same time impersonating Superman. He threw for 35 touchdowns in the regular season, adding 10 more rushing TDs. And he flew through the air on multiple occasions (including in the NFC Championship Game). Can he be stopped? 

 

(embed Newton track poll on @dyestat twitter)

 

Given some time to learn the events, Cam Newton could arguably challenge Ashton Eaton in a few events. While Eaton would dominate based on the current decathlon scoring table, Newton would no doubt score some style points. 

 

For the Broncos, Peyton Manning is good at many things: passing (sometimes), pitching commercials (Papa John's), humming jingles (Chicken Parm You Taste So Good/Epic Comeback Starts Right Here); and SNL skits (YouTube it). But when it comes to the decathlon, not so much. 

 

EDGE -- Cam Newton and the Panthers by a mile. 

 

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STAR ABILITY: Speaking of Manning and Newton, who do they resemble when it comes to American running? That's easy. 

 

Manning is a workhorse, has defied critics these last few months, and has the ability to go down in history with a win on Sunday. He first won a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2007, giving him a ring to go with his countless passing records. 

 

Despite getting benched mid-season this year, he's come back to lead his team to the sport's biggest stage. Remind you of anyone?

 

Meb Keflezighi of course. Meb won an Olympic silver medal early in his career in 2004, set American records at a variety of distances, and was a leading figure in U.S. distance running. In 2008 he suffered a debilitating injury at the Olympic Marathon Trials, causing many to say his career was done. Not so fast, my friend. Keflezighi would win the 2009 New York City Marathon, a triumphant showing of determination and perseverance. After subsequently losing his sponsorship deal with Nike, Keflezighi again was thought to be over the hill. Yet he defied the odds by placing fourth at the 2012 London Olympic Marathon, then wound up winning the 2014 Boston Marathon. 

 

Manning has faced similar ups and downs over the course of his career, and could go out on top with a Super Bowl win. 

 

Then there is Newton, the shining star who has taken over the league by storm. He has risen to a new level this year, guiding his Panthers to a 15-1 regular season record. He has put smiles on children's faces by giving out footballs after each touchdown, and has quickly become a face of the league with his signature dances. He's on the precipice of scoring his first Super Bowl title with swagger and style. 

 

He reminds me of Matthew Centrowitz. The fierce miler always takes the track with a coy smile. He finishes business with a killer kick and celebrates accordingly. Centro has got a signature personality and confident swagger -- not cocky, but confident. He wins with style. Newton is the same.  

 

As if the comparison needed more reinforcement, Centro won the Camel City Elite Mile on Saturday in a world leading 3:54.02 and subsequently paid tribute to Newton by firing off the quarterback's signature 'dab' before the clock hit four minutes. They are definitely similar. 

 

EDGE: Newton and the Panthers in a photo finish. Right now Newton (and Centro for that matter) are competing their best at the right time. They are poised to perform with style, swagger, and Superman-like ability on the biggest stage, whether it be the Super Bowl, World Indoor Championships, or Olympics.

 

FINAL PREDICTION:  Panthers 27, Broncos 21.