Super Bowl 2013: Ravens' Justin Tucker vs. 49ers' David Akers

If Super Bowl XLVII comes down to a field goal, it would appear that the Baltimore Ravens will have a decided advantage.

Although San Francisco 49ers placekicker David Akers is a 14-year veteran at 38 years old, he had the worst percentage (69%) of any field goal kicker in the league during the regular season. Akers hit on 29 of 42 attempts and was only two of six on kicks of over 50 yards. However, he did hit an NFL record-tying 63-yarder as one of his two 50+ kicks. In the post season, he made one of his two attempts in the 49ers two games. Akers put 40 of his 87 kickoffs deep enough into the end zone for touchbacks.

Meanwhile, Ravens rookie kicker Justin Tucker is only 23 years old, but dealt with the pressure like a poised veteran. He nailed 30 out of 33 attempts (91%), including all four of his attempts at over 50 yards, with a long of 56 yards. He went two of two in the Ravens three playoff games. Tucker also had 49 touchbacks on 88 kickoffs.

Tucker proved his composure by hitting the game-winners in critical games over the New England Patriots on the last play of the game as well as overtime kicks against the San Diego Chargers and in the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Denver Broncos.

Even though Akers is the elder veteran, it's obvious that youth is being served in this comparison, where the advantage is firmly in the Ravens favor.