Santa Clara University Has Super Bowl Sources Available In The Next Home Of The 49ers

Santa Clara University has a bevy of experts to talk about the Super Bowl and the 49ers’ quest for the title.

How did he do that?! The physics of football explained.

Beef up sports coverage with some of the basic rules of physics at work on the field. Physics Professor Phil Kesten, Ph.D. can comment on some of the simple physics laws that explain why running back Frank Gore can truck through defenders or the difference in angles for kicker David Akers and punter Andy Lee. Kesten can dissect some of the most important plays of the season.

Win or lose, we still bond!

Santa Clara University Psychology Professor Tom Plante, Ph.D. says fans will benefit from the game psychologically. People from all walks of life bond around a common interest and goal and a Super Bowl-bound local team who hasn't played in the big game in 18 years is a great one, especially coming off an exciting World Series victory.

Exemplary Leadership

Barry Posner, Accolti Endowed Professor of Leadership at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business, uses 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh in his MBA classes as a case study in exemplary leadership. He says that includes Harbaugh's ability to stay focused and "inspire a shared vision," -- one of the key tenets of The Leadership Challenge, a book co-authored by Posner that is one of the best-selling leadership books of all time.

Very superstitious, writing’s on the ball.

Psychology Professor Jerry Burger, Ph.D. can comment on why athletes and fans engage in superstitious behavior. In his research with MLB players, he found the unpredictable nature makes sports a breeding ground for superstitions. He can also comment on a concept called “basking in reflected glory.” For example, fans are more likely to say “we” won if their team wins, but “they” lost if their team loses.

Who cares about the game? Bring on the commercials!

Charles Byers teaches marketing and public relations at SCU and is available to comment on the new trend of ad “previews.” He can also comment on how advertisers and the NFL are targeting women, and give analysis of the commercials.

To reach these sources, contact SCU Asst. Director of Media Relations Marika Krause at [e-mail] or (C) 408-829-4836.

Copyright Business Wire 2010