Key Super Bowl matchup: Packers RB James Starks vs. Steelers ILB James Farrior

The Steelers have the best run defense in the NFL. No running back rushed for 100 yards against them this season, and they shut down some of the league’s best backs, including Michael Turner (42 yards) and Chris Johnson (34 yards).

That leaves Packers rookie running back James Starks facing a formidable challenge Sunday in Super Bowl XLV. Starks has provided a spark during the playoffs averaging 87.7 yards per game. However, the pursuit of the Steelers’ linebackers makes it difficult for any back to find running room.

James Farrior and the ferocious Steelers run defense will look to stop James Starks and put the Packers into obvious passing situations.

"They have great linebackers," Starks said. "They are physical. They are strong. They flow to the game, and they like contact."

All four of the Steelers’ linebackers—James Farrior, James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, and LaMarr Woodley—are excellent ball pursuers. But Farrior and Timmons, the two inside ’backers, set the tone for stopping the run.

Farrior will enter Super Bowl XLV with a chip on his shoulder, still remembering the shootout against the Packers last season, which the Steelers won, 37-36.

"We looked bad out there," Farrior said. "I thought we made a lot of mistakes that game, and those guys took advantage of it. I think we’re a better team. A better defense. I think we’ll be able to make some of the plays that we couldn’t make the last time we played those guys."

Even if Starks does not have a huge day, the Packers want to be able to run in key spots —in the red zone, in third-and-short and in a late-game situation if they have the lead. The Steelers, on the other hand, want to shut down the Packers’ running game and keep quarterback Aaron Rodgers in obvious passing situations.

Farrior and Co. can demoralize a running game. If Starks doesn’t have success early, it will be interesting to see if Green Bay abandons the run.

"We can’t give up on the run too early," Packers wide receiver James Jones said. "Their front seven is phenomenal, and they are great at stopping the run. You have to try. If it doesn’t work based on the flow of the game, we are a good offense so we will adapt to it."

Starks is looking forward to the challenge.

"It is going to be fun—two great teams in the Super Bowl," Starks said. "It is going to be a great match."