So, tomorrow, opposites collide in the NFL. The unbeaten New England Patriots (14-0) vs. the beaten-like-a-scrambled-egg Miami Dolphins (1-13). But the contrast doesn't stop there. Here's the sports world tale of the tape (statistics as of yesterday).
Baseball
Red Sox, World Series champions; Marlins, last place, National League East.
NBA
Celtics, lead their division, 20-3; Heat, last in division, 7-19.
College football
Boston College, 10-3; University of Miami, 5-7
NHL
Bruins, 18-12; Panthers, 17-16.
Final advantage: Boston sweep.
But, there's more to a region than its sports franchises, so let's examine further.
Architectural tourist attraction
Old North Church vs. Gianni Versace's house. Advantage: Boston.
Trademark seafood dish
Lobster vs. stone crab. Advantage: tie.
Drink
Sam Adams vs. mojito. Advantage: Miami (just barely).
Famous Road
Big Dig tunnel vs. Ocean Drive. Advantage: Miami (tide turns).
Urban sport
Street hockey vs. beach volleyball. Advantage: Miami (rally is on).
Gathering place
Boston Common vs. South Beach. Advantage: Miami (it's a rout!).
Weather
Yesterday, at approximately 3 p.m., Boston, 26; Miami, 78. Advantage: Are you kidding?