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This game matched two of the NFL's best defenses and two future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks.

Led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw and the Steel Curtain defense, the Steelers advanced to their first Super Bowl after posting a 10-3-1 record season record and playoff victories over the Buffalo Bills and the Oakland Raiders.

The Vikings were led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton and the Purple People Eaters defense ; they advanced to their second consecutive Super Bowl and third overall after finishing the regular season with a 10-4 record and defeating the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.