Former Arkansas offensive guard Mitch Petrus is getting to live out a dream in the NFL. Petrus, along with two other former Arkansas players — Tony Ugoh and Ryan Mallett — will be part of Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday when the New York Giants play the New England Patriots in Indianapolis. Petrus and Ugoh are members of the Giants while Mallett is a reserve quarterback for the Patriots. Petrus, a fifth-round pick of the Giants in 2010, is excited about the opportunity. “You always dream about it,” Petrus said of making it to the Super Bowl. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To get to go to the Super Bowl in my second year is really special.” Petrus said he is not taking playing in the the big game for granted. “This is an opportunity that doesn’t come around too often,” he said. This season, the Giants finished 9-7 in the regular season, winning the NFC East and earning a home playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons, which they beat 24-2. The next week, the Giants dispatched the defending champion Green Bay Packers 37-20 at historic Lambeau Field. New York then traveled to Candlestick Park and beat the San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in the NFC championship game. In that game, Petrus played a key part in his team’s first touchdown. Center David Baas left the game during the Giants’ first scoring drive and one of the guards moved to center. That allowed Petrus to enter. Eli Manning then completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Bear Pascoe in the second period. Petrus played in six regular-season games, starting three, which were against Green Bay, Dallas and Washington. “I’ve been put into a great situation here,” Petrus said. “It’s a veteran offensive line. They know what they are doing. They aren’t scared that you are going to take their job. They communicate with you. They are personable with you. They are great guys. “I’m the first guy to go in with the interior linemen at the guard and center position.” Petrus said you always have to be ready to play. “You are always one play away,” he said. “You only get to dress 45 guys. If you dress, you are going to play somewhere. That can always change. Everyone has to prepare like they are going to play.” Petrus said tackle David Diehl and guard Chris Snee have really helped him during his time with the Giants. “They’ve helped me with my plays and my technique,” he said. “They have really helped me a lot.” Petrus said playing for Giants coach Tom Coughlin and Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino is very similar. “They are both really detailed oriented,” Petrus said. “They pay specific attention to the small things to make sure that everyone is doing their part. You don’t want to be that guy on practice tape that is on the sidelines with the helmet off, taking one knee, shooting the bull with your buddies and not paying attention. They’ll find it and see it. They want guys who care.” The Giants and the Patriots are no strangers to each other, having played Nov. 6. The Giants won that one, 24-20. This is also a rematch of sorts as the Giants beat an undefeated Patriots team to win Super Bowl XLII four years ago. Petrus said the Giants must not turn the ball over and score touchdowns inside the red zone. “That is the biggest key,” Petrus said. The Giants are riding a five-game winning streak, similar to what the Giants did in 2007 when they beat the Patriots, 17-14. “It’s the same type of deal, Petrus said. “They had to go on the road and win games. They know what to expect.”
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