DETROIT – A discombobulated kicker made the most surprising fling in Super Bowl history – Garo Yepremian’s bar-of-soap pass attempt resulted in a fumble and provided a comic ending to Miami’s perfect 1972 season.

A couple of undersized players who know how to grip the laces could provide the most unexpected throw – or catch – in the latest title game.

Pittsburgh’s Antwaan Randle El and Seattle’s Seneca Wallace are the “X” factors in Super Bowl XL.

“You never know,” Randle El said mischievously.

And that’s the point. During the playoffs, both stunned defenses and put their imprints on some of the NFL’s biggest games. Randle El set up a trick play in a first-round win over Cincinnati, and Wallace had the sweetest catch in the NFC title game.

“Some guys can do it, and some guys can’t do it,” Randle El said Tuesday. “You certainly can’t force it on them, and you can’t teach it. If they’ve got it, they can do it. If not, then they can’t.”

These two definitely have it.

Wallace suggests that the Seahawks are going to play it straight on Sunday, which means he’ll be on the sideline as the No. 2 quarterback instead of lining up as a stealth receiver – which is exactly what he did in the conference championship game.

Wallace, a third-year quarterback out of Iowa State, sometimes lines up as a receiver and a defensive back during practice. Coach Mike Holmgren sent him in as a receiver in the NFC title game against Carolina, and he set up the Seahawks’ first touchdown by putting a double move on Ken Lucas to get open along the sideline.

His sensational over-the-shoulder catch while getting both feet down accounted for a 28-yard gain and set up Seattle’s first touchdown.

“Oh, man, it was awesome – just being part of a championship game and being able to catch a ball,” Wallace said.

Unlike Randle El, who isn’t counted on as a backup passer, the 5-foot-11 Wallace is first in line if anything happens to Matt Hasselbeck. Holmgren would be taking an unusual Super Bowl gamble by using his No. 2 quarterback as a receiver.

“Whatever I can do to contribute, I want to do that,” Wallace said. “But my main focus right now is making sure that if I’m needed to step in and play quarterback, I’m ready.”

The Steelers will be ready if he happens to show up in some other role.

“He can cause problems if we don’t address the issue right away in practice this week,” linebacker James Farrior said. “Those are the types of athletes that can change the game.”

In his fourth season, Randle El has developed into the Steelers’ most versatile player. The former Indiana quarterback returns punts and starts as a receiver. And, should the defense relax, he can air it out.

“Whenever he is in there, he is a threat and you never know what he is going to do,” offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said.