Giants Vs. 49ers: San Francisco Comes Up Empty On First Possession

Read More: Frank Gore (RB - SFX), Mike Iupati (G - SFX), Kendall Hunter (RB - SFX), New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers

The 2012 NFC Championship Game is now officially underway. The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the New York Giants at a rainy Candlestick Park and the first possession is in the books.

The Giants won the coin toss and deferred the opening return to the 49ers. The opening kickoff was returned 15 yards by Kendall Hunter to the San Francisco 23 yard line. Frank Gore gained four yards on a run, then caught an Alex Smith pass for a first down that took the Niners to the 33 yard line. Hunter was tackled for a loss of one yard with lineman Mike Iupati being injured on the play. Smith then threw a short pass intended for Gore that fell incomplete and the home team was forced to punt it away.

For updates and analysis on these teams leading up to their matchup, visit 49ers blog Niners Nation, Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York and SB Nation Bay Area. Don't forget to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for all your playoff news.