The Stairway Curse Is Lifted?

Two years ago, the Michigan Wolverines were among the best college football teams in the land.

Ranked third in the nation, they were battling neck-and-neck with Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl, competing at the highest level of competition for one of college football’s most coveted honors.

And then … with the score tied 3-3 at halftime, the unthinkable happened.

For reasons defying mortal comprehension, the Michigan marching band decided it would be a good idea to play “Stairway to Heaven,” thus breaking the time-honored Stairway to Heaven Commandment.

Let’s recap what followed, shall we?

First of all, Southern Cal reeled off four touchdowns in the second half to trounce Michigan 32-18.

Nine months later (the very next time they stepped on the field) the Wolverines were humiliated by Division I-AA Appalachian State in what is considered the greatest upset in college football history.

And obviously things went even further downhill this year.

You just don’t mess with the Stairway to Heaven Commandment, people … ask Lloyd Carr and Rich Rodriguez.

Anyway, obviously we were shocked beyond words last night when the Texas Longhorns’ band decided to fly in the face of such cosmic retribution and play “Stairway” at halftime during the Fiesta Bowl – a game in which the Horns’ were already trailing 6-3.

Certainly, the very pit of despair awaited them, right?

Amazingly, no.

Texas scored a go-ahead touchdown with sixteen seconds left on the clock to beat Ohio State – and break the curse.

For now, anyway.

Who knows what the future will hold, but there’s no doubt who our national champion is: Texas, baby.