Virginia took on the role of Goliath not only because of their number one ranking, but because of their legendary center, Ralph Sampson. Sampson towered above everybody in college basketball with his enormous 7-foot-4 stature and eventually went on to become only the second player in college basketball history to earn Naismith College Player of the Year honors three times. The only other person that accomplished such a feat was Bill Walton of the UCLA Bruins from 1972-1974.

The funny thing about Virginia's matchup with Chaminade is that it was never supposed to happen. Virginia was originally slated to play Hawaii, however scheduling with them fell through and the Cavaliers had to replace them with upset-minded Chaminade. The "Curse of the Silverswords" has haunted the 'Hoos in basketball and football ever since.

Now what do I mean by cursed, exactly? Well, I mean that Virginia football and basketball will continue to spin their wheels in mediocrity until they can "break the curse" and break into the national elite in each of those sports. Head Coach Al Groh has set the lofty goal of bringing the BCS national championship to Charlottesville for his football team. Sorry Al, hate to tell you, but you are messing with the curse and your immensely talented linebackers are no match for it.

Trying to beat Frank Beamer and the hated Hokies every year is one thing, but trying to break the curse takes even more focus because you're fighting against something you can't even see or touch. The supremely athletic Ahmad Brooks may be able to time the snap just in time to leap over the center and sack Virginia Tech quarterback Bryan Randall, but even he can't tackle the curse. Sorry Ahmad, but your all-universe talents are no match against the curse.