Michigan students getting what they paid for

This was one of the those stories that had The Onion written all over it.

In two convenience stores in the University of Michigan's student union Monday, you could get two tickets to Saturday's Minnesota-Michigan football game with the purchase of two bottles of Coca-Cola.

Which brought to mind an obvious question: Is Coke that desperate to move its product?

No, no. I kid the soft drink conglomerate. The real question is this: Is Michigan that desperate to keep its streak of crowds of 100,000-plus going? Would a gathering of, say, 99,668 be that embarrassing?

I mean, it's the end of a streak, yes. But to get 99,668 fans to see Minnesota and Michigan this year would be nothing short of remarkable. The Gophers completed one pass in their 24-7 win over San Jose State last Saturday. And Michigan was humbled at home by Utah, 26-10.

It was the second time in three games that the Wolverines didn't score an offensive touchdown. Who will ever forget back when Michigan used to score touchdowns on offense? Yes, those were the days.

As with any embarrassment to a powerful entity, there was denial and blame pointed elsewhere. Naturally, it was done in the proverbial 'official release” with the word 'miscommunication” used.”

'Coke is a great partner of ours and had purchased a limited block of tickets for the Minnesota game for a Coke retail activation aimed at Michigan students,” the school said in the release. 'Due to a miscommunication in the approval process, this promotion should not have run as is.

'As a result, it is being pulled immediately. However, all purchases to date will be honored by Coke.”

Sure, a new operation like Coca-Cola will make rookie mistakes like that when it comes to promotions.

By the way, the promotion sold out quickly. So that's good news for Michigan. There still is a way to get Michigan students interested in their football team.