The stakes for The Game just got higher − and a little salty.
Govs. Mike DeWine and Gretchen Whitmer placed their annual wager on the Ohio State-Michigan game. The losing governor will pony up potato chips from their state. DeWine's offering includes Mikesell's, Conn’s Potato Chips from Zanesville, Grippo’s from Cincinnati and Jones' Potato Chips from Mansfield.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe also threw in some Marsha's Homemade Buckeyes.
Gov. Mike DeWine watches on the sideline prior to the Ohio State-Minnesota game in Columbus on Oct. 4."Every year, this rivalry brings out the best of Ohio − our pride, passion, and belief in the Buckeyes," DeWine said in a statement. "I'm confident that Coach Ryan Day and this Buckeyes team will bring home the win. Ohioans know what toughness looks like, and we will see that on full display this Saturday. Go Bucks!"
If Ohio State wins, DeWine will receive Great Lakes Potato Chips from Traverse City, Better Made from Detroit and Downey's Potato Chips from Waterford. Ohio State lost the past four games against its rival.
The states' lieutenant governors are also joining the fun. Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel was Ohio State's head football coach from 2001 to 2011, winning the national championship in 2002. He resigned amid an investigation over improper benefits that his players received during the 2010 season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf Ohio State wins, Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II will don an Ohio State sweater vest and post a photo on social media. Tressel must wear a Michigan vest if the Wolverines defeat the Buckeyes.
"The Game is one of the greatest traditions in all of sports. I've never been shy of where I stand on this rivalry and that hasn't changed," Tressel said. "The toughness, discipline and focus of this year's Ohio State team reminds me of the groups from the past. I like our chances heading into The Game and have great faith in our guys. Let's go Bucks!"
Kickoff is at noon on Nov. 29 in Ann Arbor.
State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at [email protected] or @haleybemiller on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State-Michigan game spurs bet between DeWine, Whitmer
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