It’s on: Ohio governor accepts wager with governor up north

Governors agree on stakes as No. 3 Wolverines visit No. 2 Buckeyes Saturday
In 2019, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine collected on a friendly bet with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on the outcome of the Ohio State-Michigan game. The payola? A basket of goodies from a famous Ann Arbor deli.

In 2019, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine collected on a friendly bet with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on the outcome of the Ohio State-Michigan game. The payola? A basket of goodies from a famous Ann Arbor deli.

It’s on.

In the battle of the Buckeye State against that Team up North, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have agreed on the stakes.

The respective state chief executives have placed a friendly wager ahead of the rivalry football game between The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan, known everywhere as “The Game.”

The No. 2 Buckeyes take on the No. 3 Wolverines at noon tomorrow in Columbus.

“With Ohio State and Michigan both undefeated entering The Game, and with Big Ten Championship game and College Football Playoff berths on the line, the eyes of American sports fans will be on Columbus, Ohio and Ohio Stadium tomorrow,” DeWine said Friday. “I am proud of and confident in our Buckeye football team again this year, and am I willing to put a little skin in The Game with another friendly wager showcasing great Ohio food. O-H!”

I-O, Gov. DeWine.

Ohio State running back Curtis Samuel celebrates his touchdown against Michigan during the second overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Michigan 30-27 in double overtime. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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On Ohio’s side, DeWine offered Buckeye Pizza from Adriatico’s on the OSU campus; Stewart’s Root Beer, which was founded in Mansfield in 1924; and the iconic Jumbo Cream Puffs from Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in Columbus.

In 2021, he bet an assortment of Ohio-made sweets, including cream puffs from Schmidt’s, black raspberry chip ice cream from Graeter’s in Cincinnati, chocolate-covered pretzels from Malley’s in Cleveland, and buckeye candies from Marsha’s Homemade Buckeyes in Perrysburg.

“In the 118-year history of The Game, this weekend’s match-up might be the most consequential to date with two undefeated teams putting their seasons on the line,” Whitmer said. “However, when the clock runs out, only one team will be crowned The Victors. That’s why I’m feeling good about this year’s bet with Gov. DeWine of Ohio. After this win, it’s on to the Big Ten Championship game and almost certainly a guaranteed spot in the College Football Playoffs. Go Blue!”

Whitmer’s wager: a “Detroit-style” gift package, including Buddy’s pizza, a dessert from Good Cakes and Bakes and a case of Vernor’s ginger ale.

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