ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist are taking on the Ohio governor and Jim Tressel in a pair of Michigan-Ohio State football wagers.
Gov. Whitmer vs. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine
Whitmer’s wager with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has turned into a yearly tradition since the Michigan football program got things turned around under Jim Harbaugh.
The Wolverines have won four-straight meetings, but enter Saturday’s matchup as double-digit underdogs against the No. 1 and defending national champion Buckeyes.
This year, the theme of the wager is potato chips that highlight Michigan and Ohio.
Whitmer wagered Better Made from Detroit, Great Lakes Potato Chips from Traverse City, and Downey’s Potato Chips from Waterford.
On the other side, DeWine wagered Conn’s Potato Chips from Zanesville, Grippo’s from Cincinnati, Jones’ Potato Chips from Mansfield, and Mikesell’s.
DeWine is also including Marsha’s Homemade Buckeyes as part of the wager.
“As the mom of two Wolverines, I know Michigan will bring strength, grit, and championship swagger to The Game,” Whitmer said. “I encourage every Michigander to wear Maize and Blue as we cheer on the Leaders and the Best in the biggest game of the year. I am confident that the Wolverines can beat that school down south for the fifth year in a row. Go Blue!”
“Every year, this rivalry brings out the best of Ohio -- our pride, passion, and belief in the Buckeyes,” DeWine said. “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!”
Lt. Gov. Gilchrist vs. Jim Tressel
Gilchrist, a University of Michigan alum, is also getting in on the action against Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel.
Tressel became Ohio’s lieutenant governor this year after Vice President J.D. Vance’s Senate seat was filled by Jon Husted, the former Ohio lieutenant governor.
Tressel was the head coach of the Buckeyes for 10 years from 2001-2010, going 106-23 with a national championship and five Big Ten titles. He went 9-1 against Michigan, though the 2010 win was later vacated.
Gilchrist wagered a University of Michigan sweater vest -- a nod to Tressel’s preferred clothing of choice on the Ohio State sidelines. If Michigan wins, Tressel will have to wear the sweater vest and share it on social media.
But if Ohio State wins, Gilchrist has to wear an Ohio State University sweater vest and post on social media.
“As a proud alum, I cannot wait to cheer on our Wolverines during The Game,” Gilchrist said. “I have no doubt that the University of Michigan will triumph. I look forward to watching the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes for the fifth year in a row and show the world why they are the Leaders and the Best. Forever Go Blue!”
“The Game is one of the greatest traditions in all of sports,” Tressel said. “I’ve never been shy of where I stand on this rivalry and that hasn’t changed. 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!”
Gilchrist went to U of M from 2000-2005 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.