Rival governors bet on outcome

While students and alumni in Ann Arbor and Columbus place bets on Saturday's Michigan-Ohio State football game, the game has attracted two unlikely gamblers - Michigan Gov. John Engler and Ohio Gov. George Voinovich.

The game falls on the last day of the Republican Governors' Association meeting in Miami, and the final scores will be in before the annual dinner meeting, where the governor from the losing state will don the winning team's sweatshirt.

"We'd love to see Governor Engler decked out in scarlet and gray clothing," said Pat Madigan, a Voinovich spokesperson.

After Michigan's victory last year, Voinovich wore a Michigan jersey to the conference, which was held in Grand Rapids. This Michigan locale made the Voinovich's defeat even more humiliating, said Engler spokesperson John Truscott.

"We had great fun last year," Truscott said. "There are tons of great photos of him in Michigan clothing."

Although there is a greater need for warm clothing in Grand Rapids, Truscott said Voinovich will make himself comfortable in a maize and blue sweatshirt in Miami.

"We'll make sure he wears a Michigan sweatshirt, even if it is hot that night," Truscott said.

Madigan said that while Voinovich is looking forward to revenge on Engler, he is slightly worried that Michigan, which is on a 10-game winning streak, may be undefeatable.

"You can't lightly dismiss the No. 1 team in the country," Madigan said.

Engler said that the only problem he has with his bet against Voinovich is the amount of money he spends on Michigan paraphernalia.

"I'm getting tired of buying George these Michigan jerseys every year, but it beats the alternative," Engler said in a written statement.

But Voinovich said in a written statement that he is sure the Buckeyes will triumph over the Wolverines.

"The fact that our annual showdown with that team up North features the nation's top- and fourth-ranked teams is a testament to the strength of the Big Ten," Voinovich said. "It's a great opportunity for the Buckeyes, and I'm counting on a victory. Maize is not my color."

While Engler takes pride in the accomplishments of the University and the Michigan football team, he has a more vested interest in the victories of his alma mater, Michigan State University.

"Although he is happy about what Michigan has accomplished, he does root for the Spartans when they play the Wolverines," Truscott said.

Engler has a history of placing wagers on sporting events. During the Stanley Cup finals this summer, Engler won a bet with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.

"It really depends on the season and who is on top," Truscott said.

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