Kirk, Hoeven Bet on This Weekend's NCAA Division I Football Championship

Statement

Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) made a friendly wager for this weekend's NCAA Division I Football Championship. Senator Kirk is betting on the Illinois State University Redbirds, while Senator Hoeven predicts that the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison will win. Kirk has offered up deep dish pizza, and Hoeven is wagering bison steaks.

"I am confident that the Illinois State Redbirds and Coach Brock Spack will represent our state with pride at the FCS National Championship in Frisco and that they are ready for a victory over the North Dakota State Bison," Senator Kirk said.

"NDSU has had another great season this year, and I'm confident that the Bison will be victorious this weekend," Senator Hoeven said. "This win would make them the second football team in NCAA history to win four national championships in a row, which wouldn't be possible without the dedication, heart and perseverance the Bison players have consistently demonstrated this season. The fans, students and alumni have been amazingly spirited this year, and have helped the Thundering Herd live up to its name. Coach Klieman, Athletics Director Matt Larsen and NDSU President Dean Bresciani have proven their outstanding leadership, and I'm looking forward to trying some deep-dish pizza."

The Redbirds have a record of 13-1 and secured their position in the Championship by beating out New Hampshire 21-18. NDSU has a record of 14-1 and advanced to the championship game after a 35-3 victory over Sam Houston State in the Semifinal.

The game will take place at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas on Saturday, January 10. The game will be televised on ESPN 2.

Source