WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (MI-14) placed a friendly wager on the outcome of the Ohio State Buckeyes taking on the Michigan Wolverines in the rivalry’s 110th football game. The winner will receive craft beer from their home state: a six pack of either Ohio-brewed Great Lakes Christmas Ale or a selection from the Michigan-brewed Detroit Beer Company.

“Ohio State vs. Michigan is the nation’s greatest football rivalry,” Brown said. “That is why I’m glad to join Rep. Peters in a friendly bet with regional pride and great local beer on the line. I look forward to cheering on the Buckeyes as they continue their march towards a Big Ten title and a national championship. Win or lose, my wife Connie and I look forward to enjoying our Great Lakes Christmas Ale.”

“I’m glad to make a safe and friendly wager with Senator Brown because I have every confidence in the wolverines prevailing this weekend,” Peters said. “With our daughter Maddie enjoying her first Fall at U of M, I’m looking forward to a good game, but worst case scenario, I’m sure the Browns will be happy to upgrade to Detroit beer. Cheers to Senator Brown and go blue!”

In 2000, ESPN ranked Ohio State-Michigan as the greatest North American sports rivalry of the twentieth century. Though Michigan leads the all-time series 58-45-6, Ohio State has won 10 of their last 12 meetings. In all games, the Buckeyes have won 23 in a row, the longest winning streak in program history and the longest active streak in the country.

Brown received degrees from The Ohio State University (OSU) in 1979 and 1981, and taught at the university’s Mansfield branch between those same years. Earlier this month, Brown met with Dr. Joseph Alutto, OSU’s interim President, to discuss efforts to improve higher education in Ohio and across the country. In April, Brown hosted his sixth annual College and University Presidents’ Conference in Washington D.C. with more than 25 presidents from colleges and universities across Ohio, including former OSU President, Dr. Gordon Gee. Brown’s forum—the first of its kind—is aimed at connecting educators with each other and with local businesses to advance regional economic development.

Peters, his wife Colleen, and their three children are all proud graduates of Michigan public schools. After graduating Rochester High School. Peters earned a B.A. in Political Science from Alma College. He went on to work his way through graduate school at night, while working in business and supporting his family. Peters earned an M.B.A in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, a law degree from Wayne State University Law School, and an M.A. in Philosophy from Michigan State University. This summer, he received an honorary doctorate from Lawrence Tech, where he also delivered their commencement address. As a State graduate, Peters is happy to cheer for U of M this weekend in honor of his oldest daughter, Maddie, who started her Freshman year there this fall.

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