Alabama, Michigan Reps. make Rose Bowl wager with pizza and Dreamland BBQ

Alabama, Michigan Reps. make Rose Bowl wager with pizza and Dreamland BBQ

Fans are gearing up for the Rose Bowl gridiron showdown between Alabama and Michigan on New Year’s Day as bragging rights and a chance at the national championship remain at stake.

Some members of Congress are also part of the rivalry, where Alabama’s Dreamland Bar-B-Que and slices of Detroit-style pizza are on the line.

Ahead of Monday’s College Football Playoff game in Pasadena, California, U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Lisa McClain (R-MI) announced a friendly bipartisan wager on the outcome of the semifinal game for a chance to advance to the national championship game a week later in Houston.

If the Crimson Tide is victorious, then Bama fans Sewell and Aderholt, who share representation of Tuscaloosa, will enjoy Michigan’s Detroit-style pizza courtesy of Dingell and McClain.

If Wolverines maintain their No.1 status and beat fourth-ranked Alabama, then the Michigan lawmakers will celebrate the victory with a lunch from Dreamland, courtesy of Aderholt and Sewell.

Regional and athletic pride is at stake. Yet, Alabama’s congressional members don’t seem phased by the competition.

“There will be no better way to kick off the new year than an Alabama win over Michigan at the Rose Bowl!” Sewell said. “And there will be no better way to celebrate our nation’s greatest college football team than with some Detroit-style pizza. I know the Wolverines have had an impressive season, but good luck stopping Alabama. The Tide is going to Roll in Pasadena!”

Likewise, Aderholt said he is already preparing to enjoy the free pizza.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever had Detroit-style pizza,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt. “But I’m sure it will taste great to Congresswoman Sewell and me as our two staffs have a pizza lunch courtesy of our Michigan colleagues when Alabama wins the Rose Bowl. Great Pizza and the sweet smell of Pasadena Roses, a winning combination if there ever was one. Roll Tide!”

Alabama will face Michigan at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. The other semifinal will feature No. 2 Texas vs. No. 3 Washington at 7:45 p.m. Both games can be seen on ESPN.