Pork, Pie, and Playoff Pride: Governors Place Friendly Wager Ahead of Indiana-Miami Title Clash
There’s more than just a national title on the line when No. 1 Indiana and No.
10 Miami square off in Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship. Bragging rights-and a few regional delicacies-are also up for grabs, thanks to a lighthearted wager between two governors with skin in the game.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun threw down the gauntlet on social media, challenging Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to a friendly bet ahead of the showdown at Hard Rock Stadium. Braun’s offer? A Hoosier-style spread featuring pork from Fischer Farms and a selection of Wick’s Pies, including the iconic sugar cream pie-an Indiana staple.
“Pork and pie for bragging rights,” Braun posted. “You in?”
DeSantis didn’t hesitate. Not only did he accept, he gave a nod to Indiana’s impressive rise-especially the play of their Heisman-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native. Still, the Florida governor made it clear where his loyalties lie.
“I’m all-in for The U,” DeSantis replied, pledging stone crabs and key lime pie from Joe’s Stone Crab if the Hurricanes fall short. “I’ll just drop them off in Naples or Marco Island since that’s basically Indiana south this time of year.”
It’s a fitting wager for a matchup that’s already packed with storylines.
Indiana has steamrolled its way through the playoff bracket. After dismantling Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, the Hoosiers followed up with a commanding 56-22 win over Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal. It’s been a postseason clinic from a team that’s looked every bit the No. 1 seed.
Miami, meanwhile, has made its run the hard way. After sneaking into the playoff as the final at-large team following a two-loss regular season, the Hurricanes have embraced their underdog identity. Mario Cristobal’s squad knocked off Texas A&M in the opening round, stunned defending champion Ohio State in the quarters, and outlasted Ole Miss in a gritty semifinal performance.
And then there’s Mendoza. The Indiana quarterback has been nearly untouchable this postseason, delivering big-time throws and poise under pressure.
His connection to Miami runs deep-he and Cristobal both attended the same high school in the city. Now, Mendoza returns to his hometown, trying to cap off a dream season with a national championship.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, and fans can stream the game on FuboTV. Whether it’s pork and pie or stone crabs and key lime, one governor’s going home with a full stomach-and the other with bragging rights that’ll last until next season.