Governors bet on Florida-Alabama championship game

Published 9:59 am Friday, December 5, 2008

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — It’ll be Florida oranges against Alabama barbeque.

That’s what governors of the two states have riding on the outcome of Saturday’s Southeastern Conference Championship game in Atlanta.

If No. 1 Alabama (12-0) rolls over No. 2 Florida (11-1), Alabama Gov. Bob Riley will get a box of Florida oranges.

If the Gators swamp the Crimson Tide, though, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist will get a rack of ribs from Tuscaloosa’s renowned Dreamland Barbeque.

“I’m looking forward to Alabama’s 22nd SEC football championship – and to those Florida oranges from my friend Governor Crist,” Riley said. “These are two great universities, two outstanding footballs teams and two incredible head coaches. It is going to be amazing to watch these teams compete this year. Roll tide!”

Crist already has lost one such friendly wager this year.

He had to fork over crab claws and oranges to Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell after the Tampa Bay Rays lost the World Series to the Philadelphia Phillies.