01.06.12

Conrad and Hoeven Wage Friendly Bet With Texas Senators on Upcoming Championship Football Game

North Dakota Senators Predict a Win for the NDSU Bison

Washington — Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven are predicting a Bison victory when North Dakota State University (NDSU) takes on top-seeded Sam Houston State in the 2012 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision title game this Saturday, January 7. 

The North Dakota Senators applauded the tremendous spirit of Bison fans, alumni and students and said they have placed a friendly wager with their friends and colleagues from Texas, Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn.

Senators Hoeven and Conrad are wagering a case of TenderBison Steaks from the North American Bison Cooperative in New Rockford, North Dakota.  Senators Hutchison and Cornyn are betting a half dozen world-famous Taste of Texas Pecan Pies and tubs of Texas' legendary Blue Bell Ice Cream.

"Coach Bohl and the entire Bison team have had an amazing year.  We are confident that this storybook season will end with the Bison taking home their first FCS national title," the North Dakota Senators said in a joint statement. "The Bearkats are tough but Brock Jensen and the Bison's explosive offense will be a force to reckon with.  And when the Bearkats do get the ball,  the NDSU defense will show them why they're called the Thundering Herd."

“I am confident the Sam Houston State Bearkats will win this game and remain undefeated,” said Senator Hutchison. “Under the leadership of head coach Willie Fritz, the Bearkats are a tough, balanced team and I look forward to tasting the fine steaks from North Dakota.”

“I wish all the players the best of luck for what’s sure to be a great game,” said Senator Cornyn.  “I’m confident the Bearkats will round out their season with an undefeated record, and I’m looking forward to trying these North Dakotan bison steaks.”

NDSU has a record of 13-1 and advanced to the championship game after a 35-7 semifinal victory against Georgia Southern on December 17. This is the first FCS title game appearance for the Bison, who moved up to Division I in 2004.

Sam Houston State is 14-0 and ranked the number one team in the nation.

The 2012 NCAA Division I Football Championship game is this Saturday, Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas. The game will be televised on ESPN 2.