Blue Hens playing for steak and potatoes

When the University of Delaware football team plays Eastern Washington Friday night in Frisco, Texas, there will be more on the line than just a national championship.

For starters, how about lima beans (yes, lima beans), root beer and potatoes?

On Thursday, Gov. Jack Markell made a friendly wager with Washington Governor Christine “Chris” Gregoire over the outcome of the NCAA Football Championship Series title game between the Delaware Blue Hens and the Eastern Washington Eagles.

The game will be played at 7 p.m. at Pizza Hut Park and broadcast on ESPN2.

If the Blue Hens prevail, Gregoire will send Markell Walla Walla Wine, steak and potatoes from the Evergreen state. Washington state ranks first in the nation for per-acre yield of potatoes.

“Despite that strange red turf, the Eastern Washington Eagles are a great team – they’re fast and they’re focused,” said Markell, who is scheduled to attend the game. “But we expect they’ll hit that wall of Blue Hens hard. Our players have the hearts of champions, so I am looking forward to enjoying some Washington steak and potatoes.”

If the Eagles win the game, Markell will send Gregoire Dogfish Head Beach Beer (root beer), lima beans and chicken from Sussex County. The wager was based on suggestions from Delawareans through Facebook and Twitter.

“I know this will be a tough game, but I am confident the Eagles will bring home the championship,” said Gregoire. “My husband Mike and I are both looking forward to grilling some Delaware chicken on the barbeque and washing it down with Dogfish Head Root beer.”