DeWine bets candy on OSU

Sen. Mike DeWine is wagering his wife Fran's homemade buckeye candy that No. 1-ranked Ohio State University, his alma mater, will beat No. 2-ranked University of Texas.

If he wins, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, a Texas Republican and UT grad, will owe him a tub of her state's Blue Bell ice cream.

Last year, in Columbus, the two teams went head-to-head and the Longhorns pinned the Buckeyes 25-22. This year, the game will be played in Austin, but the Associated Press poll ranks OSU higher.

"I believe in Ohio State and I know that, with Coach Tressel at the helm and backed by the greatest fans in the nation, the Bucks will come out on top," DeWine said in a news release. "My kids and grandkids have been anticipating the game for weeks and Buckeye fever is sweeping my office. I look forward to enjoying Texas' finest ice cream and an Ohio State victory. Go Bucks!"

Hutchison shot back: "Our victory over the Buckeyes on their home turf last year made Ohio State a mere statistic in our record-setting, national championship season. I commend Senator DeWine for his brave wager against a strong Texas football force, but we can't wait to celebrate another victory on Saturday in a sea of burnt orange. Hook 'em!"