WASHINGTON— U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) made a friendly wager today on the outcome of the 2016 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl between the Old Dominion University Monarchs from Norfolk, Va. and the Eastern Michigan University Eagles from Ypsilanti, Mich. Sen. Warner is wagering a case of beer from Norfolk-based brewery O’Connors against beer that Sen. Stabenow will provide from Ypsilanti’s Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. This is the first bowl bid for ODU (9-3, 7-1 C-USA), and only the second in program history for EMU (7-5, 4-4 MAC).

“Coach Bobby Wilder and the ODU Monarchs are headed to the Bahamas after winning eight of their last nine games and finishing their season 9-3,”said Sen. Warner. “It is impressive the Monarchs are bowl-bound in just their eighth season of football, and I’m confident ODU will defeat EMU for the third time in three years.”

“The mighty Eastern Michigan University Eagles are one of four talented teams from our great state headed to a bowl game this year,” said Senator Stabenow. “I have no doubt that Coach Creighton has the team focused, determined, and prepared to topple the Old Dominion Monarchs. We are all looking forward to a big win for the Eagles in Nassau.”

The event, officially known as the “Popeyes Bahamas Bowl,” is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-sanctioned Division 1 college football game, which will be played in Nassau, Bahamas at the Thomas Robinson Stadium on December 23rd this year. 

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