CHARLOTTE -- There will be more on the line than just state pride when the University of North Carolina Tar Heels take on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium Thursday night in Charlotte.

Governor Pat McCrory and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley have made a friendly wager involving barbecue.  The two have agreed that the governor of the losing state will send a shipment of their state’s barbecue to the winner.

There is no question that nothing compares to North Carolina barbecue,” said Governor McCrory in a press release issued with tongue firmly in cheek. “While I fully expect the Tar Heels to be victorious, if South Carolina wins the game Governor Haley definitely gets the better end of the deal.”

Governor Haley refused to get into a war of words but noted she was already making dinner plans based on the outcome of the game.

“We realize we could get into a back and forth of smack talk with Governor McCrory but we consider him a friend and will let the players speak for themselves by way of the scoreboard,” said Governor Haley. “Michael and I look forward to sharing some North Carolina barbecue with the Spurriers.”

Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday 6:00 pm.  It will be the season opener for both teams.

North Carolina has its own battle between “Eastern” and “Western” barbecue.  Because of that, Governor McCrory has taken to social media to ask his fellow North Carolinians to help decide which version of North Carolina barbecue (or both) should be part of the wager.

Vote at this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3H3FJMP