Besides the football teams being excited about the first-ever FAU-FIU rivalry game, both Student Governments are fired up.

They’re so excited that they’re betting on the game’s outcome. FAU’s Student Body President Pablo Paez explains that there’s a trophy that will be kept at the winning school. The losing school’s SG president will have to wear the winning school’s clothes from head-to-toe for a whole day.

“A bet like this will bring spirit at both schools. It shows our involvement for now and years to come,” Paez says.

But will FAU have the home field advantage at the Nov. 23 game?

Not support-wise says Rick Smith, SG’s director of athletics.

“It’s going to be FIU’s home game and I’m basing this on the lack of support for our football team.”

If FAU is serious about going to 1-A, Smith says, we’re going to have to improve our attendance record. “You need an average of 15,000 per game for 1-A, we’re lucky if we have 15,000 this semester after adding all the games together.

“It’s not just our school is better than yours. If FAU goes down two years in a row, it’ll be bad. We’re fighting for recruits,” Smith says.

The rivalry was originally named “War on the Shore,” but with the eminent war in Iraq, many felt that was inappropriate. For now the rivalry remains unnamed.

Regardless of that, Smith feels students should come to the game – even if they have to study.

“Come to the game, bring a book, and study there,” says Smith.