TOLEDO, Ohio — Ohio State and Michigan football are set to kick off in one of the biggest college football games this season.
It's a storied rivalry that energizes fans on both sides of the state line and some residents have strong thoughts.
Of those residents, some are also of the four-legged variety.
On Wednesday morning, WTOL 11 got an exclusive look at the personal thoughts of three of Toledo's biggest furry residents.
The Toledo Zoo's brown bears were consulted for their votes on "The Game." The zoo has three brown bears in total, two female grizzly bears named Cody and Montana, and a male Kodiak bear named Dodge.
With a variety of treats scattered across the enclosure and on top of both Ohio State and Michigan-themed boxes, Dodge raced out first and quickly sniffed out the Wolverines setup.
He then proceeded to eat, which seemed to indicate a clear choice. But then, he began destroying the Michigan box as well.
Unclear on Dodge's official decision, WTOL 11 spoke with large mammal zookeeper Kristin Dailey to help translate.
"We were expecting Dodge to come out, he really likes bright colors and the color red," Daley said. "So, we thought he'd go for Ohio State but ended up going to the Michigan box. However, he did eat a Buckeye first so I'm going to go with OSU."
The lone male in the Kodiak Ridge exhibit, which recently opened in spring, weighs over 1,100 lbs. If interested, the zoo is offering a paid behind-the-scenes tour with the bears this weekend from Nov. 25-26.
Whether a football fan or just fond of food, these special occasions provide excitement for both animals and humans.
"When we use things like boxes with animal-safe paint or we use their diet to make fun ice cakes or chow, that's enrichment for the animals and it's also fun for us to make," Dailey said. "It's also fun for guest and sports fans to maybe see their favorite animal pick their favorite team or not. Regardless, it's fun all the way around."
As for the official outcome, the two teams will decide that on the field Saturday.
Be sure to tune in to WTOL 11 for a "Rivalry" special from 10-11 a.m. for everything you need to know about the local talent and biggest fans from northwest Ohio and beyond before the big game kicks off on FOX36 at noon.