NFL playoffs have Northeastern campuses facing off

North Carolina boasts some of the finest barbeque in the country, while Seattle is well known for its fresh seafood.

So it’s no surprise that regional cuisine is what’s at stake in a tasty, friendly wager between Northeastern University-Seattle CEO Tayloe Washburn and Northeastern University-Charlotte CEO Cheryl Richards ahead of Saturday night’s NFL playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers.

If the Panthers lose, Richards will send traditional southern barbeque to the Seattle graduate campus. If the Seahawks lose, Washburn will ship some Pacific salmon to the Tar Heel state’s graduate campus.

“I expect total success this weekend,” Washburn said. “But I will send an appropriate tribute if the unlikely outcome of a loss comes to pass.”

Washburn has great pride for his home team, regularly introducing himself at telemeetings as “Tayloe Washburn, CEO and regional dean of Northeastern University-Seattle campus, in the home of the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.”

Saturday’s game will be played in Seattle, where the Seahawks enjoy one of the best home-field advantages in the NFL. The raucous fans often make it difficult for opposing players to communicate with each other, and have been aptly dubbed “the 12th man.” But Richards is not impressed.

“We don’t need 12 men to be victorious, we only need one: quarterback Cam Newton,” Richards said. “The Charlotte campus is full of Panther pride, and we are very proud of our team making it back to the playoffs.”

To get into the spirit of the game, both campuses have encouraged students, faculty, and staff to wear apparel from their respective teams on Friday.

In the event of a Carolina loss, Richards would send barbeque and comfort food from Mert’s Heart and Soul, a popular food destination in Charlotte. Washburn, on the other hand, hasn’t thought too much about how he’d send the salmon because he doesn’t expect he’ll need to.

The winner of Saturday’s matchup, which kicks off at 8:15 p.m. EST, will advance to the NFC championship game and continue its quest to reach the Super Bowl.