WATCH: Sen. JD Vance jokes about Ohio State-Michigan rivalry during RNC speech

It always comes back to "The Game," doesn't it?

On Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance formally accepted the party nomination for vice president, cementing his status as former President Donald Trump's running mate for the 2024 election. In introducing himself to a wider audience, the 39-year-old made sure to highlight his Buckeye State roots.

"My name is JD Vance, from the great state of Ohio," he proudly declared at the start of his acceptance speech.

Fittingly speaking in the heart of Big Ten Country, Vance's words brought cheers from the crowd, most notably those from his native state. Perhaps predictably, the Ohio delegation quickly began the customary "O-H-I-O!" chant, with Vance egging them on and joining in.

​But ever the politician, Vance also recognized how this could make things a little... awkward...

"You guys, we've got to chill with the Ohio love," he noted. "We've got to win Michigan too here."

Yes, even in the world of presidential politics, college football's greatest rivalry can't escape the spotlight.

With the Rust Belt primed to once again play a critical role in November, the Trump campaign hopes Vance's deep roots in the region can connect with potential swing voters. However, it's also safe to assume they're hoping his status as a Buckeye won't be a turn-off to Wolverine fans, especially since "That State Up North" barely swung for incumbent President Joe Biden in 2020.

For you see, Vance isn't just a Buckeye by birth — his heart truly bleeds Scarlet and Gray, having earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio State in 2009.

And even with Michigan's electoral votes hanging in the balance, he had to let the world know he is, indeed, a proud alum.

"I left the Marines after four years and went to THE Ohio State University," he said later in the speech. He would then admit, "I'm sorry, Michigan. I had to get that in there."

The Ohio delegates continued to erupt in "O-H-I-O!" cheers. Conversely, the Michiganders began to boo, before eventually chiming in with their own chants of "Let's Go Blue!"

​"Come on, come on," Vance laughed. "We've had enough political violence." --

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[kevinpugh]

That's exactly how "the Ohio State University, " sounds. Fortunately, it is "The Ohio State University." Yes, there is a difference.

[DavidPisa-ot]

What's open on both ends and "high" in the middle? Both sides of JD Vance's face!