Most workplaces all over the Midwest seem to be divided between Notre Dame and Michigan fans, and the Chicago Cubs' clubhouse is no different.

The Cubs have two players from Notre Dame (Jeff Samardzija and Aaron Heilman) and two players from Michigan (Jake Fox and Bobby Scales). Having one baseball player from either of those football powerhouses on a major league roster would be impressive, but four on the same team is quite the accomplishment.

"They're not really baseball schools that much," Samardzija said. "So [watching the football game] should be a lot of fun, [there] will be some good talks on Sunday."

It's safe to say the trash-talking has already started, especially between Samardzija and Fox.

"It's been fun," Fox said of the past week in the clubhouse. "It's been fun because nobody really knows. It's gonna be a toss-up because both teams are coming off not-so-good a year, and they're coming off a good first game, it's gonna be fun to watch. Nobody really knows; they looked good last Saturday, we looked pretty good last Saturday, so I think this will show us both where we're at this season, so we're pretty pumped about it."

Samardzija feels the same way.

"I think once everyone saw that Michigan won and Notre Dame won their first games, it kinda made this one a little bit better," the former Fighting Irish wide receiver said. "So yeah, it's been going on a little bit, there's a couple good things going on."

Of course, by a couple good things going on, the Cubs right-hander means a couple of friendly wagers. That's fine with Fox. He has total faith in his Wolverines.

"Even last year, after we started off that season so poorly, going into that last weekend against Ohio State I was still talking trash because I said we were gonna win, but that's the way it goes, whenever you have a loyalty to a team you're always backing them, no matter how it's going," he said. "I've been saying there's been no doubt all week to Jeff and Heilman because that's kind of the way you go into the week with the attitude you go in with.

"I told [Jeff] I don't even want the spread I just want the straight-up [bet]," Fox continued. "I go, 'We're going straight up. Whoever wins.' We're not even going [with] the spread because I think Notre Dame's favored by 3.5. It doesn't matter what Notre Dame's favored by, I still think we're gonna beat 'em."

While he may not be quite as vocal with his support, Samardzija is confident that his Irish will prevail.

"I didn't watch Michigan play last weekend and I missed their game against Western Michigan, so I think it's gonna be a good game," he said. "They both had some tough years last year and maybe they're coming back a little bit. For instance, they're starting three quarterbacks and at least Notre Dame has a guy set in place that's been there for a couple years. That's gonna probably have a lot to do with [the outcome], but we're at the Big House, so maybe that will even that aspect out a little bit, so it should be a good game, and obviously Notre Dame's gonna win and then I can come in here and collect my gentleman's bets, a few handshakes and see what happens."

What exactly are the stakes of this gentleman's bet? Samardzija wouldn't elaborate, but Fox, who predicted a 27-17 Michigan victory, didn't mind shedding a little more light on the wager.

"It's a monetary prize. It's nothing embarrassing, although it should be," Fox said. "I should make him shave his head if Michigan wins, I don't know if he'd go for that one, I think he'd rather pay money than shave his hair."

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