SI swimsuit cover girl a 'diehard' Michigan fan

By foxsports
Published

We know Kate Upton has good looks -- just check out the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue now on newsstands -- but does she have brains, too?

Wolverines fans certainly think so. Maybe not Buckeyes fans, though.

Upton described her family as "diehard" Michigan football fans during an appearance on radio host Colin Cowherd's show.

"Every year, we have a huge family reunion after Thanksgiving and go to the Ohio State-Michigan game," Upton said.

The 19-year-old super model was born in St. Joseph, Mich. She is the daughter of Jeff Upton, athletic director at Niles  (Mich.) High School. Her uncle is U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.).

On Nov. 25, 2011, a day before Michigan played Ohio State at the Big House, Upton sent a message on Twitter that read "Go Blue!!" and said she was on her way to Ann Arbor.

A day later, after the Wolverines' 40-34 victory ended a seven-year losing streak to the Buckeyes, Upton tweeted again: "I can go back to NYC happy."

The Wolverines took notice.

Defensive end Ryan Van Bergen posted this message on Twitter a day after the game: "@KATEUPTON thank you for the support ... can a UM player get a RT (re-tweet) for beating Ohio!?"

A short time later, Van Bergen wrote: "@KATEUPTON Appreciate the RT ... stay gorgeous and #goblue."

When Upton completes her SI promotional duties, we suggest she apply to be one of the new FOX Sports Detroit girls.

There's a maize-and-blue jersey waiting just for her.