2022 Bayou Classic: More than a football game

No. 2 Ohio State beat Maryland (6-5) and No. 3 Michigan (11-0) beat Illinois (7-4) in the Big Ten. The teams will play each other in a rivalry game in 2022. Iowa controls its own destiny in Big League West with a win over Nebraska (3-8).

A year ago, the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes traveled to Ann Arbor to take on No 5 Michigan for The Game. The Wolverines won the game and earned a spot in the Big Ten title game. This year, Ohio is the second-most efficient passing offense in FBS and the fourth-best rushing offense. Michigan is No 3 in CFP rankings. Running back Blake Corum's status is unknown for this Saturday's game because he injured his knee last week. It's the 125th anniversary of the rivalry between the two schools. They are playing each other in a game that is considered to be more than a football game, but also a sporting event.

2022 Bayou Classic is more than a football game. Michigan's best player is injured. The Wolverines defense should be able to slow down the Buckeyes' offense. OSU's receivers break open the game enough to win by 10.

Iowa is currently atop the Big Ten West standings. A win over Nebraska will send them to play for the title against the winner of Ohio State-Michigan. The game is played on Black Friday. Iowa has won the last seven Heroes Trophies. Nebraska is on a five-game losing streak and hasn't scored more than two touchdowns since October 15. Iowa is fourth in the conference in scoring defense and Nebraska's is 12. Mickey Joseph's team is focused on the game. He could be leaving his job soon. It's possible that this week's game could also be his last. His team lost to Wisconsin.

NBC Sports EDGE has picked their favorite plays from this week's Big Ten slate.

Michigan State is playing in the Bayou Classic. The Spartans lost in double overtime to Indiana last week. Penn State has its bowl eligibility secured. MSU has won just once in their last three trips to Happy Valley. The game is the final Big Ten regular-season game of the season. It's also the last chance for Michigan State to win a bowl spot. NBC's team of college analysts will discuss the game on Friday and Saturday at 11 am Eastern.