Big Ten Football Week 9: Predictions and Best Bets for Ohio State-Penn State, Michigan-Michigan State, and More

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 lost to No 5 Michigan for The Game. This year, both teams are playing for the Big Ten title and a place in the College Football Playoff. The game is the 125th rivalry between the two schools. Ohio is ranked No 2 in CFP rankings. Michigan is No 3 in rankings and has the fourth-best rushing offense. Running back Blake Corum is injured and his status is unknown. He left the Illinois game last week with an undisclosed injury to his left knee. He is a junior. Cade Stover, who grew up in Ohio, called it the “greatest rivalry in all of sports”

Ohio State will win by 10 points over Michigan. Michigan's best player is injured. The Wolverines defense should be able to slow down the Buckeyes' offense.

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 single-minded. He could be leaving his job soon. It's possible that this week's game could also be his last. His team will focus on the game.

NBC Sports EDGE has taken a deep dive on this week's Big Ten slate. They have their favorite plays for the week.

Michigan State is betting on the underdogs against Penn State.

Michigan State is playing Penn State in the final Big Ten regular-season game of the season. The Spartans lost in double overtime to Indiana last week. Penn Staters are 9-2 and have their bowl eligibility secured. MSU has been bowl-eligible for the past four seasons. NBC's team of college analysts will join NBC Sports YouTube channel for an NCAA College Football Betting Preview Q&A on Friday and Saturday at 11 am Eastern.