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Are you a degenerate gambler? Perhaps you’re someone who picks games against the spread just for fun and to see how smart you really aren’t? If this describes you, or if you just like to be entertained by a crazy sports columnist, you’re in luck, because you’ve stumbled across Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks, a weekly post from the start of the football season, all the way to the Super Bowl, where me, Mike Drakulich (PSN), the man behind Pittsburgh SportsNation, takes on my father, Michael J. Drakulich (MJD), in picking NCAA and NFL games against the Vegas line!
I cover both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers during the season for the fabulous NGSCSports.com!
Normally, we always include the local teams here in Western Pennsylvania, which are Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, and the Pittsburgh Steelers among our weekly picks. This gives me the chance to take shots at the opposing teams I really dislike, enraging certain readers, and adding delight to my busy weekends.
All in all, both my dad and I are pretty good at picking these games, but don’t take our word for it. You’re on your own when you place your bets, so don’t blame us if you lose… but you can share your winnings with us if you wish.
Itchy vs Scratchy. Black Spy vs White Spy. Cheers vs Gary’s Old Towne Tavern. History is full of rivalries, but none are better than father vs son! Who will rise above the other this season and become the 2020-21 Against All Odds Champion?
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks Week 3
Lines as of 10/1/2020
Bounce back week for both my dad and I, each going over .500, but dad gaining two games on me in the early season standings, as he went 8-2 to my 6-4 effort.
NCAA Football Games
Saturday, October 3rd
NC State Wolfpack (1-1) at #24 Pitt Panthers (3-0)
Game Time: Noon at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pitt -13.5
The Pick: PSN: NC State | MJD: Pitt
Reverse psychology here… Pitt has screwed me twice by not covering the spread, when in both games they should have done so easily. The Panther defense is lights out and shouldn’t allow many points at all to the Pack. Question is, will Pitt’s offense finally start firing on all cylinders and go for the kill this week? I say Pitt by 10, but now that I’ve gone against them, they’ll win by 20.
Baylor Bears (1-0) at West Virginia Mountaineers (1-1)
Game Time: Noon at Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV.
Vegas Line: Baylor -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Baylor | MJD: WVU
WVU, like Pitt, kicked me right in the acorns last week by getting heel stomped by Oklahoma State. Baylor looked good in their opener, so that doesn’t bode well for Mountaineer fans and their below average team. No couch bonfires today.
#12 UNC Tar Heels (1-0) at Boston College Eagles (2-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA.
Vegas Line: UNC -13.5
The Pick: PSN: Boston College | MJD: Boston College
UNC squashed Syracuse, and now face an undefeated Eagles squad, who aren’t too good, but they should be able to hang around against a Tar Heels team that hasn’t played since September 12th.
#7 Auburn Tigers (1-0) at #4 Georgia Bulldogs (1-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA.
Vegas Line: Georgia -7.5
The Pick: PSN: Auburn | MJD: Georgia
Superb early season match-up of two top ten teams. This one will go down to the wire, especially with Georgia playing quarterback carousel.
Virginia Cavaliers (1-0) at #1 Clemson Tigers (2-0)
Game Time: 8:00 PM at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC.
Vegas Line: Clemson -27.5
The Pick: PSN: Clemson | MJD: Clemson
Thought about going with the dog getting that much, but Clemson and Trevor Lawrence will roll in prime time under the lights in Death Valley.
NFL
Sunday, October 4th
Indianapolis Colts (2-1) at Chicago Bears (3-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Soldier Field, Chicago, IL.
Vegas Line: Indianapolis -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Chicago | MJD: Indianapolis
Separated by conferences, but still regional rivals, I like Chicago to make Indy eat that line, especially with Nick Foles taking over at QB for da Bears.
Cleveland Browns (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.
Vegas Line: Dallas -4.5
The Pick: PSN: Cleveland | MJD: Dallas
I know, you’re thinking what the hell, is he seriously picking the Browns here? Yes, I am, as Dallas will be under a tremendous amount of pressure, and I see this game being decided by three points or less.
Seattle Seahawks (3-0) at Miami Dolphins (1-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
Vegas Line: Seattle -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Seattle| MJD: Miami
Seattle travels cross country to fry some fish. I like Russell Wilson and the Seahawks to make sushi out of the Dolphins.
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) at Washington Football Team (1-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at FedEx Field, Landover, MD.
Vegas Line: Baltimore -12.5
The Pick: PSN: Baltimore | MJD: Baltimore
The Ravens should be in a foul mood after getting clubbed like a baby seal by the Chiefs. Lamar Jackson excels against chump teams and when things really aren’t on the line.
NY Giants (0-3) at LA Rams (2-1)
Game Time: 4:05 PM at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA.
Vegas Line: LA Rams -12.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
Poor Rams have an awesome new stadium but a jagoff for a governor, just like the one here in PA. Jared Goff and the Rams will pulverize the hapless Giants.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MJD: Last Week: 8-2 | Overall: 12-8 — (.550)
PSN: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 9-11 -3 (.450)
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2019 Champion: MJD
2018 Champion: MJD
2017 Champion: PSN
2016 Champion: MJD
2015 Champion: MJD
2014 Champion: PSN
2013 Champion: PSN
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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