0
0
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! Check out the Draftkings welcome offer to see how you can win big and find many bonuses.
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 7
Lines as of 10/29/2020
In terms of weeks picking games, mine sucked out loud, but somehow, I was able to gain a game over my dad who had his first bad week in quite sometime, going 3-7 to my 4-6. My overall record of 28-32 is appalling, and I’m hoping to have a big week to get back above the waterline. Dad is still as good as it gets at 34-26 despite the bad week.
NCAA Football Games
Saturday, October 31st
#16 Kansas State Wildcats (4-1) at West Virginia Mountaineers (3-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM, at Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV.
Vegas Line: WVU -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Kansas State | MJD: Kansas State
The Mountaineers couldn’t handle Texas Tech last week. It will be another lonely night in Morgantown after sixteenth-ranked Kansas State comes to Mountaineer Field and thumps WVU.
Memphis Tigers (3-1) at #7 Cincinnati Bearcats (4-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH.
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Cincinnati | MJD: Cincinnati
The common opponent for both was SMU, whom Memphis lost to, but the Bearcats clobbered. Cincinnati rolls again.
#20 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (5-0) at Georgia State Panthers (2-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta, GA,
Vegas Line: Coastal Carolina -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Coastal Carolina | MJD: Georgia State
The Chanticleers make Against All Odds, which should make the wife ecstatic. I’ve watched Coastal Carolina play twice, and Georgia State once, and based on observances, I like the Myrtle Beach based university to take care of business.
#3 Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) at #18 Penn State Nittany Lions (0-1)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.
Vegas Line: Ohio State -11.5
The Pick: PSN: Ohio State | MJD: Ohio State
Ohio State and Justin Fields looked incredible last week. Penn State, well… did not, as James Franklin’s dumb decision to score a late touchdown allowed Indiana to get the ball back and tie it up, before winning it in dramatic fashion over the stunned Nittany Lions. Now PSU is down their top two RB’s. It’s going to be beatdown city for my poor cousin’s and Kum’s team this Saturday night. My advice? Drink heavily to deaden the pain.
#15 UNC Tar Heels (4-1) at Virginia Cavaliers (1-4)
Game Time: 8:00 PM at Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA.
Vegas Line: UNC -6.5
The Pick: PSN: UNC | MJD: UNC
UNC was stunned two weeks ago at the hands of Florida State, and they responded by killing N.C. State last week, so I’m expecting the Tar Heels to pound the life out of Virginia Saturday night in Charlottesville.
NFL
Sunday, November 1st
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-0) at Baltimore Ravens (5-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD.
Vegas Line: Baltimore -4.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Two bitter rivals meet up with much on the line, as a Steeler victory would give Pittsburgh a two game advantage in the AFC North, and the inside shot at one of the top seeds in the AFC playoffs. I really like Pittsburgh’s defense to hinder Lamar Jackson and the Raven’s rushing attack, and for Ben Roethlisberger to bounce back after a lackluster effort throwing the ball last week in a tough win over the Titans.
New England Patriots (2-4) at Buffalo Bills (5-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Bills Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
Could this game be the one that spells the beginning of the end of the Patriot’s Era in the AFC East. A Bills win here would give Buffalo a huge three game lead in the loss column and force New England to almost be perfect the rest of the season.
Tennessee Titans (5-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-5-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH.
Vegas Line: Tennessee -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Tennessee | MJD: Tennessee
Cincinnati always plays their opponents tough, but in true Bungles fashion, they always find a way to trip in the mud, allowing Michael Myers to catch up and drive a stake through their backs. Tennessee will be out for blood after their loss to the Steelers last week, so I doubt this one comes down to the wire.
Minnesota Vikings (1-5) at Green Bay Packers (5-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Lambeau, Green Bay, WI.
Vegas Line: Green Bay -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Green Bay | MJD: Green Bay
Two teams headed in opposite directions. The Packers will bury the Vikings behind a resurgent Aaron Rodgers.
NY Jets (0-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO.
Vegas Line: Kansas City -19.5
The Pick: PSN: Kansas City | MJD: Kansas City
I must say, giving up nearly twenty points is massive in the NFL, but the Jets more resemble a team from the MAC than they do a pro football squad. The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes will throttle New York by 24 or more.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MJD: Last Week: 3-7 | Overall: 34-26 — (.566)
PSN: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 28-32 -6 (.466)
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!
-
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!
Latest entries
FeaturesMarch 18, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports
FeaturesMarch 12, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports
FeaturesMarch 3, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports
FeaturesFebruary 25, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports