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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! 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 15
Lines as of 12/24/2020
Last week… well, what a kick in the nuts it was. After going 9-1 the week before, I got the shaft over and over, going reciprocal, with a mind-blowing 1-9 record. To boot, in my Family Fantasy Football league, my team was undefeated headed into the playoffs, blowing most teams away by 30 plus a week… I was up by ten heading into the Browns – Giants Sunday night game, and held the lead until the very last two plays, both passes to Darius friggin Slayton, and I somehow lose by one.
Seriously, getting railed 1-9 wasn’t enough?
Perhaps this week will be better, as only two weeks remain in the NFL regular season, and the college bowl season has arrived.
May you and your families have a Merry Christmas! Against All Odds I will try to rebound my picks and avoid the Grinch.
NCAA
Friday, December 25th
Camellia Bowl
Marshall Thundering Herd (7-2) at Buffalo Bulls (5-1)
Game Time: 2:30 PM at Camellia Bowl, Montgomery, AL.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
Buffalo was rolling along, scoring 47.8 points per game until they were stunned by Ball State 38-28. Marshall was once #15 in the rankings with a 7-0 record, but have lost their last two games. I think Buffalo’s #1 ranked rushing attack (310 yards per game) overwhelms Marshall here. The Bulls Brenden Knox has 887 yards rushing in six games.
Saturday, December 26th
First Responder Bowl
#19 LA Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (9-1) at University Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners (7-4)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at First Responder Bowl, Dallas, TX.
Vegas Line: LA Lafayette -12.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Lafayette | MJD: LA Lafayette
The Ragin’ Cajuns are still hot under the collar for being denied the opportunity for a rematch vs Coastal Carolina in the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game. They’ll take out their frustrations on the Roadrunners in big fashion.
Cure Bowl
Liberty Flames (9-1) at #12 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (11-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Cure Bowl, Orlando, FL.
Vegas Line: Coastal Carolina -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Coastal Carolina | MJD: Liberty
Give me Liberty or give me… Coastal Carolina? Yes, the Chanticleers will have much to be angry about being pitted against Liberty instead of a New Year’s Day game vs a Power Five conference team. The NCAA system is a complete joke. Tell me, who wouldn’t want to see Coastal Carolina go up against Alabama in a #1 vs #16 seed game?
This game was actually scheduled to be played earlier this month, but the Flames couldn’t play because of a positive COVID test, so the Chanticleers took on BYU and ended their undefeated season and hopes of a big time bowl game. QB Grayson McCall will lead his team to 12-0.
Tueday, December 29th
Cheez-It Bowl
#21 Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-3) at #18 Miami Hurricanes (8-2)
Game Time: 5:30M at Cheez-It Bowl, Orlando, FL.
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Miami | MJD: Miami
Miami was carved up by UNC 62-26 in their last game. Oklahoma State will be without star running back Chuba Hubbard who opted out early for the NFL Draft. This was a guy that rushed for 2,094 yards and 21 TD’s. It’s pretty much a toss up game, but I’ll go with the Hurricanes since this game is in Florida.
Alamo Bowl
#20 Texas Longhorns (6-3) at Colorado Buffaloes (4-1)
Game Time: 9:00 PM at Alamo Dome, San Antonio, TX.
Vegas Line: Texas -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Texas | MJD: Colorado
Old rivals meet again, sadly in a Bowl game instead of yearly like they used to… Kinda hard to go against all odds and the Longhorns playing in front of their fans in Texas. This will be their 5th appearance, and 2nd straight in the Alamo Dome.
NFL
Friday, December 25th
Minnesota Vikings (6-8) at New Orleans Saints (10-4)
Game Time: 4:30 PM at Superdome, New Orleans, LA.
Vegas Line: New Orleans -6.5
The Pick: PSN: New Orleans | MJD: New Orleans
New Orleans is coming off a hard fought loss to Kansas City. Drew Brees looked good once he shook off the rust. Saints roll.
Saturday, December 26th
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5) at Detroit Lions (5-9)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Ford Field, Detroit, MI.
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay -8.5
The Pick: PSN: Tampa Bay | MJD: Tampa Bay
Tom Brady and the Bucs secure a playoff spot over the hapless Lions.
Miami Dolphins (9-5) at Las Vegas Raiders (7-7)
Game Time: 8:15 PM at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV.
Vegas Line: Miami -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Miami | MJD: Miami
Miami can ill afford a loss, as the Ravens are knocking on the door right behind them. The Raiders have just collapsed after a promising start. The Fish survive a close shave.
Sunday, December 27th
Cleveland Browns (10-4) at NY Jets (1-13)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.
Vegas Line: Cleveland -8.5
The Pick: PSN: Cleveland | MJD: Cleveland
Cleveland and Baker Mayfield are playing well heading down the stretch. The Browns should be able to overwhelm the Jets, who stupidly won last week and handed control of the #1 pick and Trevor Lawrence over to Jacksonville.
Indianapolis Colts (10-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Indianapolis -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
I know, I know, you’re thinking homer pick here with Pittsburgh, but these are the types of games where something that looks too good to be true as just that. Everyone on earth is thinking Indianapolis is going to roll the Steelers who have suddenly forgot how to play offense, but I have a feeling Ben Roethlisberger wakes up this week.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 1-9 | Overall: 73-67 — (.521)
MJD: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 72-68 -1 (.514)
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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