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 and 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 2021-22 Against All Odds Champion?
Against All Odds: NCAA and NFL Picks
Week 2
It’s on to week two, and after a pretty good start to the season, both my dad and I are ready to do battle once again. This time the NFL joins the party as Tampa Bay takes on Dallas to open the season this Thursday night.
Lines as of 9/9/2021
NCAA
Saturday, September 11th
#12 Oregon (1-0) at #3 Ohio State (1-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH.
Vegas Line: Ohio State -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Ohio State | MJD: Ohio State
The Buckeyes face a tough test at home as the Ducks fly in from Oregon. Expect some fireworks and a busy scoreboard operator, but in the end, thee Ohio State will pull through.
Pitt (1-0) at Tennessee (1-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN.
Vegas Line: Pitt -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Kenny Pickett and the Panthers travel to Tennessee and look to keep the offense rolling. Expect the Panther defense to make life miserable for Vols QB Joe Milton III when he drops back to pass, and for Tennessee to try and find their success through the running game.
Ball State (1-0) at #19 Penn State (1-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.
Vegas Line: Penn State -20.5
The Pick: PSN: Penn State | MJD: Penn State
Penn State’s offense woke up in time last week for an impressive win at Wisconsin. I’m going with the Lions this week, but admit I’m nervous about them covering by almost three touchdowns.
C.W. Post (0-1) at West Virginia (0-1)
Game Time: 5:00 PM at Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV.
Vegas Line: WVU -27.5
The Pick: PSN: WVU | MJD: WVU
The Mountaineers choked away the game last week with four turnovers vs Maryland. If they have problems vs C.W. Post then this could be a very long season in Morgantown.
Washington (0-1) at Michigan (1-0)
Game Time: 8:00 PM at Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI.
Vegas Line: Michigan -1.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan | MJD: Michigan
Michigan with a big opportunity to vault back into the national spotlight if they can take care of the visiting Huskies.
Sunday, September 12th
Pittsburgh (0-0) at Buffalo (0-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers come into this game with a rejuvenated Ben Roethlisberger, but a suspect offensive line that will need to come together quickly if Pittsburgh is to go where they want to in 2021. The defense will be missing Stephon Tuitt, but overall, will give Josh Allen and the Bills all they can handle.
Arizona (0-0) at Tennessee (0-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN.
Vegas Line: Tennessee -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Tennessee | MJD: Tennessee
Ryan Tannehill and the Titans offense looks ready to roll vs an up and coming Arizona squad. Should be a good game where Derrick Henry and the Titans take over late.
Jacksonville (0-0) at Houston (0-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX.
Vegas Line: Jacksonville -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Jacksonville | MJD: Houston
Trevor Lawrence begins his NFL career in a good spot as the Texans are an awful team and will likely be every opponent’s punching bag in 2021.
Cleveland (0-0) at Kansas City (0-0)
Game Time: 4:25 PM at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO.
Vegas Line: KC -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Cleveland | MJD: Kansas City
The Browns have talked the talk, and now it’s time to walk the walk. I say all bark and no bite, but I’m seeing a late touchdown that makes the cover for Cleveland. Dad is thinking club down city for Cleveland. I actually hope he is right.
Miami (0-0) at New England (0-0)
Game Time: 4:25 PM at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA.
Vegas Line: New England -3.5
The Pick: PSN: New England | MJD: New England
The Patriots are looking to return to their winning ways under the leadership of rookie QB Mac Jones.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 6-4| Overall: 6-4 — (.600)
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 6-4 — (.600)
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2020 Champion: MJD
2019 Champion: MJD
2018 Champion: MJD
2017 Champion: PSN
2016 Champion: MJD
2015 Champion: MJD
2014 Champion: PSN
2013 Champion: PSN
(MJD leads series 5-3)
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!
