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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 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 3
It’s on to week three in Against All Odds and both my dad and I look to keep rolling in the right direction. After twenty games in the book, we are both knotted up at 12-8, which is good for a .600 winning percentage.
I was feeling pretty good after Saturday when I was 4-1, but then the bottom fell out on Sunday with Jacksonville, Tennessee and New England failing to show up for their games. It was nice getting wins out of both the Steelers and Browns.
That’s how the ball rolls in gambling. Sky high one moment and punching a wall five minutes later.
Lines as of 9/16/2021
NCAA
Saturday, September 18th
Western Michigan (1-1) at Pitt (2-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pitt -14.5
The Pick: PSN: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Kenny Pickett and the Pitt offense should put up some big numbers again against a weak Broncos defense. As for Western Michigan quarterback Kaleb Eleby? Gonna be a long day with that Pitt defense hunting him down.
#15 Virginia Tech (2-0) at West Virginia (1-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV.
Vegas Line: WVU -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Virginia Tech | MJD: Virginia Tech
I’m not quite believing this spread, so I had to check several sites to make sure the one I use wasn’t on LSD. I know this game is in Morgantown, but I have zero faith that the Mountaineers can hold off a resurgent Hokies team ranked #15 in the country. VaTech all day.
Michigan State (2-0) at #24 Miami (FL) (1-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
Vegas Line: Miami -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan State | MJD: Michigan State
Like the above game, I get that Miami is at home, but they have been awful in both games this year. Michigan State rolls into South Beach 2-0 and leaves with not only the cover, but the win as well.
#8 Cincinnati (2-0) at Indiana (1-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -4.5
The Pick: PSN: Cincinnati | MJD: Indiana
Indiana bounced back after a beating taken in week one, but now get the misfortunes of facing a tough Bearcats squad ranked #8.
#22 Auburn (2-0) at #10 Penn State (2-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.
Vegas Line: Penn State -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Auburn | MJD: Auburn
All in all, Penn State should win this game at home, but asking for the victory to be by a touchdown is asking a bit much. War Eagle!!
Sunday, September 19th
Oakland (1-0) at Pittsburgh (1-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers, as predicted here and in my Preview, stunned the Bills last week, as did the Raiders with the Ravens in overtime on Monday Night Football. Difference this Sunday is the defense Pittsburgh has compared to Baltimore.
Las Vegas QB Derek Carr will be running for his life all day after the ball kicks off at 1:00 pm at Heinz Field. Run rabbit.
LA Rams (1-0) at Indianapolis (0-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.
Vegas Line: LA Rams -3.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
Hard to go against the road team in the LA Rams with the way Matt Stafford and that offense rolled last week. Rams defense behind Aaron Donald will aid in making the cover for LA.
New England (0-1) at NY Jets (0-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.
Vegas Line: New England -5.5
The Pick: PSN: New England | MJD: New England
New England and Mac Jones fell short against the Fish last week as turnovers were a killer. Patriots bounce back big time this week vs the hapless Jets.
Denver (1-0) at Jacksonville (0-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL.
Vegas Line: Denver -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Denver | MJD: Jacksonville
Jacksonville was blown away by Houston even though rookie Trevor Lawrence played well in his NFL debut. The Broncos, even with the loss of WR Jerry Jeudy will have enough offense in front of Teddy Bridgewater to cover on the road.
Tennessee (0-1) at Seattle (1-0)
Game Time: 4:25 PM at Lumen Field, Seattle, WA.
Vegas Line: Seattle -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Seattle | MJD: Seattle
Titans were the most disappointing team last week getting hammered by Arizona and now face an 0-2 start after Russell Wilson and the Seahawks carve them up Sunday evening.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 6-4| Overall: 12-8 — (.600)
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 12-8 — (.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!
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