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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 4
It was a brutal week for football in Pittsburgh, as both Pitt and the Steelers suffered stunning losses. It was equally bad on the picks front, as yours truly went a paltry 4-6, while my dad got it even worse at 2-8.
Week four is ready to roll and Pitt, the Steelers, dad, and I look to have a big bounce back week.
For the year, I have garnered a barely average record of 16-14, good for a two game lead over my dad who is at 14-16.
Lines as of 9/23/2021
NCAA
Saturday, September 25th
New Hampshire (3-0) at Pitt (2-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pitt -23.5
The Pick: PSN: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Disappointing loss by Pitt last week, the kind of loss that has plagued this program for nearly 40 straight years. Panthers and Kenny Pickett should be able to bounce back with a blowout win entering ACC play next week.
Villanova (3-0) at #6 Penn State (3-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.
Vegas Line: Penn State -24.5
The Pick: PSN: Penn State | MJD: Penn State
The Nittany Lions will look to impose their will upon their neighbors in Villanova.
#9 Clemson (2-1) at N.C. State (2-1)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC.
Vegas Line: Clemson -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Clemson | MJD: Clemson
This could come down to the end concerning the line, but I’m confident the Tigers will pull away and make the cover.
Rutgers (3-0) at #19 Michigan (3-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI.
Vegas Line: Michigan -17.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan | MJD: Michigan
Michigan football is starting to look like real Michigan football again. A good smashing of doormat Rutgers will continue the Wolverines down the path to atonement.
West Virginia (2-1) at #4 Oklahoma (3-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK.
Vegas Line: Oklahoma -19.5
The Pick: PSN: West Virginia | MJD: Oklahoma
Oklahoma will be out to punish the Mountaineers, but I can’t see WVU getting spanked by almost three touchdowns.
Sunday, September 26th
Cincinnati (1-1) at Pittsburgh (1-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers and Big Ben need to figure out how to get the offense going. What better team to remedy the situation than the Bengals, whom Pittsburgh has owned for decades?
Washington (1-1) at Buffalo (1-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -8.5
The Pick: PSN: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
Josh Allen and the Bills pounded Miami last week and should have no problem taking down an average D.C. team.
Chicago (1-1) at Cleveland (1-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH.
Vegas Line: Cleveland -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Cleveland | MJD: Cleveland
The Browns face a wounded Bears team that will see rookie Justin Fields start at QB.
Arizona (2-0) at Jacksonville (0-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL.
Vegas Line: Arizona -7.5
The Pick: PSN: Arizona | MJD: Jacksonville
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals will have this wrapped up by the ten minute mark of the 3rd quarter.
Miami (1-1) at Oakland (2-0)
Game Time: 4:05 PM at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV.
Vegas Line: Oakland -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Oakland | MJD: Miami
Miami, who was clubbed 35-0 by the Bills, won’t find much success when they travel to the Death Star to face the Raiders, who stunned the Steelers last Sunday.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 4-6| Overall: 16-14 — (.533)
MJD: Last Week: 2-8 | Overall: 14-16 -2 (.466)
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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