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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 6
It was a mixed week on the Odds ranch, at least for me, who remains stuck in the mud the past three weeks going 5-5 yet again. Dad was able to bounce back with a nice 6-4 record, which puts him two games back of me after 50 picks.
No Pitt Panthers this week as they have a bye before heading to Virginia Tech next week.
Lines as of 10/7/2021
NCAA
Saturday, October 9th
WVU (2-3) at Baylor (4-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at McLane Stadium, Waco, TX.
Vegas Line: Baylor -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Baylor | MJD: Baylor
These two teams have broken the scoreboard in previous encounters, but I doubt that will be the case this week, at least if you’re rooting for the Mountaineers, who were humbled at home against Texas Tech.
Baylor will surely bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season in week five vs Oklahoma State 24-14.
#11 Michigan State (5-0) at Rutgers (3-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at SHI Stadium, Picataway, NJ.
Vegas Line: Michigan State -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan State | MJD: Michigan State
The Spartans continue their trek up the polls and should have no problem handling the likes of Rutgers.
Boise State (2-3) at #10 BYU (5-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT.
Vegas Line: BYU -5.5
The Pick: PSN: BYU | MJD: BYU
The Cougars face a sub .500, but dangerous Boise State team, however, BYU will take over in the 2nd half and make the cover.
#4 Penn State (5-0) at #3 Iowa (5-0)
Game Time: 4:00 PM at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA.
Vegas Line: Iowa -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Iowa | MJD: Iowa
Iowa has historically been a tough opponent for Penn State, and it appears the Nittany Lions good fortunes will come crashing down this week vs a very talented Hawkeyes team at home. RB Tyler Goodson will be the difference in this game, and if he does fail to produce, PSU could pull the minor upset on the road.
#14 Notre Dame (4-1) at Virginia Tech (3-1)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA.
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Virginia Tech | MJD: Notre Dame
Virginia Tech had a bad loss against the Mountaineers a few weeks ago, but a win against the Fighting Irish will cure those blues in a hurry.
Sunday, October 10th
Denver (3-1) at Pittsburgh (1-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Heinz Field, PA.
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -1.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Both Ben Roetlhisberger and the Steelers have their backs against the wall. A loss here could bury the season five games in. Call me crazy, but I see Pittsburgh finding a way to get Big Ben jump started and this season back on track.
Green Bay (3-1) at Cincinnati (3-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH.
Vegas Line: Green Bay -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Green Bay | MJD: Green Bay
Are the Bengals for real? We’ll soon find out by 4:00 pm Sunday…
Tennessee (2-2) at Jacksonville (0-4)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL.
Vegas Line: Tennessee -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Tennessee | MJD: Tennessee
Tennessee gagged last week vs the win-less Jets. God help them if the do this two weeks in a row.
Chicago (2-2) at Las Vegas (3-1)
Game Time: 4:05 PM at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV.
Vegas Line: Las Vegas -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Las Vegas | MJD:Las Vegas
Justin Fields has been handed the keys to the Chicago offense, but I doubt he’ll be able to produce enough to keep up with Derek Carr and the Raiders.
Cleveland (3-1) at LA Chargers (3-1)
Game Time: 4:05 PM at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA.
Vegas Line: LA Chargers -2.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Chargers | MJD: LA Chargers
Two teams trying to prove that they are for real and true contenders in 2021. I’ll give the advantage to the Chargers in that superb complex they call home at SoFi Stadium.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 5-5 | Overall: 26-24 — (.525)
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 24-26 -2 (.450)
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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