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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 7
Week six was a great one for both my dad and I, with myself coming out on top with an 8-2 record vs his 7-3 spot.
All in all, we are both hopefully trending in a positive direction as we head deeper into the football season.
This week both WVU and Penn State are off so we have some fresh meat on the plate to decide on.
Lines as of 10/14/2021
NCAA
Saturday, October 16th
#10 Michigan State (6-0) at Indiana (2-3)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.
Vegas Line: Michigan State -4.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan State | MJD: Michigan State
The Spartans continue their slow climb up the polls but have a tough test on the road vs Indiana. Sparty will be looking to avenge the 24-0 clubbing they got last year vs the Hoosiers. Indiana hasn’t beaten MSU in consecutive years since winning three straight back in 1967-69.
#11 Kentucky (6-0) at #1 Georgia (6-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA.
Vegas Line: Georgia -21.5
The Pick: PSN: Georgia | MJD: Georgia
The joyride for the Wildcats comes to a screeching halt this week vs the Dawgs, who have clobbered every opponent sans Clemson this year.
Pitt (4-1) at Virginia Tech (3-2)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA.
Vegas Line: Pitt -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
VaTech had trouble stopping Notre Dame’s offense last week and now face a Pitt team that leads the nation in scoring over 52 points per game. A big win on the road here by Pitt sets them up with a huge game vs Clemson next week at Heinz Field. Containing Hokies quarterback Braxton Burmeister will be the key in Pitt taking care of business.
#5 Alabama (5-1) at Mississippi State (3-2)
Game Time: 7:00 PM at Scott Field, Starkville, MS.
Vegas Line: Alabama -16.5
The Pick: PSN: Alabama | MJD: Alabama
The Tide got clipped last week by A&M, so chances are they will be in a very foul mood when they take the field vs Mississippi State.
#22 NC State (4-1) at Boston College (4-1)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA.
Vegas Line: NC State -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Boston College | MJD: NC State
Two solid teams, but I like the Eagles at home in Chestnut Hill.
Sunday, October 17th
Miami (1-4) at Jacksonville (0-5)
Game Time: 9:30 AM at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
Vegas Line: Miami -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Jacksonville | MJD: Miami
It will take a trip to London for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars to find their first victory of the season. Miami has been a disaster all year, and just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, well…
Green Bay (4-1) at Chicago (3-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Soldier Field, Chicago, IL.
Vegas Line: Green Bay -4.5
The Pick: PSN: Green Bay | MJD: Green Bay
The Packers survived the Bengals last week after kicker Mason Crosby developed a case of the yips late in the game. Thankfully for the Packers, his last kick was true. Big rivalry here, so Aaron Rodgers should be hyped to put the Bears away quickly here on the road.
Cincinnati (3-2) at Detroit (0-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Ford Field, Detroit, MI.
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Cincinnati | MJD: Cincinnati
It’s a big game for the Bengals, who would love to move to 4-2 with a win vs Detroit on the road, but it won’t be easy as the Lions have battled everyone to the bitter end despite being 0-5.
LA Rams (4-1) at NY Giants (1-4)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.
Vegas Line: LA Rams -9.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
Aaron Donald and the Rams travel to Jersey to hand out a spanking of the Giants, who finally won a game last week.
Seattle (2-3) at Pittsburgh (2-3)
Game Time: 8:20 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense finally found balance last week in their victory over the Broncos. Now Pittsburgh gets a Seahawks team travelling cross country with Geno Smith at the helm instead of Russell Wilson.
I like the Steelers to pull away in the 2nd half and head into the bye with some momentum before a revenge match-up with Cleveland in week eight of the NFL season.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 8-2 | Overall: 34-26 — (.566)
MJD: Last Week: 7-3 | Overall: 31-29 -3 (.516)
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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