Against All Odds

Against All Odds: NCAA and NFL Picks

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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 8

Week seven went well for both myself and my dad, as we both posted 7-3 records. After treading water for a few weeks, both of us have gotten hot, and look to continue down that path.

For the year, I stand at 41-29, good for a three game advantage. Feel free to check out the fellows at CBS Sports, who also pick against the odds in NCAA and NFL action, and you’ll see we are superior to all but one “expert” on their panel of 14.

Penn State and WVU are back in action, with Pitt hosting a huge game vs Clemson. The Steelers are off this week before a exceptional game vs Cleveland coming up next week.

Lines as of 10/21/2021

NCAA 

Saturday, October 23rd

Illinois (2-5) at #7 Penn State (5-1)

Game Time: 12:00 PM at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.

Vegas Line: Penn State -23.5

The Pick: PSN: Penn State | MJD: Penn State

I almost went with Illinois here, but this is a game where the Nittany Lions, at home, will have to cover if they expect to move up at all in the tightly contested polls. PSU better enjoy a cupcake here as Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State await in the last five weeks remaining.

 

#9 Oklahoma State (6-0) at Iowa State (4-2)

Game Time: 3:30 PM at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA.

Vegas Line: Iowa State -7.5

The Pick: PSN: Oklahoma State | MJD: Oklahoma State

This is a game where I’m asking myself how the hell the #9 ranked team is a touchdown dog? It almost seems like a trap, but I’m not falling for it. Even if the Cowboys lose, it won’t be by that much.

Clemson (4-2) at #23 Pitt (5-1)

Game Time: 3:30 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.

Vegas Line: Pitt -3.5

The Pick: PSN: Pitt | MJD: Pitt

There are games, and then there are games! Pitt, with their biggest home game in over a decade, have a chance to showcase their talents against the biggest bully in the ACC in Clemson. The Tigers may have two losses, but they were to #1 ranked Georgia by a touchdown, and to NC State in overtime. All in all though, Pitt is the better team, especially on offense, and that is where this game will be won.

WVU (2-4) at TCU (3-3)

Game Time: 7:30 PM at Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX.

Vegas Line: TCU -4.5

The Pick: PSN: TCU | MJD: TCU

I pretty much have zero faith in the Mountaineers at this point, especially when travelling into Texas. All couches will be safe Saturday night in Morgantown.

 

#18 NC State (5-1) at Miami (FL) (2-4)

Game Time: 7:30 PM at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.

Vegas Line: NC State -3.5

The Pick: PSN: NC State | MJD: NC State

I owe the Pack one from last week when I thought Boston College would show up at home. They didn’t. NC State rolled, and likely will again this week vs the Hurricanes. The Pack is more than welcome to soften up Miami a bit before they visit Pittsburgh in week nine.

 

Sunday, October 24th

Kansas City (3-3) at Tennessee (4-2)

Game Time: 1:00 PM at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN>

Vegas Line: Kansas City -5.5

The Pick: PSN: Tennessee | MJD: Kansas City

Kansas City and Pat Mahomes aren’t playing up to their normal level right now, and their defense is horrible. I see Derrick Henry and the Titans running all over KC and pulling the minor upset at home.

 

Cincinnati (4-2) at Baltimore (5-1)

Game Time: 1:00 PM at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD>

Vegas Line: Baltimore -6.5

The Pick: PSN: Cincinnati | MJD: Cincinnati

Cincinnati is playing pretty good at the moment, but so is Baltimore who crushed the Chargers last week. Tough game, but I like the Bengals to make the cover in this game if not pull the upset.

 

Philadelphia (2-4) at Las Vegas (4-2)

Game Time: 4:05 PM at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV.

Vegas Line: Las Vegas -3.5

The Pick: PSN: Las Vegas | MJD: Las Vegas

The Eagles have been grounded, and a trip to Las Vegas won’t be one of pleasure for them. Derek Carr and the Raiders should roll at home.

 

Detroit (0-6) at LA Rams (5-1)

Game Time: 4:25 PM at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA.

Vegas Line: LA Rams -14.5

The Pick: PSN: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams

The Rams were able to club the Giants last week, and now get to pad their stats against this week vs the hapless Lions.

 

Houston (1-5) at Arizona (6-0)

Game Time: 4:25 PM at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ.

Vegas Line: Arizona -16.5

The Pick: PSN: Arizona | MJD: Arizona

The Cardinals carved up Cleveland last week and should no issue repeating that performance against a weak Houston squad.


Against All Odds Pick Results

PSN: Last Week: 7-3 | Overall: 41-29    —   (.585)

MJD: Last Week: 7-3 | Overall: 38-32   -3   (.542)

 

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)

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Mike Drakulich

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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Mike DrakulichYour source for Pittsburgh sports!
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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