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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 9
Another week in the books and it was a pretty good one for me going 6-4 to my dad’s 5-5.
For the year, I have a four game advantage mid-season. Every local team is back in action this week, so we have one helluva line-up ready for all of you.
With a 47-33 record, I’ll be looking to keep rolling in a positive direction, following along with the Pitt Panthers and Steelers. Out of the ten games, my dad and I only disagreed on two.
Lines as of 10/28/2021
NCAA
Saturday, October 30th
Miami (3-4) at #17 Pitt (6-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pitt -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Pitt MJD: Pitt
Pitt may be minus two important starters in RB Israel Abanikanda and WR Jordan Addison, but Miami’s defense is horrible, especially missing their best player in Bubba Bolden for the rest of the year.
Kenny Pickett will take advantage of a bad Miami secondary and the defense will keep ‘Canes QB Tyler Van Dyke under wraps.
#22 Iowa State (5-2) at West Virginia (3-4)
Game Time: 2:00 PM at Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV.
Vegas Line: Iowa State -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Iowa State | MJD: Iowa State
West Virginia got lucky last week and they have shafted me the last two weeks overall. Party is over this week when they visit the #22nd ranked Cyclones.
#6 Michigan (7-0) at #8 Michigan State (7-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI.
Vegas Line: Michigan -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan | MJD: Michigan State
One thing Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been brutal in has been beating rivals. This week Big Blue takes care of business on the road and sets them up for a stretch run that may end up in a playoff.
Duke (3-4) at #13 Wake Forest (7-0)
Game Time: 4:00 PM at Truist Field, Winston-Salem, NC.
Vegas Line: Wake Forest -16.5
The Pick: PSN: Wake Forest | MJD: Wake Forest
Taking a look at the other side of the ACC in Wake Forest, who have an explosive offense, and will likely be Pitt’s opponent in the ACC Championship unless both teams fall apart.
#20 Penn State (5-2) at #5 Ohio State (6-1)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH.
Vegas Line: Ohio State -18.5
The Pick: PSN: Ohio State | MJD: Penn State
Penn State suffered the embarrassment of 47 overtimes last week and couldn’t find a way to beat Illinois, who was a 23.5 point underdog. Ohio State looks to lay the wood to Jimmy Franklin and the Nittany Lions this week, who couldn’t score at a cathouse with a fist full of cash.
Sunday, October 31st
Pittsburgh (3-3) at Cleveland (4-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH.
Vegas Line: Cleveland -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was pretty pissed when asked about him going to USC. I think the foul mood is reflected by his team, including Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh defense, who are looking to pay back Cleveland for bouncing them from the playoffs last year.
Miami (1-6) at Buffalo (4-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -13.5
The Pick: PSN: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
The Bills and Josh Allen look to get back on track after a shocking loss to the Titans. What better team to feed off of than Miami, and team that finds ways to lose every week?
Tennessee (5-2) at Indianapolis (3-4)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.
Vegas Line: Indianapolis -1.5
The Pick: PSN: Tennessee | MJD:
Tennessee has turned it up on the legs of Derrick Henry, defeating both Buffalo and Kansas City back to back. Perplexed on how they are dogs in Indianapolis this week.
Cincinnati (5-2) at NY Jets (1-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Cincinnati | MJD: Cincinnati
The Bengals are on a roll, and will continue to find success against a sorry Jets team. Ja’Marr Chase with another big day.
LA Rams (6-1) at Houston (1-6)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX.
Vegas Line: LA Rams -14.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
The Rams owe both of us one by not covering last week. This bess be a beating of the Texans.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 47-33 — (.587)
MJD: Last Week: 5-5 | Overall: 43-37 -4 (.537)
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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