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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 11
After being on a roll for nearly a month, I took a whack to the jaw last week in games, going a paltry 4-6. Unfortunately for me, my dad continued rolling, going 6-4, thus evening our records at 56-44.
At least WVU didn’t screw me for once, but teams like the Steelers, Bills, Bengals and Eagles sure did on Sunday.
This week features a new slate of very tough match-ups, with my dad and I only disagreeing on two picks.
Come next week, will one of be in the lead again, or tied once more?
Enjoy this week’s early edition thanks to Pitt playing UNC on Thursday night.
Lines as of 11/11/2021
NCAA
Thursday, November 11th
UNC (5-4) at #21 Pitt (7-2)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pitt -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
The ACC Coastal Division crown is nearing Pitt’s reach. All they have to do is take down UNC, a team that has been a pain in the ass to Panther fans since they joined the ACC, with the Tar Heels owning a 6-1 record vs Pitt– the lone loss coming the last time these teams met in 2019. The high powered Pitt offense behind Kenny Pickett will come up big again and lay enough points on the scoreboard to take down the boogeyman in UNC.
Saturday, November 13th
#6 Michigan (8-1) at Penn State (6-3)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.
Vegas Line: Penn State -1.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan | MJD: Michigan
Michigan has been put back into position to make the College Football Playoffs. All Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh needs to do is not choke again vs one of Big Blue’s rivals… This one may come down to the final seconds to decide the winner. Win or lose, Penn State will still have attendance to pat themselves on the back for.
West Virginia (4-5) at Kansas State (6-3)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Bill Snyder Stadium, Manhattan, KS.
Vegas Line: Kansas State -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Kansas State | MJD: Kansas State
WVU’s backs are against the wall if they wish to become Bowl Eligible, but like finding a full set of teeth in someone’s mouth on main street Morgantown, it’s very unlikely.
#19 Notre Dame (8-1) at Virginia (6-3)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA.
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -4.5
The Pick: PSN: Notre Dame | MJD: Virginia
Honestly, I’m not sure how this game is going to go, but based on the last time I picked Virginia and watched them get choked by BYU, I guess I have no choice but to go with the Irish here.
#17 NC State (7-2) at #12 Wake Forest (8-1)
Game Time: 7:30 PM at Truist Field, Winston-Salem, NC.
Vegas Line: Wake Forest -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Wake Forest | MJD: Wake Forest
Wake Forest was one of the teams that shafted me last week, blowing a 18 point lead to UNC, so as I see it, they owe me one. That or maybe the Demon Deacons are throwing their chances to make the ACC Championship so they won’t have to witness Pitt carving their defense up for 50 or more points.
NFL
Thursday, November 11th
Baltimore (6-2) at Miami (2-7)
Game Time: 8:20 PM at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
Vegas Line: Baltimore -7.5
The Pick: PSN: Baltimore | MJD: Baltimore
A Thursday night game NFL here, thanks to Pitt, and I’m glad this game is here, for as much as I dislike Baltimore, they should bury Miami easily, unless bad Lamar Jackson shows up…
Sunday, November 14th
Detroit (0-8) at Pittsburgh (5-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -8.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
If the Pittsburgh offense can’t find a way to score on this team, or their defense stop such a lousy Lions team, I’m going to be very worried about where a 6-3 team will end up. Scraping by each week isn’t going to cut it, especially against one of the dregs of the league. Ben Roethlisberger needs to find is deep passing attack game, and the defense better start learning to tackle and close out games.
Atlanta (4-4) at Dallas (6-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.
Vegas Line: Dallas -8.5
The Pick: PSN: Atlanta | MJD: Dallas
Atlanta has rebounded after a lousy start and even when they lost, the Falcons kept it close. After the beating Dallas took last week vs Denver, the Cowboys may still be a little shell-shocked before finding their footing offensively again. Dallas may win, but not by a touchdown or more.
New Orleans (5-3) at Tennessee (7-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN.
Vegas Line: Tennessee -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Tennessee | MJD: Tennessee
New Orleans, like the Steelers, share 5-3 records and offenses that are struggling to score. Tennessee has been on fire, and they should find enough points, even without Derrick Henry, to defeat the Saints.
Philadelphia (3-6) at Denver (5-4)
Game Time: 4:25 PM at Empower Field
Vegas Line: Denver -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Denver | MJD: Denver
Denver pounded on Dallas last week and should be able to keep that win streak going vs an awful Philadelphia team.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 56-44 — (.560)
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 56-44 — (.560)
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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