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 14
It’s been a rough few weeks for both my dad and I, as we came down with some illnesses that drained us of all energy and ability to function.
It hasn’t been easy, but we’re both getting back to full strength day by day, if not by the hour.
Heading into the Bowl season and stretch run in the NFL, dad holds a four game advantage over me with a 70-60 record.
Against All Odds Lines as of 12/15/2021
NCAA
Friday, December 17th
Bahamas Bowl
Middle Tennessee State (6-6) at Toledo (7-5)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Bahamas Bowl, Nassau
Vegas Line: Toledo -10.5
The Pick: PSN: Middle Tennessee State | MJD: Middle Tennessee State
In these games, it all comes down to who really wants to be there, and who wants to put forth the effort to win one last game. Double digit points being handed out seems a bit much, so I expect a close game between to barely average teams, especially playing in paradise.
Cure Bowl
Northern Illinois (9-4) at Coastal Carolina (10-2)
Game Time: 6:00 PM at Cure Bowl, Orlando, Fl.
Vegas Line: Coastal Carolina -10.5
The Pick: PSN: Coastal Carolina | MJD: Northern Illinois
Coastal Carolina was ranked all year, but faced some late season adversity. The Chanticleers will be motivated to win their first ever Bowl game, especially vs the MAC Champions in Northern Illinois.
Saturday, December 18th
Boca Raton Bowl
Western Kentucky (8-5) at Appalachian State (10-3)
Game Time: 11:00 AM at Boca Raton Bowl, Boca Raton, Fl.
Vegas Line: Appalachian State -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Appalachian State | MJD: Western Kentucky
Should be a fun game to watch that will see plenty of points scored. What else you gonna do at 11am on a Saturday morning?
New Mexico Bowl
UTEP (7-5) at Fresno State (9-3)
Game Time: 2:15 PM at New Mexico Bowl, Albuquerque, NM.
Vegas Line: Fresno State -11.5
The Pick: PSN: UTEP | MJD: UTEP
Another big spread laid out by Vegas, and I’m going to take a bite on those points again. Neither team is a scoring juggernaut, so expect a close game that gets decided late in the 4th quarter.
Independence Bowl
UAB (8-4) at #13 BYU (10-2)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Independence Bowl, Shreveport, LA.
Vegas Line: BYU -6.5
The Pick: PSN: BYU | MJD: BYU
BYU would certainly like to be playing in a bigger bowl game, but unfortunately, this is as good as it will get for the Cougars, who should be motivated to lay the wood to UAB after such a bitter snub.
NFL
Sunday, December 19th
Tennessee (9-4) at Pittsburgh (6-6-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Tennessee -1.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
I have to be out of my mind taking the Steelers here, but something tells me that #7 is going to take this game over and will this team to a win and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Titans are a paper tiger.
Carolina (5-8) at Buffalo (7-6)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -10.5
The Pick: PSN: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
Buffalo has been one of the most disappointing teams in the league, and if they can’t find the motivation to bury a below average Carolina team, then they deserve to miss the playoffs.
Arizona (10-3) at Detroit (1-11-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Ford Field, Detroit, MI.
Vegas Line: Arizona -13.5
The Pick: PSN: Detroit | MJD: Arizona
Arizona should be primed to put up some big numbers after last week’s lazy effort vs the Rams at home. But winning by almost two touchdowns? I think not.
NY Jets (3-10) at Miami (6-7)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
Vegas Line: Miami -8.5
The Pick: PSN: Miami | MJD: NY Jets
Miami suffered some bitter losses earlier this year, but have bounced back to give themselves an outside shot at the playoffs. A victory vs the lowly Jets will keep that dream alive.
Seattle (5-8) at LA Rams (9-4)
Game Time: 4:25 PM at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA.
Vegas Line: LA Rams-4.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
Seattle has not lived up to their hype, and the Rams are starting to find their footing after some bumpy times. Rams will keep their hopes at the division crown within striking distance.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MJD: Last Week: 3-7 | Overall: 70-60 — (.558)
PSN: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 66-64 -4 (.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
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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!
