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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. Pepsi vs Coke. 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 2022-23 Against All Odds Champion?
Last week had most of the games coming down to the last moments to decide the winner, sans that beating that Georgia handed Oregon.
One more warm-up week before we extend to ten games a week.
So far, I’m up by one game over my dad at 3-2.
Week 2
Against All Odds Lines as of 9/8/2022
NCAA
Saturday, September 10th
Ohio (1-0) at Penn State (1-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.
Vegas Line: Penn State -25.5
The Pick: PSN: Ohio | MJD: Penn State
Last week, it was nice of Penn State to comeback and make the cover vs Purdue. This week, the Nittany Lions should win without any late game heroics, but Ohio does have some nice offensive power, so count on the Bobcats to keep this from a blowout.
#24 Tennessee (1-0) at #17 Pitt (1-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Tennessee -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Not sure what the hell the front seven was doing for Pitt last week, but this unit is too good not to make adjustments. Despite a few hiccups, Kedon Slovis and the Pitt offense did put 31 points on the board to boot. Perplexed by the disrespect for the Panthers, but Pitt is going to make the Vols eat that spread the are favored by.
Kansas (1-0) at West Virginia (0-1)
Game Time: 6:00 PM at Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV.
Vegas Line: WVU -13.5
The Pick: PSN: WVU | MJD: WVU
The Mountaineers had many questions entering the season with so many transfers now occupying starting spots, but WVU earned my respect last week vs Pitt. Now time to build off the tough loss and send Kansas to the yellow brick road in Morgantown.
NFL
Sunday, September 11th
Pittsburgh (0-0) at Cincinnati (0-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH.
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
I cannot understand the hate and lack of attention the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting by both the local and national media. The defense will be much improved over last year’s injury plagued group, and the offense has a rejuvenated Mitch Trubisky, who has a bevy of weapons at his disposal. The offensive line has some work to do, but for the love of God, this is the salary cap era… EVERY team has weaknesses and or depth issues somewhere.
The Steelers went to Buffalo last year in the opener and shocked the Bills. Don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh takes care of business vs the Bengals.
Cleveland (0-0) at Carolina (0-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC.
Vegas Line: Carolina -1.5
The Pick: PSN: Carolina | MJD: Carolina
Baker Mayfield gets the nod at QB in Carolina, and you know he is salivating going up against his former team that tossed him directly under the team bus. No Deshaun Watson for 11 games, and with Jacoby Brissett under center for the Browns, it will be an ugly start to the season.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 3-2 | Overall: 3-2 —
MJD: Last Week: 2-3 | Overall: 2-3 -1
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2021 Champion: MJD
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 6-3)
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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