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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?
In terms of making picks, correct ones, that is, we suck right now.
11-19…?
I somehow went 3-7 last week and gained a game on my dad, who was 2-8, to even us all up after four pitiful weeks.
So we embark on a new week, determined to rise from the ashes and climb the ladder back to respectability.
Honestly, like the Steelers offense under Matt Canada, can it really get any worse?
Week 5
Against All Odds Lines as of 9/29/2022
NCAA
Saturday, October 1st
#4 Michigan (4-0) at Iowa (3-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA.
Vegas Line: Michigan -10.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan | MJD: Iowa
MIchigan struggled a bit last week vs Maryland. I expect that potent offense to awaken again this week.
#22 Wake Forest (3-1) at #23 Florida State (4-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL.
Vegas Line: Florida State -7.5
The Pick: PSN: Wake Forest | MJD: Wake Forest
Wake Forest battled Clemson all game, leading most of it, before gagging the lead away and falling in OT. The Demon Deacons will keep this one close as well vs a resurgent Seminoles team.
Northwestern (1-3) at #11 Penn State (4-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.
Vegas Line: Penn State -26.5
The Pick: PSN: Northwestern | MJD: Penn State
Penn State failed to cover last week vs Central Michigan, so me seeing that kinds of spread here has me going with a subpar Northwestern team to lose, but not by that much. Of course, it’s the Nittany Lions, so I’m sure they’ll shaft me once again.
#2 Alabama (4-0) at #20 Arkansas (3-1)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR.
Vegas Line: Alabama -17.5
The Pick: PSN: Arkansas | MJD: Alabama
Arkansas always plays it tough at home, and the visiting Roll Tide will just miss making that cover.
Georgia Tech (1-3) at #24 Pitt (3-1)
Game Time: 8:00 PM at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pitt -20.5
The Pick: PSN: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Pitt played a rather bland game last week, so let’s hope they were saving the offensive fireworks for a bad Georgia Tech squad.
NFL
Sunday, October 2nd
NY Jets (1-2) at Pittsburgh (1-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: NY Jets
Last chance saloon for this Steelers offense… and defense. If this team can’t beat the freaking Jets, just toss in the white towel on the year.
Washington (1-2) at Dallas (2-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at AT&T Stadium, Arlingron, TX.
Vegas Line: Dallas -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Dallas | MJD: Dallas
Dallas has looked good despite Prescott being out, and the Cowboys should continue their winning ways this week vs DC.
Buffalo (2-1) at Baltimore (2-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
The Bills and Josh Allen fell short last week vs Miami and that spells doom for a porous Raven’s secondary.
LA Chargers (1-2) at Houston (0-2-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX.
Vegas Line: LA Chargers -4.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Chargers | MJD: LA Chargers
The Chargers aren’t living up to the preseason hype, and if they can’t find it in Houston, like Pittsburgh, it’s going to be a long disappointing season.
New England (1-2) at Green Bay (2-1)
Game Time: 4:25 PM at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI.
Vegas Line: Green Bay -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Green Bay | MJD: Green Bay
The Patriots just aren’t that good, and the Packers will dominate at home under Aaron Rodgers, coming off a big win over Tom Brady and the Bucs.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MJD: Last Week: 2-8 | Overall: 11-19 —
PSN: Last Week: 3-7 | Overall: 11-19 —
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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