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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 (MPD), 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 2023-24 Against All Odds Champion?
A month into the Against All Odds season, and so far, it hasn’t been a banner year.
For the fourth straight time I managed a below average 2-3 for the week, which adds up to 8-12 for the year. Dad had a nice week at 3-2, but like me, is 8-12.
Enough is enough… it’s time to get back to winning games, so we have elevated the picks back up to ten games.
Week 5
Against All Odds Lines as of 9/28/2023
NCAA
Saturday, September 30th
#6 Penn State (4-0) at Northwestern (2-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Penn State -26.5
The Pick: MPD: Penn State | MJD: Northwestern
Penn State has been on a roll, so covering vs a subpar Northwestern team shouldn’t be a problem.
#8 USC (4-0) at Colorado (3-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: USC -21.5
The Pick: MPD: USC | MJD: USC
Colorado was sent back into reality last week by Oregon, and their fall from grace will continue this week vs USC.
#11 Notre Dame (4-1) at #17 Duke (4-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Duke | MJD: Notre Dame
Notre Dame lost a heartbreaker last week vs Ohio State, and now they face a resurgent Duke team that pounded Clemson in the opener. Duke may not win this game, but I like them to cover.
West Virginia (3-1) at TCU (3-1)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: TCU -13.5
The Pick: MPD: TCU | MJD: TCU
West Virginia surprised many last week by defeating Texas Tech, but their fortunes run out this week vs TCU.
Pittsburgh (1-3) at Virginia Tech (1-3)
Game Time: 8:00 PM |
Vegas Line: Pitt -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Pitt has had a horrific start to the season, but the game plan this week should be to pound the ball with Rodney Hammond leading the way, as the Hokies are brutal stopping the run. If Pitt can’t right the ship this week, they never will.
NFL
Sunday, October 1st
Pittsburgh (2-1) at Houston (1-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers offense took baby steps this week vs the Raiders, and should improve even more this week vs the Texans. Houston’s C.J. Stroud has looked pretty good as a rookie so far, but he has yet to face a pass rush like this.
Atlanta (2-1) at Jacksonville (1-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM |
Vegas Line: Jacksonville -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Jacksonville | MJD: Jacksonville
Jacksonville has their backs against the wall, so this is pretty much a win or else game for the Jags, especially at home.
Baltimore (2-1) at Cleveland (2-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Cleveland -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Cleveland | MJD: Baltimore
Baltimore is banged up with injuries, and the Browns are playing superb defense. I like Cleveland to win a hard fought game.
Miami (3-0) at Buffalo (2-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Buffalo -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
Miami has been on a roll, but so has Buffalo. This is the game of the week and maybe a preview of the AFC Championship Game. I like the Bills to take this at home.
New England (1-2) at Dallas (2-1)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Dallas -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Dallas | MJD: Dallas
Dallas was shocked last week vs Arizona, so a big rebound game should be in order for the Cowboys.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MPD: Last Week: 2-3 | Overall: 8-12 —
MJD: Last Week: 3-2 | Overall: 8-12 —
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2023-24 Champion:
2022-23 Champion: MPD
2021-22 Champion: MJD
2020-21 Champion: MJD
2019-20 Champion: MJD
2018-19 Champion: MJD
2017-18 Champion: MPD
2016-17 Champion: MJD
2015-16 Champion: MJD
2014-15 Champion: MPD
2013-14 Champion: MPD
(MJD leads series 6-4)
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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