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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?
After a good month of being on fire, it all came crashing down to earth for me last week in the 15 miserable games that were on the docket. It took a lot of effort to finally get above .500, only to go 4-11 and watch my once rising record fall to 80-85 on the season. Dad may have put the killshot on me by adding onto his lead on me to eight games, as he went 8-7, raising his record to a very solid 88-77.
This week we’re going all out with 25 games total, 20 of which finish off Bowl Season before the National Championship next week.
It’s gonna be my final chance to make a miraculous run at the Against All Odds title, as me and dad differ on 10 of the 25.
We hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas, so this week it’s our wish that you enter 2024 with everything you need, but most importantly health, family, and happiness.
Happy New Year, catch you next week to close off the college and NFL regular season and prep for our Christmas week!
Week 18
Against All Odds Lines as of 12/26/2023
NCAA
Wednesday, December 27th
Military Bowl
Virginia Tech (6-6) at Tulane (11-2)
Game Time: 2:00 PM | Venue: Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Annapolis, MD.
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech -10.5
The Pick: MPD: Tulane | MJD: Virginia Tech
Not sure Virginia Tech has enough in the tank to cover a double digit spread against the Green Wave– if with winning the game at all. Tulane has been pretty good on defense giving up 18.9 points a game in 2023.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
North Carolina (8-4) at West Virginia (8-4)
Game Time: 5:00 PM | Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC.
Vegas Line: WVU -7.5
The Pick: MPD: North Carolina | MJD: North Carolina
The Tar Heels will be with star QB and soon to be top draft pick Drake Maye, but there is still enough talent on that team to keep this game in check against the Mountaineers. Watch your couches tonight in Morgantown.
Holiday Bowl
#15 Louisville (10-3) at USC (7-5)
Game Time: 8:00 PM | Venue: Petco Park, San Diego, CA.
Vegas Line: Louisville -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Louisville | MJD: USC
Louisville, when they are on their game, is a very good team, so even with the game in California, I like the Cardinals to take down USC, a team that is giving up 34.9 points per game. Plus, Lincoln Riley is a scumbag and deserves to get a lump of coal for Christmas.
Texas Bowl
Texas A&M (7-5) at #20 Oklahoma State (9-4)
Game Time: 9:00 PM | Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX.
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Oklahoma State | MJD: Texas A&M
The Aggies will have the home field advantage, but I like what Oklahoma State brings to the table in this match-up, despite A&M both scoring more points (34.2) a game, and allowing eight points less at 21.3 PPG. Call it a gut feeling.
Thursday, December 28th
Fenway Bowl
#24 SMU (11-2) at Boston College (6-6)
Game Time: 11:00 AM | Venue: Fenway Stadium, Boston, MA.
Vegas Line: SMU -9.5
The Pick: MPD: SMU | MJD: Boston College
SMU boasts the 6th best offense scoring 40.6 points per game, and with Boston College giving up nearly 30 a game, that tells me that the Mustangs may run away with this one.
Pinstripe Bowl
Rutgers (6-6) at Miami (FL) (7-5)
Game Time: 2:15 PM | Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY.
Vegas Line: Rutgers -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Miami | MJD: Miami
It’s ACC vs Big Ten in this one, and the talent Miami has should be enough to guide them to victory playing at Yankee Stadium. As New Yorkers are prone to saying, “Go back to Jersey, ya morons!”
Pop-Tarts Bowl
#18 NC State (9-3) at #25 Kansas State (8-4)
Game Time: 5:45 PM | Venue: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL.
Vegas Line: Kansas State -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Kansas State | MJD: NC State
Kansas State has a very good offense, 14th in the nation, scoring 38.8 points a game. NC State has a very solid squad and has won their last five games. Should be a close one, but I think the Wildcats will prevail here.
Alamo Bowl
#14 Arizona (9-3) at #12 Oklahoma (10-2)
Game Time: 9:15 PM | Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX.
Vegas Line: Arizona -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Oklahoma | MJD: Oklahoma
The Sooners are 3rd in the NCAA scoring 43.2 points per game. Arizona isn’t so bad either, averaging 34.3 PPG. This should be one of the better games you’ll watch, and the team that makes the least mistakes will take the W in this one, and I think that will be Oklahoma.
Friday, December 29th
Gator Bowl
#22 Clemson (8-4) at Kentucky (7-5)
Game Time: 12:00 PM | Venue: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL.
Vegas Line: Clemson -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Clemson | MJD: Clemson
Clemson comes into this one on a four game winning streak and seems to have found their game too late into the season. I like the Tigers defensively giving up 19.9 a game vs Kentucky.
Sun Bowl
#19 Oregon State (8-4) at #16 Notre Dame (9-3)
Game Time: 2:00 PM | Venue: Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX.
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Notre Dame | MJD: Oregon State
Another entertaining game here, and with the Irish having the better offense scoring 39.1 points a game, and giving up just 16.6, I like Notre Dame to pull away in the 2nd half vs Oregon State.
Liberty Bowl
Memphis (9-3) at Iowa State (7-5)
Game Time: 3:30 PM | Venue: Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN.
Vegas Line: Iowa State -9.5
The Pick: MPD: Memphis | MJD: Memphis
Memphis scores 39.7 a game and is playing at home! What’s not to like here?
Cotton Bowl
#9 Missouri (10-2) at #7 Ohio State (11-1)
Game Time: 8:00 PM | Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.
Vegas Line: Ohio State -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Ohio State | MJD: Ohio State
A huge Big Ten vs SEC game. With what I saw the Buckeyes have defensively, being the 4th best giving up 11 a game, and an offense that puts up 32.8, I think thee Ohio State will have what it takes to take down Missouri. Definitely one of the best games of Bowl season.
Saturday, December 30th
Peach Bowl
#11 Mississippi (10-2) at #10 Penn State (10-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM | Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA.
Vegas Line: Penn State -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Mississippi | MJD: Mississippi
The bridesmaids of the Big Ten in Penn State will bring their fanbase down to Georgia to face off against a tough Ole Miss team. The Rebels score 34.8 a game and will have to navigate through a tough defense that allows just 11.4 a game. The Nittany Lions may win this one, but won’t cover.
Music City Bowl
Auburn (6-6) at Maryland (7-5)
Game Time: 2:00 PM | Venue: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN.
Vegas Line: Auburn -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Auburn | MJD: Auburn
A game of barely average teams… yawn. War Eagle I guess in this one.
Orange Bowl
#6 Georgia (12-1) at #5 Florida State (13-0)
Game Time: 4:00 PM | Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
Vegas Line: Georgia -17.5
The Pick: MPD: Florida State | MJD: Florida State
Florida State got screwed out of playing in the College Football Playoffs because of the injury to their top QB Jordan Travis. Despite going undefeated, the idiots from the selection crew just had to find a way to get a SEC team into the final four, over the team that earned it. Based on the way College Football thinks, teams like the Browns or the Colts shouldn’t be allowed in the NFL playoffs.
Monday, January 1st
ReliaQuest Bowl
Wisconsin (7-5) at #13 LSU (9-3)
Game Time: 12:00 PM | Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL.
Vegas Line: LSU -9.5
The Pick: MPD: LSU | MJD: LSU
LSU has the top offense in college, scoring 46.4 points a game. They face a tough Badgers defense allowing 18.9. Geaux Tigers!
Fiesta Bowl
#23 Liberty (13-0) at #8 Oregon (11-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM | Venue: State Farm Stadium, Tempe, AZ.
Vegas Line: Oregon -17.5
The Pick: MPD: Oregon | MJD: Oregon
The Ducks gave the 2nd best offense in the college ranks, putting up 44.2 a game, and they go up against Liberty, who has the 5th best at 40.8. Good God, this could be fun. Not really… too much talent in Oregon and Liberty hasn’t faced a team like this at all.
Citrus Bowl
#17 Iowa (10-3) at #21 Tennessee (8-4)
Game Time: 1:00 PM | Venue: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL.
Vegas Line: Tennessee -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Tennessee | MJD: Iowa
Iowa games are good for falling asleep, scoring 16.6 a game and giving up just 13.2… Rocky Top put up 31.5 and are just the better team overall.
Rose Bowl
#4 Alabama (12-1) at #1 Michigan (13-0)
Game Time: 5:00 PM | Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA.
Vegas Line: Michigan -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Michigan | MJD: Michigan
The semifinal game of the College Football Playoffs… Michigan has a top offense scoring 36.7 a game and the 2nd best defense giving up 9.4 PPG. Honestly, Alabama has no business being here over Florida State and the Wolverines are going to prove their doubters wrong and head to the National Championship Game.
Sugar Bowl
#3 Texas (12-1) at #2 Washington (13-0)
Game Time: 8:45 PM | Venue: Superdome, New Orleans, LA.
Vegas Line: Texas -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Texas | MJD: Washington
Tremendous match-up, with Washington scoring 37.7 points a game compared to 36.2 put up by the Longhorns. The Huskies have won a lot of close games, but I think their luck runs out this time. It’s gonna be Michigan vs Texas in the Championship.
NFL
Thursday, December 27th
NY Jets (6-9) at Cleveland (10-5)
Game Time: 8:15 PM
Vegas Line: Cleveland -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Cleveland | MJD: NY Jets
The Browns continue to win despite not having Nick Chubb or Deshaun Watson. Joe Flacco has come back from the dead and has Cleveland headed to the playoffs. No matter how many times I say those words, I can’t believe they’re true.
Saturday, December 30th
Detroit (11-4) at Dallas (10-5)
Game Time: 8:15 PM
Vegas Line: Dallas -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Detroit | MJD: Detroit
I like the Lions to catch a Cowboys team that seems to be fading down the stretch. What a surprise that is! Truly crazy times we live in, with both Detroit and Cleveland heading to the playoffs and having double digit wins.
Sunday, December 31st
Las Vegas (7-8) at Indianapolis (8-7)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Indianapolis -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Las Vegas | MJD: Las Vegas
The Colts aren’t that good, and despite poor QB play by the Raiders, their defense and run game has them playing decent football. I think Vegas goes on the road and shocks a very vulnerable Indy team.
Miami (11-4) at Baltimore (12-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Baltimore -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Baltimore | MJD: Baltimore
This could be an AFC Championship Game preview. Baltimore is coming off a beatdown of the 49ers and the Fish are trying to stave off a late change by Buffalo for the AFC East crown. I like the Ravens at home.
Pittsburgh (8-7) at Seattle (8-7)
Game Time: 4:05 PM
Vegas Line: Seattle -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Seattle
The Steelers, who somehow lost three games in a row, two of which to 2-10 teams, elevated Mason Rudolph to starter over Mitch Trubisky, who was in for the injured Kenny Pickett and viola, Pittsburgh comes out of nowhere to destroy Cincinnati 34-11.
It makes no sense to me, but i think that the Steelers will do it again vs a soft Seattle defense and go into the final week with a shot to make the playoffs, a place they really don’t belong, but the way this NFL season is playing out, who knows?
Against All Odds Pick Results
MJD: Last Week: 8-7 | Overall: 88-77 — (.533)
MPD: Last Week: 4-11 | Overall: 80-85 -8 (.507)
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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