0
0
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?
The New Year is upon us, and now it’s our Christmas Weekend, as we prep for Week 19 of the Against All Odds season.
We went all out in week 18, putting out 25 games, with myself going 13-12 and dad going 11-14, enabling me to cut his lead to four games with 21 games to go.
The bowl games we went with are becoming more ridiculous each year, with so many players opting out, and basically making the odds a total guess and a sham.
The NIL and transfer portal crap is getting out of hand and couldn’t have been intended to cause the nightmare college football is experiencing now.
Changes have to be implemented. College isn’t meant to be free agency. To me, if you receive NIL money, you are obligated to play in EVERY game your team plays in, including the bowl game, unless you are ruled out medically, and with the transfer portal, you get to use it ONE time, and one time only. If you choose to transfer again, you go back to the old rules where you sit out a year.
The madness has to stop, and it is ruining college football.
This week we have ten on the docket, with the National Championship between Michigan and Washington, and the other National Championship between South Dakota State and Montana. The Jackrabbits have local ties in the Janke brothers, and we wish nothing but the best of luck and success to both of them, and perhaps you’ll see one of them wearing black and gold in 2024. They are both that good at wide receiver.
In the NFL games, we have eight match-ups that will determine how the playoff field will be completed. If you’re a Steelers fan, you need the Steelers to win at Baltimore, and then hope either Tennessee beats Jacksonville, or Miami beats Buffalo.
I’m hoping the Steelers take care of business on Saturday, and around 4PM on my Christmas day, I’ll be a few shots in and celebrating a Titans win, and not having the sweat it out till late Sunday night!
Have a great weekend and Hristos Se Rodi!
Week 19
Against All Odds Lines as of 1/4/2023
NCAA
Sunday, January 7th
FCS National Championship
Montana Grizzlies (13-1) at South Dakota State Jackrabbits (14-0)
Game Time: 2:00 PM | Venue: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX.
TV: ABC
Vegas Line: South Dakota State -12.5
The Pick: MPD: South Dakota State | MJD: South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits of South Dakota State feature a pair of twin brothers at receiver with Western Pennsylvania ties in family.
Jaxon and Jadon Janke pace a South Dakota State offense that is averaging 38.4 points a game.
The defense is even better allowing just 9.7 points a game, good for 2nd in FCS.
Mark Gronkowski is the quarterback, throwing for 2,883 yards with 28 touchdowns and four INT’s.
Jadon Janke leads the team with 52 receptions for 981 yards and nine touchdowns. His brother, Jaxon, is 2nd on the team with 47 catches for 752 yards and five touchdowns. Both have nice size at 6’3, 210 pounds.
Isaiah Davis is the lead back with 1,491 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns.
Montana scores 32.2 points a game and allows 17.8 on defense.
The Grizzlies have Clifton McDowell at QB, who has thrown for just 1,861 yards, with 13 TD’s and three interceptions.
SDST is on a roll, and has a more balanced offense and the better defense.
Prepare for a bloodbath en route to back-to-back Championships for the Jackrabbits and the Janke brothers.
Monday, January 8th
National Championship
#2 Washington Huskies (14-0) at #1 Michigan Wolverines (14-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM | Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX.
TV: ESPN
Vegas Line: Michigan -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Michigan | MJD: Washington
It’s an old time match-up between Big Ten and Pac-10, as the Wolverines and Huskies meet up for the National Championship. The only thing missing is this game playing in the Rose Bowl.
The Michigan defense is outstanding, ranking 3rd and allowing just 10.2 points per game. The Huskies are 14th in offense, scoring 37.6 points a game, lead by quarterback Michael Penix, Jr., who averages 324.5 yards passing, throwing for 4,218 yards, with 33 touchdown passes.
The Wolverines have J.J. McCarthy under center, who has the Michigan offense ranked 21st, scoring 36 points a contest. McCarthy has thrown for 2,630 yards, with 19 touchdowns and four interceptions. Blake Corum is the lead back, rushing for 1,028 yards and 24 touchdowns.
The biggest line that stands out to me is the Huskies defense giving up 24.1 points per game.
That Michigan defense is ferocious, and will be the reason that the Wolverines will win this game going away, as the Huskies won’t be able to keep pace with the UM offense.
Michigan covers and will be the National Champions. Hail to the Victors!
NFL
Saturday, January 6th
Pittsburgh (9-7) at Baltimore (13-3)
Game Time: 4:15 PM
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers have to win and get some help to make the playoffs, while the Ravens will be sitting several key players, including QB Lamar Jackson, as they have the AFC #1 Seed sewn up.
Mason Rudolph will work his magic once again, even in wintry conditions, as the resurgent running game behind Najee Harris and Jaylon Warren will open up some lanes downfield to both George Pickens and Diontae Jackson.
Houston (9-7) at Indianapolis (9-7)
Game Time: 8:15 PM
Vegas Line: Houston -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Houston | MJD: Indianapolis
The winner of this game is in the playoffs, and could win the AFC South if Jacksonville gets tripped up by the Titans. The Colts won’t be able to keep C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense from coming into their house and taking care of business.
Sunday, January 7th
Jacksonville (9-7) at Tennessee (5-11)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Jacksonville -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Tennessee | MJD: Jacksonville
Of all the dominoes the Steelers need to fall in order to make the playoffs, I think this game is the key. The Titans have been challenged by head coach Mike Vrabel to fight to the end and make one final difference in this lost season. The Jaguars, even if Trevor Lawrence plays, will not be at fully healthy. I like the Titans to keep this game closer than the Jags will like, and in the end, may even spring the upset.
Atlanta (7-9) at New Orleans (8-8)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: New Orleans -3.5
The Pick: MPD: New Orleans | MJD: New Orleans
New Orleans could win the NFC South is somehow Tampa chokes at Carolina, so the Saints will have much to play for in this one, especially if both the Seahawks and Packers lose.
Chicago (7-9) at Green Bay (8-8)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Green Bay -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Green Bay | MJD: Green Bay
Green Bay has one thing to do to make the playoffs, and that is winning this game. The Bears are much improved, and if they keep Justin Fields, trade the #1 pick for more picks, and end up with Marvin Harrison, they could challenge for the NFC North next year.
Denver (8-8) at Las Vegas (7-9)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Las Vegas -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Las Vegas | MJD: Las Vegas
The Broncos will be sitting Russell Wilson, and the Raiders are playing much better under Antonio Pierce who should be given the job permanently in Vegas. He’s earned it.
Seattle (8-8) at Arizona (4-12)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Seattle -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Seattle | MJD: Arizona
Seattle has an outside chance of sneaking into the playoffs with a win and a Packers loss. Don’t sleep on Arizona, though, who are fresh off of shocking the Eagles last week. The Cardinals would be smart to lose and get that better draft pick this April.
Buffalo (10-6) at Miami (11-5)
Game Time: 8:20 PM
Vegas Line: Buffalo -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
The Steelers hopes, if they win, could come down to this game. That’s why I’m hoping the Titans prevail early. The Bills are on a roll and have everything to gain, and maybe everything to lose, especially if Jacksonville and the Steelers both win. If that does happen, then a Bills win gives them the AFC East title. A loss to the Dolphins, who were crushed by Baltimore last week, and will be without LB Bradley Chubb and WR Jaylen Waddle, will send the Bills to the offseason.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MJD: Last Week: 11-14 | Overall: 99-91 — (.521)
MPD: Last Week: 13-12 | Overall: 93-97 -6 (.489)
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!
-
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!
Latest entries
FeaturesMarch 18, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports
FeaturesMarch 12, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports
FeaturesMarch 3, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports
FeaturesFebruary 25, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports