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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 minded 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 2024-25 Against All Odds Champion?
Week two witnessed solid efforts by both my dad and I, as we both finished 6-4 for our troubles.
For the year, I still hold a two game lead with a 13-7 record.
It doesn’t get any better than this Saturday with the Backyard Brawl between Pitt and West Virginia.
With the exception of the idiotic parking policies being enforced by the city, the atmosphere should be electric and possibly the largest crowd in Acrisure Stadium history.
Ten games are set to go, and my dad and I disagree on just three of them.
Week 3
Against All Odds Lines as of 9/11/2024
NCAA Football
Saturday, September 14th
#4 Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Alabama -16.5
The Pick: MPD: Alabama | MJD: Alabama
Bama has looked good so far without Nick Saban, and now are primed to make a statement on the road in Big Whisky.
Roll Tide, roll…
#16 LSU (1-1) at South Carolina (2-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: LSU -6.5
The Pick: MPD: LSU | MJD: South Carolina
LSU and their jackass coach Brian Kelly owe me a win from the Against All Odds season opener, and by damn they are going to pay it forward when they visit South Carolina and the Gamecocks.
#24 Boston College (2-0) at #6 Missouri (2-0)
Game Time: 12:45 PM
Vegas Line: Missouri -16.5
The Pick: MPD: Boston College | MJD: Boston College
Boston College with a big opportunity to prove they belong in the Top 25. At worst, they’ll cover.
Ball State (1-0) at #10 Miami (2-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Miami -36.5
The Pick: MPD: Miami | MJD: Ball State
The U has performed quite well so far, and with Ball State visiting South Florida, I expect the Hurricanes to blow away the Cardinals in style.
West Virginia (1-1) at Pitt (2-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: WVU -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
It’s the Backyard Brawl… a game between two teams and fanbases that absolutely despise each other.
Acrisure Stadium will be filled to capacity, and unlike last year when Pitt couldn’t score with a fist full of hundred dollar bills in a West Virginia strip club, this Panther team, led by freshman quarterback Eli Holstein, is averaging over 41 points per game.
RB Desmond Reid has been nothing short of spectacular, and the Pitt defense has fared well against the run, something that WVU specializes in while employing the spread offense.
It will be up to the Pitt defense to keep C.J. Donaldson and Jahiem White contained.
If they do, I’m not sure this Mountaineer team is built to keep up with the Pitt offense in this one, especially if Holstein doesn’t turn the ball over.
Go hoooooooooooooooome Mountaineers. Wrong team is favored.
NFL
Sunday, September 15th
Indianapolis (1-0) at Green Bay (0-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Indianapolis -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Indianapolis | MJD: Green Bay
I can’t possibly trust Green Bay with Malik Willis at quarterback. The Colts had better cover in this one, even at Lambeau.
Las Vegas (0-1) at Baltimore (1-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Baltimore -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Baltimore | MJD: Baltimore
The Raiders looked bad last week, and the Ravens came with a toe of tying and possibly defeating the defending champion Chiefs last Thursday night. They take out their frustrations on Las Vegas here.
Cincinnati (0-1) at Kansas City (1-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Kansas City -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Kansas City | MJD: Kansas City
The Bengals more resembled the Bungles of old last week, losing to New England, who were expected to win maybe 2-3 games in 2024. Now Joe Burrow and Cinci get to travel to Kansas City, where an 0-2 start awaits.
Chicago (1-0) at Houston (1-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Houston -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Houston | MJD: Houston
The Caleb Williams Era began with a lucky win over Tennessee, as it was the Bears defense that propelled Chicago to a season opening win. They won’t be as fortunate this week vs Houston and C.J. Stroud.
Pittsburgh (1-0) at Denver (0-1)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
I told you that the Steelers defense was going to be ferocious this season. Justin Fields will start again and will play much better, especially in leading the offense to touchdowns this time instead of six field goals. Denver quarterback Bo Nix is in for a very long day.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MPD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 13-7 —
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 11-9 -2
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2024-25 Champion:
2023-24 Champion: MPD & MJD
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 6-4-1)
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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