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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?
Three weeks in and dad and I are off to damn good starts, with myself holding a one game advantage over him with a 19-11 record.
All three of the local college teams are in action this week after Penn State was on a bye last week, and the Steelers finally get to play a game at home.
Week 4
Against All Odds Lines as of 9/18/2024
NCAA Football
Saturday, September 21st
Kansas (1-2) at West Virginia (1-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: WVU -2.5
The Pick: MPD: West Virginia | MJD: West Virginia
The Mountaineers were absolutely stunned by their rivals in Pitt last week, leading by ten with under five minutes left, before the Panthers stormed back to win 38-34. The good news was the number of roadkill that was able to be scraped off of 79 South during the drive home that provided potluck dinner for the entire week afterwards.
This weekend, the Jayhawks become the victims, and though there will be a bit of joy in the win, all the moonshine in the state won’t take away the pain of that last game. Go hoooooooooooome Mountaineers!
#11 USC (2-0) at #18 Michigan (2-1)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: USC -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Michigan | MJD: USC
This may seem crazy going for Michigan yet again, two weeks after being crushed at home by Texas… but USC is not the Longhorns, and this time the Wolverines will keep this within a touchdown, if not win outright.
Kent State (0-3) at #10 Penn State (2-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Penn State -48.5
The Pick: MPD: Penn State | MJD: Penn State
Kent State was slaughtered by Tennessee 71-0. Now James Franklin and the Turnstile Champions get their turn to run up the score and feel great about pounding on the Golden Flashes.
Youngstown State (1-2) at Pitt (3-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Pitt -26.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Pitt is 3-0 and, and looking to start 4-0 and be undefeated in their non-conference games for the first time in decades. Unlike the past two weeks in which the Panthers had to comeback from double digit deficits, this game should be a clubbing at the hands of Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein and the high powered Pitt offense.
#6 Tennessee (3-0) at #15 Oklahoma (3-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Tennessee -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Oklahoma | MJD: Oklahoma
The Game of the Week, and as good as the Vols are playing, I can’t fathom them going into Norman and smacking the Sooners by more than a touchdown.
NFL
Sunday, September 22nd
LA Chargers (2-0) at Pittsburgh (2-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers defensed has been ferocious so far this season, and will face a Chargers team that will try to run the ball down their throats.
Good luck with that.
That said, it’s time for Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin to take the chains off of quarterback Justin Fields. Playing not to lose is eventually going to bite this team in the ass.
That won’t happen this week, as the Steelers have always owned the Chargers at home, and Pittsburgh will once again win a close game to improve to 3-0.
Chicago (1-1) at Indianapolis (0-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Indianapolis -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Indianapolis | MJD: Indianapolis
The Colts have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL so far after two weeks. Caleb Williams, the #1 overall pick in the draft has yet to live up to the hype as Chicago’s QB.
I think Indy quarterback Anthony Richardson will do enough to get his struggling team their first win of the season.
Houston (2-0) at Minnesota (2-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Houston -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Minnesota | MJD: Houston
Sam Darnold is balling out as Vikings quarterback, and now goes head to head with C.J. Stroud. As good as Houston’s wideouts are, it’s hard to go against Minnesota when they have Justin Jefferson and (possibly) Jordan Addison.
Denver (0-2) at Tampa Bay (2-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Tampa Bay | MJD: Tampa Bay
Tampa and Baker Mayfield should have no problem sending a subpar Denver team to another loss.
Miami (1-1) at Seattle (2-0)
Game Time: 4:05 PM
Vegas Line: Seattle -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Seattle | MJD: Seattle
Not liking the Dolphins chances without Tua Tagovailoa… Seahawks go to 3-0.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MPD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 19-11 —
MJD: Last Week: 7-3 | Overall: 18-12 -1
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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