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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?
It had to happen sometime, right?
A 4-6 record in week seven was my first sub .500 effort of the season.
Still, I can’t complain too much with a record of 42-28, but as you know me, and quoting Captain Kirk here… I don’t like to lose.
To boot, dad continued his strong year, going a superb 7-3, shaving three games off my lead, and now just two behind me at 40-30.
Both Pitt and Penn State are off this week, which allows some interesting games to be added, like the Army Black Knights, who are ranked #23 this week. Conversely, Navy is at #25, and it’s the first time both teams are ranked since 1960. I would’ve had the Midshipmen here, but those SEC games were too tasty to pass up on, and I intend to come back strong this week.
Out of the ten games, me and dad disagree on four of them, so who knows what or whom could be ahead next weekend.
Week 8
Against All Odds Lines as of 10/16/2024
NCAA Football
Saturday, October 19th
#6 Miami (6-0) at Louisville (4-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Miami -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Miami | MJD: Louisville
Miami travels to Louisville and faces a tough road test. The Cardinals were ranked before dropping consecutive games to Notre Dame and SMU. The Hurricanes will survive yet another close encounter before taking care of business in the 4th quarter.
East Carolina (3-3) at #23 Army (6-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Army -15.5
The Pick: MPD: Army | MJD: Army
Army is back in the ranking, and could be headed to an undefeated showdown with rival Navy…they roll again this week.
#7 Alabama (5-1) at #11 Tennessee (5-1)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Alabama -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Tennessee | MJD: Alabama
Huge game in the SEC with massive consequences on the line. I don’t think Bama is as good as advertised and this week the Vols bounce back from a stunning loss two weeks ago to Arkansas.
#5 Georgia (5-1) at #1 Texas (6-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Texas -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Texas | MJD: Georgia
Is Texas for real? We shall find out this week when Georgia comes to town.
#17 Kansas State (5-1) at West Virginia (3-3)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Kansas State -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Kansas State | MJD: West Virginia
WVU couldn’t handle Iowa State last week, and won’t fare much better this weekend at home against ranked Kansas State.
NFL
Sunday, October 20th
Seattle (3-3) at Atlanta (4-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Atlanta -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Atlanta | MJD: Atlanta
Atlanta has played quite well since their opening week loss to the Steelers. With Seattle coming across the country, I think the Falcons continue their winning ways.
Cincinnati (2-4) at Cleveland (1-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Cincinnati | MJD: Cincinnati
The Browns? Well, they be the Browns, as they say… yet, they did screw me and cover last week. I doubt they will do it again.
Indianapolis (3-3) at Miami (2-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Indianapolis -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Indianapolis | MJD: Indianapolis
The Colts should be able to contain a Miami team that is floundering without Tua at QB. Till he returns, the offense has no chance to score.
Carolina (1-5) at Washington (4-2)
Game Time: 4:05 PM
Vegas Line: Washington -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Washington | MJD: Washington
Washington suffered a tough loss to Baltimore last week, and also cost me a game by not covering the 6.5 points. They get another chance this week to make amends.
NY Jets (2-4) at Pittsburgh (4-2)
Game Time: 8:20 PM
Vegas Line: NY Jets -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Not sure why the Steelers are underdogs, while playing at home, in Prime Time, against a very mid Jets team.
The Steelers with Russell Wilson making his debut at QB will make New York eat that spread.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MPD: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 42-28 —
MJD: Last Week: 7-3 | Overall: 40-30 -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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