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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 2025-26 Against All Odds Champion?
Two ships passing in the night… like the Pitt Panthers, I’ve been on fire, but unfortunately for my dad, he’s turned into Penn State of late.
Last week I hit a season’s best 8-2, and now have built my record to a solid 40-30.
Dad will bounce back sooner or later, as he had his worst week going 4-6, which now gives me a four game advantage over him in the standings.
Week 8
Against All Odds Lines as of 10/14/2025
NCAA Football
Saturday, October 18th
#12 Georgia Tech (6-0) at Duke (4-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Duke -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Georgia Tech | MJD: Duke
Duke is a sneaky good team, but I’m going to stick with the undefeated Yellow Jackets here, even on the road.
West Virginia (2-4) at Central Florida (3-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: UCF -6.5
The Pick: MPD: UCF | MJD: West Virginia
West Virginia is back in action after a bye, and visits Central Florida, who will win this one by ten or more.
Penn State (3-3) at Iowa (4-2)
Game Time: 7:00 PM
Vegas Line: Iowa -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Iowa | MJD: Iowa
Well, James Franklin… Unrivaled, to unranked, to… unemployed. Ouch! With the Nittany Lions reeling, it’s hard to think they’ll find their footing at a venue they’ve always had trouble in. Hawkeyes send Penn State to their 4th straight loss.
#20 USC (5-1) at #13 Notre Dame (4-2)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -9.5
The Pick: MPD: USC | MJD: USC
USC is fresh off of clobbering Michigan, so it would be quite a letdown if they can’t hang within at least a touchdown, or even pull the upset of Notre Dame.
Pitt (4-2) at Syracuse (3-3)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Pitt -11.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Mason Heintschel has turned Pitt’s entire season around, and with the way the Panther’s offense is rolling, Syracuse is in for a long night.
NFL
Thursday, October 16th
Pittsburgh (4-1) at Cincinnati (2-4)
Game Time: 8:15 PM
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers are coming together both offensively and defensively. The Bengals are a complete mess, and I could care less if Joe Flacco is their quarterback now. He’ll be lucky to survive before halftime comes. Get the Escalooser ready…
Sunday, October 19th
New England (4-2) at Tennessee (1-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: New England -6.5
The Pick: MPD: New England | MJD: New England
Tennessee just fired their coach and the Patriots are looking like a team that could steal the AFC East.
LA Raiders (2-4) at Kansas City (3-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Kansas City -11.5
The Pick: MPD: Kansas City | MJD: Kansas City
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are Michael Myers… just when you think they are dead, they bury the Lions. The Raiders are next on their hit list.
Philadelphia (4-2) at Minnesota (3-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Minnesota | MJD: Philadelphia
The Eagles are having problems on offense, and could be in big trouble heading to Minnesota where the Vikings can put up some points no matter who is throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. I’ll probably regret this pick, but I think Philly is headed for another shocking loss.
Carolina (3-3) at NY Jets (0-6)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Carolina -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Carolina | MJD: Carolina
Carolina and Bryce Young are looking pretty good lately, and the Jets? Well, not so good.
Against All Odds Results
MPD: Last Week: 8-2 | Overall: 40-30 — | (.571)
MJD: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 36-34 -4 | (.514)
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2025-26 Champion:
2024-25 Champion: MPD
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 6-5-1)
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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