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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 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 (PSN), 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 2022-23 Against All Odds Champion?
The chickens came home to roost last week, as both my dad and I had our winning weeks streak come to an end. It’s wasn’t a total turkey, as we both had 4-6 records, which keeps me at a two game lead for the year.
Speaking of turkeys… it’s the Thanksgiving Edition of Against All Odds, and we are out early this week with the three games on Gobble Gobble Day. On Saturday, it’s Rivalry Week, and we have two of the best on the docket.
From my family to yours, may you all have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy time with special friends and loved ones.
Week 13 – Thanksgiving Edition
Against All Odds Lines as of 11/22/2022
NCAA
Saturday, November 26th
#3 Michigan (11-0) at #2 Ohio State (11-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH.
Vegas Line: Ohio State -7.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan | MJD: Ohio State
It’s the Game of the Year… could this simply be the first of two meetings? Michigan’s Blake Corum is playing, so it looks as if the two heavyweights will go to battle at full strength, with the winner headed to the Big Ten Championship, and then loser praying it is a close loss and will still keep them in the College Football Playoff talk. I like the Wolverines to not only cover, but to win outright. Go Blue!
West Virginia (4-7) at Oklahoma State (7-4)
Game Time: 12:00 PM at Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK.
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State -7.5
The Pick: PSN: Oklahoma State | MJD: Oklahoma State
It’s the last dance of 2022 for the Hoopies, and more than likely, it will be another thrashing handed out to the Mountaineers. There will be a lot of couches sitting untouched on West Virginia porches for the duration of Winter. Better luck next year, chumps.
Auburn (5-6) at #7 Alabama (9-2)
Game Time: 3:30 PM at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL.
Vegas Line: Alabama -20.5
The Pick: PSN: Alabama | MJD: Alabama
The Crimson Tide will be eager to hand out a beating to their hated rivals and keep their hopes alive to make the CFP, despite losing twice. Personally, I find it ridiculous that Bama is still in the Top Ten, but the media and the Playoff Committee seems hellbent on getting Alabama in no matter what.
Michigan State (5-6) at #11 Penn State (9-2)
Game Time: 4:00 PM at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.
Vegas Line: Penn State -18.5
The Pick: PSN: Michigan State | MJD: Penn State
The Turnstile Champions will fill their stadium this week, and probably beat up on Michigan State, whom is having a nightmare season by their standards. Spartans lose yet again, but will cover.
Pitt (7-4) at Miami (5-6)
Game Time: 8:00 PM at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
Vegas Line: Pitt -6.5
The Pick: PSN: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Pitt heads to South Beach to play Miami, who always seems to have their number… however, that trend is coming to an abrupt halt, as you can expect the resurgent Pitt defense to keep the ‘Canes offense in check and win their 8th game of the year. It’s a shame the Panthers choked away that lead vs the Tar Heels, or they could be playing for a spot in the ACC Championship again.
NFL
Thanksgiving, November 24th
Buffalo (7-3) at Detroit (4-6)
Game Time: 12:30 PM at Ford Field, Detroit, MI.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
Josh Allen has been awful for the past month, but I have a feeling both him and the Bills offense will breakout big time vs the Lions, who have played well of late, but will be in for a Turkey Day clubbing at the hands of Buffalo.
NY Giants (7-3) at Dallas (7-3)
Game Time: 4:30 PM at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.
Vegas Line: Dallas -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Dallas | MJD: NY Giants
By the time this game starts, you’ll either be eating dinner, or on your second session. Not sure what happened to the Giants last week, but despite being 7-2, and at home, they had their teeth kicked in by Detroit. That is a troubling loss, and it will get even worse by evening as you can expect Dallas to stuff the G’Men like the bird in the middle of your dining room table.
New England (6-4) at Minnesota (8-2)
Game Time: 8:20 PM at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN.
Vegas Line: Minnesota -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Minnesota | MJD: Minnesota
Minnesota, like the Giants, were both on fire, and at home, but both suffered a beating of epic proportions. Unlike New York, I do like the Vikings to bounce back and put the Patriots to sleep, much like most of you will be from stuffing your faces all day long.
Sunday, November 27th
Cincinnati (6-4) at Tennessee (7-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN.
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -1.5
The Pick: PSN: Tennessee | MJD: Cincinnati
Cincinnati had a great 2nd half last week vs the Steelers to all but kill Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes. The Bengals won’t be as fortunate this week, as Derrick Henry and the Titans will power their way past the Bungles and secure their spot atop the AFC South.
Monday, November 28th
Pittsburgh (3-7) at Indianapolis (4-6-1)
Game Time: 8:15 PM at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.
Vegas Line: Indianapolis -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers offense disappeared in the 2nd half vs the Bengals, and the $108 million dollar defense pretty much sucked all day long. Pittsburgh and Kenny Pickett should have a much easier time this Monday Night in Prime Time vs the Colts.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 59-51 .536 —
MJD: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 57-53 .518 -2
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2021 Champion: MJD
2020 Champion: MJD
2019 Champion: MJD
2018 Champion: MJD
2017 Champion: PSN
2016 Champion: MJD
2015 Champion: MJD
2014 Champion: PSN
2013 Champion: PSN
(MJD leads series 6-3)
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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