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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?
Another successful week for both my dad and I, each going 6-4 in Week 10.
For the year, I’m currently ahead by two games with a 61-39 record to dad’s 59-41 record.
After agreeing on all ten games last week, it looks as if dad and I are at odds in four games.
Could I extend my lead over him by next Monday night? Maybe dad catches me… maybe we split.
That’s why they play the games!
Week 11
Against All Odds Lines as of 11/6/2024
NCAA Football
Saturday, November 9th
West Virginia (4-4) at Cincinnati (5-3)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Cincinnati | MJD: West Virginia
Cincinnati has played better of late, just barely losing to Colorado last week. WVU is just in a fog right now and the Bearcats should be strong enough to keep the Mountaineers from covering.
#23 Clemson (6-2) at Virginia Tech (5-4)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Clemson -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Clemson | MJD: Virginia Tech
Clemson is coming off a shocking loss to Louisville at home, and now hope to turn it around quickly against the Hokies.
#11 Alabama (6-2) at #15 LSU (6-2)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Alabama -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Alabama | MJD: LSU
The Tide is just inside the cut for the Playoffs, and a win here would solidify their position, whereas a loss would kill any dreams of getting in, especially to LSU, who is trying to do their own impressing.
Washington (5-4) at #6 Penn State (7-1)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: Penn State -13.5
The Pick: MPD: Penn State | MJD: Penn State
Penn State choked once again to Ohio State, but it didn’t affect their standings for the Playoffs. A strong showing against Washington will keep the Nittany Lions in the hunt unless they find a way to trip up again.
Virginia (4-4) at #18 Pitt (7-1)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: Pitt -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Pitt was rolling along till they forgot how to play football in the state of Texas, where SMU absolutely destroyed them last week. A huge rebound is needed, and going up against a Virginia team that just got clubbed by UNC should offer a cure for a struggling offense.
NFL
Sunday, November 10th
Pittsburgh (6-2) at Washington (7-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Washington -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
It’s a huge game for both teams, especially for the Steelers, who will either be trying to stay one game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens, or possibly taking a two game lead in the AFC North if Baltimore somehow loses to Cincinnati Thursday night. Washington, behind Jayden Daniels, is playing great, but they won’t be as lucky facing a Pittsburgh team that is getting better, stronger, and healthier by the week.
Buffalo (7-2) at Indianapolis (4-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Buffalo -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
Buffalo seems to be finding their stride, so it’s hard to think they’ll have many problems snuffing out the Colts.
Atlanta (6-3) at New Orleans (2-7)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Atlanta -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Atlanta | MJD: Atlanta
New Orleans is in free fall, and Atlanta showing why many picked them to win the NFC South before the season began.
Detroit (7-1) at Houston (6-3)
Game Time: 8:20 PM
Vegas Line: Detroit -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Detroit | MJD: Houston
Houston and C.J. Stroud seem to be struggling, and that won’t bode well playing against a Detroit team that is clicking on all cylinders right now.
Monday, November 11th
Miami (2-6) at LA Rams (4-4)
Game Time: 8:15 PM
Vegas Line: LA Rams -1.5
The Pick: MPD: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
The Rams, who have gotten both Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua back from injury, have found their footing, and have their sights set on taking down the NFC West division. They’ll get back over .500 after taking down Miami.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MPD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 61-39 — (.610)
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 59-41 -2 (.590)
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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