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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?
Like the Pittsburgh Steelers, last week was an abject disaster, both my dad and I going 3-7.
Michigan–yes, again, the Steelers, Bengals, Falcons, Bears, TCU, and Virginia all sucked and failed to live up to expectations, leading me to my worst record of the year. May they all burn in Hell, or at least get attacked by coyotes when taking the trash out this week.
For the season, I’m now 49-41, good enough for a five game lead over my dad at 44-46.
Both of us will try to get back on track this week… so let’s see what we have to choose from in Week 10.
Week 10
Against All Odds Lines as of 10/29/2025
NCAA Football
Saturday, November 1st
Penn State (3-4) at #1 Ohio State (7-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Ohio State -20.5
The Pick: MPD: Ohio State | MJD: Penn State
My, oh, my, to think just a few weeks ago Penn State was ahead in OT against Oregon, and then…… right off the cliff like Wile E. Coyote. It only gets worse this Saturday. Much worse. Say it… O-H…
West Virginia (2-6) at #22 Houston (7-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Houston -13.5
The Pick: MPD: Houston | MJD: Houston
WVU somehow found a way to cover last week. I’m daring them to do it again.
#2 Indiana (8-0) at Maryland (4-4)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Indiana -20.5
The Pick: MPD: Indiana | MJD: Indiana
Indiana has been pounding the life outta everyone they’ve played. Maryland will fall victim next.
Pitt (6-2) at Stanford (3-5)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Pitt -14.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Stanford
Pitt and Mason Heintschel put up 53 against N.C. State… they shouldn’t need to score that many against Stanford, but why not? It’s my birthday weekend and I’d like a nice easy game without a hint of stress by the Panthers.
#18 Oklahoma (6-2) at #14 Tennessee (6-2)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Tennessee -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Tennessee | MJD: Tennessee
Two quality teams, but hard to go against the home team in the Vols here.
NFL
Sunday, November 2nd
Indianapolis (7-1) at Pittsburgh (4-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Indianapolis -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Indianapolis | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers will never be elite again so as long Mike Tomlin is the head coach. We’ve watched the same movie for the past eight years now, and despite changes in assistant coaches and players, the result remains the same with Tomlin at the helm.
Minnesota (3-4) at Detroit (5-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Detroit -8.5
The Pick: MPD: Detroit | MJD: Minnesota
Minnesota is stuck in the mud, and I’m not sure the return of J.J. McCarthy is going to help at all. The Lions roll here.
LA Chargers (5-3) at Tennessee (1-7)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: LA Chargers -9.5
The Pick: MPD: LA Chargers | MJD: LA Chargers
The Chargers looked pretty damn good last week, and should continue to dominate against a weak Titans team.
Denver (6-2) at Houston (3-4)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Houston -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Denver | MJD: Denver
Houston’s run of luck runs out this week against Bo Nix and the Broncos.
New Orleans (1-7) at LA Rams (5-2)
Game Time: 4:05 PM
Vegas Line: LA Rams -3.5
The Pick: MPD: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
Epic mismatch with the high powered Rams offense, bolstered by the return of Puca Nacua, will carve up the lowly Saints.
Against All Odds Results
MPD: Last Week: 3-7 | Overall: 49-41 — | (.544)
MJD: Last Week: 3-7 | Overall: 44-46 -5 | (.488)
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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