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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?
I’m not sure who was worse last weekend, me or the Pitt Panthers.
A brutal 2-8 week brought my record to 62-58 for the year.
As prophesied last edition, it was my dad who handed out the ass kickings, going 7-3, and shaving five games off of what was a six game advantage. Now at 61-59, dad now trails me by one game.
I really hate losing, so you can freaking bet that I will bounce back with a strong showing this time around.
Out of the ten games, my dad and I differ on three, so perhaps I can build my lead back up, or lose it all together.
Week 13
Against All Odds Lines as of 11/19/2025
NCAA Football
Saturday, November 22nd
#20 Louisville (7-3) at SMU (7-3)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: SMU -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Louisville | MJD: SMU
Louisville’s ACC Championship aspirations are dwindling away, and a loss here will end any hopes at all. Pitt needs a loss by SMU here or next week, followed by beating both Georgia Tech and Miami, and they are in. I’m liking the Cardinals for the mild upset and Pitt’s dreams on the line at home vs The U next Saturday.
Nebraska (7-3) at Penn State (4-6)
Game Time: 7:00 PM
Vegas Line: Penn State -9.5
The Pick: MPD: Nebraska | MJD: Nebraska
Yes, Penn State finally won a game last week against a subpar Michigan State team. Nebraska isn’t that great either, but I can’t see them losing by double digits.
Pitt (7-3) at #16 Georgia Tech (9-1)
Game Time: 7:00 PM
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
Pitt played horrifically vs Notre Dame, and they deserved what they got by playing without fire. Head coach Pat Narduzzi said these were then games they were focused on so… time to go to work. Mason Heintschel and the Pitt offense bounce back big time against a weak Yellow Jackets defense, and hopefully by mid-afternoon, Louisville will have taken care of SMU, meaning a Pitt win here gives the Panthers control of their ACC Championship destiny.
#23 Tennessee (7-3) at Florida (3-7)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Tennessee -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Tennessee | MJD: Tennessee
Tennessee had better be able to beat a weak Florida team, even in the Swamp.
Cal (6-4) at Stanford (3-7)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Cal -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Cal | MJD: Cal
Good rivalry game, and even though Stanford plays well at home, I like Cal here.
NFL
Sunday, November 23rd
Pittsburgh (6-4) at Chicago (7-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Chicago -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
What Steelers team will show up this week? I think Aaron Rodgers will play, so someone’s luck has to run out. Pittsburgh has won just one game at Soldier Field, but Rodgers has owned the Bears his entire career. Steelers leave Chicago with their 2nd win ever…
Indianapolis (8-2) at Kansas City (5-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Kansas City -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Indianapolis | MJD: Kansas City
Indianapolis has a big chance to push the Chiefs to the edge of a freshly dug grave. You know Patrick Mahomes will go all out here, but I think the Colts are going to stun KC just like Denver did last week.
Minnesota (4-6) at Green Bay (6-3-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Green Bay -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Green Bay | MJD: Green Bay
Minnesota and their offense has all but disappeared with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. The Packers should be able to cover this game at home by a touchdown.
NY Giants (2-9) at Detroit (6-4)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Detroit -10.5
The Pick: MPD: Detroit | MJD: NY Giants
Detroit should be in a foul mood after getting clipped by Philadelphia last week, and the Giants are the perfect team to take it out on.
Philadelphia (8-2) at Dallas (4-5-1)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Philadelphia | MJD: Philadelphia
Dallas is going to put up points here… the big question is if the Eagles can get their offense back on track. I believe they will.
Against All Odds Results
MPD: Last Week: 2-8 | Overall: 62-58 — | (.517)
MJD: Last Week: 7-3 | Overall: 61-59 -1 | (.508)
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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