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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?
Last week was one filled with promise, but ended in disappointment for both my dad and I.
I finished 5-5, but gained two games on him, as he had his worst week of the season going 3-7.
Now, after 60 games, we are all tied up with identical records of 32-28.
It was nice of the other side of Pennsylvania in Penn State and the Philadelphia Eagles to stick it to me by losing two games they were favored in. BYU burned us by allowing a late WVU score to backdoor us with under a minute left. Michigan once again failed to cover for us.
Week 7
Against All Odds Lines as of 10/8/2025
NCAA Football
Saturday, October 11th
#1 Ohio State (5-0) at #17 Illinois (5-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Ohio State -14.5
The Pick: MPD: Ohio State | MJD: Illinois
Ohio State’s defense will enable the Buckeyes to cover this slightly over two touchdown spread over Illinois.
Pitt (3-2) at #25 Florida State (3-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Florida State -10.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
What a difference a week makes. As mentioned by yours truly to make the switch from Eli Holstein to Mason Heintschel at quarterback, Pitt did just that, and they destroyed Boston College 48-7. Now with a true weapon under center, this entire season has promise, and I’m expecting the Panthers to not only cover down at Florida State, but to send the Seminoles to their third straight defeat.
#7 Indiana (5-0) at #3 Oregon (5-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Oregon -8.5
The Pick: MPD: Indiana | MJD: Oregon
Oregon is damn good, but Indiana is, too. I can envision the Hoosiers offense keeping this a one score game up in Eugene.
Northwestern (3-2) at Penn State (3-2)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Penn State -22.5
The Pick: MPD: Northwestern | MJD: Penn State
UNRIVALED. Now… unranked.
#15 Michigan (4-1) at USC (4-1)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: USC -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Michigan | MJD: Michigan
If the Wolverines want to get into the College Football Playoff talk, then taking care of business out in California is a must.
NFL
Sunday, October 11th
Cleveland (1-4) at Pittsburgh (3-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers look like a team coming together defensively, and they get the Browns who can’t score.
Denver (3-2) at NY Jets (0-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Denver -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Denver | MJD: Denver
Denver and Bo Nix took down undefeated Philadelphia last week, and as long as they don’t take the winless Jets lightly, they should win this one by a touchdown or more.
LA Rams (3-2) at Baltimore (1-4)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: LA Rams -6.5
The Pick: MPD: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
Just when the Ravens think it can’t get any worse, they get a visit from the Rams and their high powered offense. LA and Matt Stafford might get 50 in this one.
Cincinnati (2-3) at Green Bay (2-1-1)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Green Bay -14.5
The Pick: MPD: Cincinnati | MJD: Green Bay
Normally I’d give this one to Green Bay, but with Joe Flacco heading to the Bengals, I can see him hitting a few deep shots to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which will keep Cinci within 10-13 points of the Packers, who let’s not forget, lost to the friggin Browns.
San Francisco (4-1) at Tampa Bay (4-1)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Tampa Bay | MJD: Tampa Bay
You have to admit, Baker Mayfield is fun to watch, and he’s armed with plenty of weapons to take down a 49ers team that keeps finding ways to win despite their injuries. This week their luck runs out.
Against All Odds Results
MJD: Last Week: 3-7 | Overall: 32-28 — | (.533)
MPD: Last Week: 5-5 | Overall: 32-28 — | (.533)
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)
About Post Author
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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Author Profile
- Mike DrakulichYour source for Pittsburgh sports!
-
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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