{"id":195584,"date":"2025-09-03T01:44:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T01:44:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/195584\/"},"modified":"2025-09-03T01:44:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T01:44:11","slug":"against-all-odds-ncaa-and-nfl-picks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/195584\/","title":{"rendered":"Against All Odds: NCAA and NFL Picks"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Are you a degenerate gambler? Perhaps you\u2019re someone who picks games against the spread just for fun and to see how smart you really aren\u2019t? If this describes you, or if you just like to be entertained by a crazy minded sports columnist, you\u2019re in luck, because you\u2019ve 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)<\/strong>, the man behind Pittsburgh SportsNation, takes on my father, Michael J. Drakulich\u00a0(MJD)<\/strong>, in picking NCAA and NFL games against the Vegas line! Check out\u00a0the DraftKings welcome offer<\/a>\u00a0to see how you can win big and find many\u00a0bonuses<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I cover both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers during the season for the fabulous\u00a0NGSCSports.com<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

All in all, both my dad and I are pretty good at picking these games, but don\u2019t take our word for it. You\u2019re on your own when you place your bets, so don\u2019t blame us if you lose\u2026 but you can share your winnings with us if you wish.<\/p>\n

Itchy vs Scratchy. Pepsi vs Coke. Black Spy vs White Spy. Cheers<\/a> vs Gary\u2019s 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?<\/p>\n

You stupid idiot.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s me last week, and I swear, from now on, I will never change a selection I make, especially after being coaxed by some of the other dummies on ESPN.<\/p>\n

At the very last moment before sending my picks to my dad, I changed the winner of the games in Ohio State to Texas, and Tennessee to Syracuse, and thanks to that, I started off the year at 5-5, and am now two games behind my dad, who went 7-3.<\/p>\n

We have an early edition this week, as the NFL kicks off this Thursday night between the defending champion Eagles taking on the Cowboys.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Week 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Against All Odds Lines as of 9\/3\/2025<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

NCAA Football<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday, September 6th<\/strong><\/p>\n

Central Michigan (1-0) at Pitt (1-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>12:00 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Pitt -21.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: MPD: <\/strong>Pitt | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Pitt<\/p>\n

Pitt crushed Duquesne 61-9, and Central Michigan upset San Jose State on the road, despite being 13.5 point underdogs.<\/p>\n

Pitt ain\u2019t San Jose State, and the Chippewas won\u2019t be rushing for 235 plus yards against the Panthers.<\/p>\n

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Florida International (1-0) at #2 Penn State (1-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>12:00 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Penn State -41.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: <\/strong>MPD: <\/strong>FIU | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Penn State<\/p>\n

Penn State stayed at #2 despite a victory and #1 Texas losing to #3 Ohio State.<\/p>\n

The Nittany Lions also failed to cover against Nevada, and I doubt they will this week, when Florida International comes to Happy Valley.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

West Virginia (1-0) at Ohio (0-1)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>4:00 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> West Virginia -3.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: <\/strong>MPD: <\/strong>West Virginia | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Ohio<\/p>\n

Odd spread as it seems Vegas does not trust the Hoopies in this one. Word on the street is despite the game being in Ohio, the majority of the crowd will be sporting Mountaineers gear, as it was reported that WVU fans bought up most of the tickets to the game.<\/p>\n

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Boston College (1-0) at Michigan State (1-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>7:30 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Michigan State -3.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: <\/strong>MPD: <\/strong>Boston College | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Michigan State<\/p>\n

This one could go either way, but I have a feeling the Eagles will not only cover, but win outright.<\/p>\n

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#15 Michigan (1-0) at #18 Oklahoma (1-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>7:30 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Oklahoma -5.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: <\/strong>MPD: <\/strong>Michigan | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Michigan<\/p>\n

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood was impressive in his debut, but the Wolverine defense was not, allowing New Mexico to hang around towards the end of the game. I expect Michigan to be much more motivated and sharper when they head to Norman, Oklahoma to take on the Sooners.<\/p>\n

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NFL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thursday, September 5th<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dallas (0-0) at Philadelphia (0-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>8:20 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Philadelphia -7.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: <\/strong>MPD: <\/strong>Philadelphia | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Philadelphia<\/p>\n

The defending champion Eagles should have no issues taking care of the mess that is the Cowboys, shortly after raising their new Super Bowl banner in pregame.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sunday, September\u00a0 7th<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pittsburgh (0-0) at NY Jets (0-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>1:00 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Pittsburgh -2.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: <\/strong>MPD: <\/strong>Pittsburgh | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Aaron Rodgers against his former team, the Jets\u2026 and it\u2019s Justin Fields against his former team, the Steelers.<\/p>\n

From top to bottom, Pittsburgh is the better team, and despite not playing in the preseason, Rodgers is going to quiet his naysayers in a hurry Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cincinnati (0-0) at Cleveland (0-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>1:00 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Cincinnati -5.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: MPD: <\/strong>Cincinnati | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Cincinnati<\/p>\n

The Bengals, behind the high-powered offense featuring\u00a0 Joe Burrow, Ja\u2019Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, will be busy smashing to hapless Browns from start to finish.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

NY Giants (0-0) at Washington (0-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>1:00 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Washington -5.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: <\/strong>MPD: <\/strong>Washington | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Washington<\/p>\n

Jayden Daniels and Washington will have no problem taking down Russell Wilson and the Giants.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Baltimore (0-0) at Buffalo (0-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>8:20 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Buffalo -1.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: <\/strong>MPD: <\/strong>Buffalo | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Baltimore<\/p>\n

Game of the Week with the winner gaining a huge edge over the other\u2026 I like Josh Allen and the Bills to survive the Ravens playing at home.<\/p>\n

Against All Odds Results<\/strong><\/p>\n

MJD: <\/strong>Last Week: 7-3 | Overall: 7-3\u00a0 \u2014 | (.700)<\/p>\n

MPD: <\/strong>Last Week: 5-5 | Overall: 5-5\u00a0 -2 | (.500)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Against All Odds: NCAA\/NFL Picks History<\/strong><\/p>\n

2025-2<\/strong>6 Champion:<\/strong><\/p>\n

2024-2<\/strong>5 Champion: <\/strong>MPD<\/p>\n

2023-24 Champion: <\/strong>MPD & MJD<\/p>\n

2022-23 Champion: <\/strong>MPD<\/p>\n

2021-22 Champion: <\/strong>MJD<\/p>\n

2020-21 Champion: <\/strong>MJD<\/p>\n

2019-20 Champion: <\/strong>MJD<\/p>\n

2018-19 Champion: <\/strong>MJD<\/p>\n

2017-18 Champion: <\/strong>MPD<\/p>\n

2016-17 Champion: <\/strong>MJD<\/p>\n

2015-16 Champion: <\/strong>MJD<\/p>\n

2014-15 Champion: <\/strong>MPD<\/p>\n

2013-14 Champion: <\/strong>MPD<\/p>\n

(MJD leads series 6-5-1)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

About Post Author<\/p>\n


\n Mike Drakulich <\/a><\/p>\n

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.
\n
\nThere’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!
\n
\nAs 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.
\n
\nFor 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!<\/p>\n


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\nMike DrakulichYour source for Pittsburgh sports!<\/dt>\n
\nFrom 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.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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!\n<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

\t\tContinue Reading<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"0 0 Read Time:5 Minute, 33 Second Are you a degenerate gambler? Perhaps you\u2019re someone who picks games…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":195585,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[108841,17530,1318,16759,1317,1315,1316,1232,1703,62,67,132,68,108842],"class_list":{"0":"post-195584","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ncaa-football","8":"tag-against-all-odds","9":"tag-betting","10":"tag-football","11":"tag-gambling","12":"tag-ncaa","13":"tag-ncaa-football","14":"tag-ncaafootball","15":"tag-nfl","16":"tag-odds","17":"tag-sports","18":"tag-united-states","19":"tag-unitedstates","20":"tag-us","21":"tag-vegas-line"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115137836971167403","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=195584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195584\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/195585"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=195584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=195584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=195584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}