{"id":289150,"date":"2025-10-09T11:46:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T11:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/289150\/"},"modified":"2025-10-09T11:46:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T11:46:14","slug":"against-all-odds-ncaa-and-nfl-picks-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/289150\/","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

Last week was one filled with promise, but ended in disappointment for both my dad and I.<\/p>\n

I finished 5-5, but gained two games on him, as he had his worst week of the season going 3-7.<\/p>\n

Now, after 60 games, we are all tied up with identical records of 32-28.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Week 7<\/strong><\/p>\n

Against All Odds Lines as of 10\/8\/2025<\/p>\n

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

Saturday, October 11th<\/strong><\/p>\n

#1 Ohio State (5-0) at #17 Illinois (5-1)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Vegas Line: <\/strong>Ohio State -14.5<\/p>\n

The Pick: MPD: <\/strong>Ohio State | MJD:\u00a0<\/strong>Illinois<\/p>\n

Ohio State\u2019s defense will enable the Buckeyes to cover this slightly over two touchdown spread over Illinois.<\/p>\n

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Pitt (3-2) at #25 Florida State (3-2)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Florida State -10.5<\/p>\n

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

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\u2019m expecting the Panthers to not only cover down at Florida State, but to send the Seminoles to their third straight defeat.<\/p>\n

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#7 Indiana (5-0) at #3 Oregon (5-0)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>3:30 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Oregon -8.5<\/p>\n

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

Oregon is damn good, but Indiana is, too. I can envision the Hoosiers offense keeping this a one score game up in Eugene.<\/p>\n

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Northwestern (3-2) at Penn State (3-2)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>3:30 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Penn State -22.5<\/p>\n

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

UNRIVALED. Now\u2026 unranked.<\/p>\n

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#15 Michigan (4-1) at USC (4-1)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

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

If the Wolverines want to get into the College Football Playoff talk, then taking care of business out in California is a must.<\/p>\n

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

Sunday, October 11th<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cleveland (1-4) at Pittsburgh (3-1)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Pittsburgh -4.5<\/p>\n

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

The Steelers look like a team coming together defensively, and they get the Browns who can\u2019t score.<\/p>\n

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Denver (3-2) at NY Jets (0-5)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Denver -6.5<\/p>\n

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

Denver and Bo Nix took down undefeated Philadelphia last week, and as long as they don\u2019t take the winless Jets lightly, they should win this one by a touchdown or more.<\/p>\n

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LA Rams (3-2) at Baltimore (1-4)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Vegas Line:<\/strong> LA Rams -6.5<\/p>\n

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

Just when the Ravens think it can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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Cincinnati (2-3) at Green Bay (2-1-1)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>4:25 PM<\/p>\n

Vegas Line:<\/strong> Green Bay -14.5<\/p>\n

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

Normally I\u2019d 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\u2019Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which will keep Cinci within 10-13 points of the Packers, who let\u2019s not forget, lost to the friggin Browns.<\/p>\n

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San Francisco (4-1) at Tampa Bay (4-1)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game Time: <\/strong>4:25 PM<\/p>\n

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

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

You have to admit, Baker Mayfield is fun to watch, and he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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

MJD: <\/strong>Last Week: 3-7 | Overall: 32-28\u00a0 \u2014 | (.533)<\/p>\n

MPD: <\/strong>Last Week: 5-5 | Overall: 32-28\u00a0 \u2014 | (.533)<\/p>\n

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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.
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\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

\"\" <\/p>\n


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

\n Author <\/p>\n

\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


\n Visit Website <\/a><\/p>\n


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