Syracuse’s upset of Clemson last fall did not derail the Tigers’ season, but it definitely provided a major shake-up in the college football world. The Orange nearly had several instances of it, taking Miami, LSU and Florida State to the brink.

Teams that push elite programs like the ’Cuse did last year often are surrounded with dark-horse talk heading into the following year. But Dino Babers’ team just doesn’t have enough tools in the belt to make any form of run in the ACC.

While the schedule is easier than last year’s, and the offense returns eight starters including healthy QB Eric Dungey, it is hard for me to depict the Orange’s win total being north of last season’s 4-8 mark.

The play: Syracuse, Under 5 ¹/₂ wins.