Syracuse vs. Clemson: No. 1 Tigers Open as 26.5-Point Favorites Over Orange

Here's the bad news: The Syracuse Orange football team has lost six-straight.

Here's the worse news: They now have to play the No. 1 Clemson Tigers with their post-season lives on the line.

Here's the worst news: Clemson has opened as a 26.5-point favorite over the Orange.

Here's the worstest news: Vegas has covered every single time it has pegged Syracuse as an underdog this season.

It's actually not the highest odds Syracuse has faced in recent years. SU was a 38.5-point underdog at one point to Florida State two years ago. In theory, the Orange also get a point or two back just for being the home team, not that it helps.

Sadly, the line makes a lot of sense. Clemson is the No. 1 team in the nation with a 9-0 record and wins over No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 19 FSU under their belts. They've dominated the Orange in the meetings so far since we joined the ACC and this season is expected to be no different.

The Orange, meanwhile, are 3-6 and in desperation mode.The defense has allowed 40+ points in five of the last six games and there's a chance starting quarterback Eric Dungey could be out with an Upper Body Injury. Of course, even if he is cleared, benching him might just be the smart thing to do anyway.