Connecticut (9-3) vs. Wake Forest (8-4)

Conference Matchup: Big East vs. ACC
Date: Dec. 29
Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Spread: Wake Forest -3.5

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This game might as well be called the Coaching Speculation Bowl, as much of the commentary is sure to focus on where each coach might be - or by kickoff already is - headed. UConn's Randy Edsall and Jim Grobe earned their distinction as "sexy speculative pick for big-time openings" after each coach took another step in rebuilding once-moribund programs with another strong season. After slipping to 4-8 last year, the Huskies bounced back to finish 9-3 and win a share of the Big East title, despite an embarrassing 66-21 loss on national television to West Virginia to end the season. Meanwhile, the Deamon Deacons proved that their BCS appearance last year was no fluke, shaking off an 0-2 start to finish a respectable 8-4 with wins over Florida State and Maryland. Edsall reportedly was Georgia Tech's first choice but he declined. The Yellow Jackets eventually hired Navy's Paul Johnson. Grobe evidently was the top choice of Arkansas, but he pulled out of the mix and the Razorbacks turned to Bobby Petrino. However, unlike Edsall, Grobe has stated publicly that he is willing to entertain other offers - and Edsall's silence on the topic is never a guarantee he will stay with the Huskies -- so it remains to be seen where both of these coaches are employed come the second week of January.

Connecticut can cover if: The Huskies were the quiet surprise of the Big East, starting their season with five-straight wins over weak competition before a big stretch run that included consecutive wins over projected conference frontrunners Louisville, South Florida and Rutgers. Their lack of competitiveness against West Virginia was a shame, because the viewing public did not get to see the positive side of what is a generally solid team. Both teams show a balanced offense, though the numbers suggest UConn might be somewhat stronger in the passing game. Quarterback Tyler Lorenzen is solid and poised, throwing for 2,269 yards and 13 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He also has 304 yards rushing and a TD. Wake Forest leads the nation with six interceptions returned for scores, so Lorenzen will have to take care of the ball. But the teams mirror each other in a lot ways; they each average 28 points per game and have the proverbial bend-but-don't break defenses that yield about 350 yards per game but are adept at avoiding giving up big plays. The Huskies should be all right if they can protect the ball and overcome the disadvantage of playing essentially a road game in this bowl. Of course, they will have to overcome any potential distraction if Edsall's future is still a hot topic, or if he has bolted for another job already by kickoff.

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Wake Forest can cover if: The Deacons have had a penchant for being erratic this season; their early home loss to Nebraska looks even worse considering how pitiful the Bill Callahan-led Huskers ended up, and they failed to give much of an effort in a 44-10 loss to Clemson late in the season. Wake Forest plays a physical brand of football and features a balanced offense led by sophomore quarterback Riley Skinner, whose 71.9 percent completion rate was second only to Texas Tech's Graham Harrell. Skinner threw for 1,936 yards and 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Skinner has been helped by the emergence of a quality rushing attack led by freshman Josh Adams, who had 887 yards and 10 touchdowns. Micah Andrews and Kenneth Moore combined for 674 rushing yards and five touchdowns. On defense, cornerback Alphonso Smith is tied for the nation lead with eight interceptions, three of which he returned for scores. If the Deacons play to their potential, they appear to be a slightly more balanced and talented team than Connecticut.

General Notes: The teams played each other last year, with Wake Forest winning 24-13. Wake Forest is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games and 5-1 ATS against teams with winning records. The Huskies are 6-1 ATS in their last seven following a loss.