UConn's football team is growing a bit weary of being labeled an up-and-coming program.
After four consecutive bowl appearances, Coach Randy Edsall said he thinks his team has earned a little respect.
"I think maybe we've maybe erased that kind of a stigma," he said. "This is our fifth bowl ... we've won two conference championships."
UConn (8-4) is a 17-point underdog to Oklahoma (11-2) in New Year's Day's Fiesta Bowl.
Connecticut defensive tackle Kendall Reyes said after watching the Sooners on film, he thinks they are good, but not invincible. The Huskies, who ended the regular season with five straight wins, also are a very good team, and aren't heading to Arizona expecting to lose, he said.
Running back Jordan Todman said UConn is used to being the underdog, and loves proving people wrong.
