International Bowl

Where: Rogers Centre, Toronto

Line: Connecticut by 3

TV: ESPN2

Why you should watch: Because this game will have more local flavor than any other this bowl season. The Mid-American Conference champion Bulls are led on defense by juniors Mike Newton and Dane Robinson, both former Calvert Hall stars. Newton was named the MAC title game MVP in large part to his 92-yard fumble return for a touchdown to give his team a late lead against Ball State it would not relinquish. Connecticut offensive coordinator Rob Ambrose, a former Towson receiver, will be introduced as Towson’s head coach on Jan. 6. Buffalo, a doormat for other teams to wipe their feet on since becoming a Football Bowl Subdivision School in 1999, posted one of its best seasons in school history. The team also is appearing in its first bowl game in 94 years, as the players on the 1958 squad turned down its only other bid because the Tangerine Bowl refused to let the Bulls’ two black players compete.

Ambrose has excelled in his time at Connecticut, including developing junior running back and Big East Offensive Player of the year Donald Brown, who leads the FBS in rushing with 1,822 yards and 17 TDs on 338 carries.

Best fact about Buffalo: The school was founded in 1846 as a private medical institution to train doctors in northern New York.

Best fact about Connecticut: The school’s campus was given as a gift in 1880. Brothers Charles and Augustus Storrs offered the state a former Civil War orphanage, 170 acres of farmland and a few barns to start an agricultural college.

Did you know this person went to Buffalo: Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States.

Did you know this person went to Connecticut: Meg Ryan, actress who has starred in films such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.” If it was based on looks –point to Connecticut. But it’s not –point to Buffalo.

Game comes down to: Buffalo, which allows 158.8 rushing yards per game, won’t be able to stop Brown. But the Bulls’ secondary will take advantage of Connecticut’s poor passing game. The Huskies are terrible at passing and will lose the game with a late interception.

Carey predicts: Buffalo, 31-24

Bimbo predicts: Buffalo

Scoreboard: Carey and Bimbo tied, 11