UConn to play South Carolina in PapaJohn's.com Bowl

The UConn football team has accepted a bid to play South Carolina in the PapaJohn's.com Bowl on Jan. 2 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.

The game, matching teams from the Big East Conference and Southeastern Conference, will televised live on ESPN at 2 p.m.

"When you look at the SEC, you know they are probably the premier conference in the United States," UConn coach Randy Edsall said during Sunday night conference call. "I know (the players) are going to be excited to play an outstanding team like South Carolina."

The Gamecocks (7-5) are coached by Steve Spurrier and finished their season with a 34-17 victory over Clemson.

UConn, which finished its regular season 7-5 and won its last three games, will be making its third straight bowl appearance.