CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Put to rest those derogatory nicknames for Wake Forest. There's nothing weak about the Demon Deacons under coach Jim Grobe.

Behind do-it-all receiver Kenneth Moore and a swarming defense full of big plays, the Wake Forest rallied to beat fellow upstart Connecticut, 24-10, in the Meineke Bowl yesterday.

Often called "Weak Forest" for a long history of ineptitude, Wake Forest (9-4) secured the second-most wins in school history, behind only last year's improbable 11-3 mark that included an Atlantic Coast Conference title and an Orange Bowl berth.

"You know 20 wins in two years for little ol' Wake Forest isn't too bad," Grobe said.

While this year wasn't as stellar, Wake Forest finished with nine wins in its last 11 games — including a bowl win after last year's loss to Louisville in the school's first Bowl Championship Series appearance.

The Demon Deacons had to come from behind to do it, reeling off the final 24 points after falling behind 10-0 at halftime against the Huskies, who were playing in only their second bowl game.

"We're not about losing anymore," Wake Forest cornerback Alphonso Smith said. "We're not about coming close or competing in a game."

It was a disappointing end to the Huskies' best season since they completed the move from what used to be called Division I-AA six years ago. UConn was limited to nine first downs and failed to score an offensive touchdown.

"You have that pit in your stomach right now because you didn't win," coach Randy Edsall said. "But what these guys did for this year for this program, to get nine wins, to be (Big East) co-champs, be ranked for the first time in school history, they accomplished a lot."

Edsall bemoaned his team's lack of depth, and UConn had a hard time keeping up with Moore. A senior playing in his hometown in his final game, Moore caught 11 passes for 112 yards and was voted MVP.

Riley Skinner completed 29 of 38 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, and ACC rookie of the year Josh Adams rushed for 81 yards and a score.

Micah Andrews finished off UConn with a 9-yard touchdown run with 29 seconds left for Wake Forest, which was playing in bowls in consecutive seasons for the first time.

Five-foot-6 Larry Taylor returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown, getting a crushing block by D.J. Hernandez to break free for the final 20 yards and give the Huskies a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.