ESPN showed the UConn coach talking to his team several days before the game:
"You guys are 46 pt (actually 44; the coach didn't catch the line move LOL) underdogs. That's the ultimate lack of respect."
I think its a good motivational tool for a coach to use, and it seems to work w/UConn since they've been great in the role of big doggie. I also heard Bowden mention the spread in a recent post game press conference. Let's face it; they're aware of it, but its obviously a bigger motivator for those who are disrespected.
DJV--you're probably right. 95% of these plays come in non-conf games, except when Miami has their annual "grudge matches" with the Big East powers Temple, Rutgers, and in the future, UConn.