I've never understood why Connecticut doesn't get the same hatred from fans that Duke does. You could argue that they have been every bit as successful as Duke in the last fifteen years, perhaps even more so. I'm pretty sure they attempt more free throws than their opponents make (which is what the haters always say about us). Jim Calhoun did an American Express commercial too. And their players have had a ton of trouble with the law. Not saying people SHOULD hate them, but plenty of reasons exist.
And when they didn't even make the tournament two years ago, no one seemed to care, everyone was too busy ripping on Duke for losing in the first round.