Bearcats a win away from first 10-win season since 2012, 7th in program history

UC coach Luke Fickell recaps 35-13 loss at UCF Tom Groeschen, tgroeschen@enquirer.com

Standing at the podium Tuesday afternoon, University of Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell called Friday afternoon's matchup the biggest challenge of the year for his coaching staff.

That's not because of any threats the East Carolina Pirates possess: They're 3-7 this season win one American Athletic Conference win, though they oversaw UC's worst loss in 2017, Fickell said.

The real challenge, though, is keeping the focus and energy levels high after last Saturday's loss at No. 11 UCF in the country's national prime-time game. After a loss that all-but prevents a conference championship, the objective moving…